WordPress is the popular and widely used Content Management system or software that helps to build the best websites for your growing business or personal blogs.
Many complain about WordPress security issues and blame it for fraud and cybercrimes. It may not be accurate to say that WordPress is unsafe and has the possibility of cybercrime on your website. It has its safety and security measures. The point is that people need to be aware of WordPress security tips and tricks or learn how to secure WordPress websites from hackers. Therefore, knowing the WordPress security tips and tricks for safer website building and preventing any security threats to your website is necessary.
Why WordPress Security Matters?
One single vulnerability is all an attacker needs!
– Window Snyder
Why keep vulnerabilities when attackers and hackers are increasing in number day by day? The number of websites hacked every day on average is 30,000. Hackers or attackers are ready to do anything to get credentials, the personal data of online site visitors, and other cybercrimes such as cyber-theft. Whether a small or large business, you must follow the WordPress security tips to play safe in the market. Here are also a few reasons behind the importance of WordPress security.
- WordPress is used popularly, and hence it is risky.
- Through WordPress, hackers try to log in through credentials with multiple attempts.
- Local File Inclusion – Those malicious files that are placed on the server is processed by the site forcefully.
- SQL Injection – The system is forced to manipulate the data saved in the database by injecting the SQL queries.
And many more reasons cause the person to learn the WordPress security checklist. Hence, below is a list of tips to help prevent unwanted actions and have a safe and secure WordPress website.
WordPress Security Checklist:
It is absolutely necessary to ensure the security of your IT infrastructure. If it involves a WordPress-powered website, things are a bit easier. These are the security measures you should consider –
Update WordPress Version Regularly
To make your website safe and secure, you must update it regularly. As the system provides updates frequently, the status of updates can be known from the admin area of WordPress.
Approximately 50% of websites are not updated through WordPress, which increases the chances of security threats. So, update your WordPress system by going to the admin area, and under the dashboard, you can see the update option. If your system needs an update, then it may show on the screen to update it soon.
In addition, you can see the dates of updates that might come in the future; hence, you can take action on time because of pre-acknowledgment. There is even an option for the automatic update that will automatically update the system whenever any new feature enters.
Install a Security Plugin
You can install several security plugins to your system and add another layer of protection to your site. These plugins would be great for making your website more secure and robust. Names of some of the security plugins to be installed to your WordPress system for secure website building are-
- All In One WP Security & Firewall
- Jetpack – WP Security, Backup, Speed, & Growth
- Wordfence Security – Firewall & Malware Scan
Install SSL Certificate
SSL certificate helps to encrypt the data when transferred between the server and the web browser. Encryption of customers’ information is necessary to avoid any cybercrime or hacking. Once you buy SSL certificate and install it on a server then your site can show the URL with a padlock sign and HTTPS instead of HTTP. Therefore, it will help you gain more online visitors’ trust and increase your sales.
Your WordPress website with an SSL certificate will help in better SEO. WordPress Plugins can help you for the smooth working of SSL in your WordPress system.
Understand, and Protect Against DDoS Attacks
In simple language, a DDoS attack is nothing but the overload of the server using programs and systems.
This server overloading done by cyber-attackers causes the website to crash. Therefore, it is crucial to know the concept of DDoS attacks and protect your site from them. Usually, we see such kinds of attacks on big companies’ websites to stop them from working. The firewalls may help to detect and block such types of DDoS attacks. Be sure to choose one of the best WordPress hosting services which usually comes with DDoS Protection by default.
Adjust your Passwords to Strengthen WordPress Security
Your passwords should be strong enough to prevent any third party from hacking your website. It is advised not to use easy or familiar passwords that anyone can crack.
Change your passwords regularly and keep them strong to boost your security. You can also use tools such as a password checker that will inform you about the strength of your password.
Conclusion
Briefly, these WordPress security checklists can immensely help you and your customers. It will prevent any fraud or frauds and hence provide a safe website. These tips and tricks are recommended to follow so that you do not have any regrets in the future.
For a beginner or newbie, this may seem like a complete guide on WordPress security, and that is true. With changes in time, the kind of cyber-attacks also changes; therefore, there is always an expectation of modifications and advances in security measures. So, stay updated and implement these tips in your business for safe and fruitful transactions.
Risks are always there to harm your business, but with true dedication and intelligent work, risks can be changed into opportunities for growing your business area.