WordPress is the most popular blogging platform with website owners. It has transcended blogging and become a complete CMS (content management system) capable of creating and managing beautiful, unique websites. An amazing 1 out of every 5 websites now uses WordPress in some way. That is truly an outstanding number. This also means that WordPress is one of the most, if not the most, targeted CMS by hackers.
If you use WordPress then you will want to take extra measures to ensure that your WordPress security is as strong as it can be. While there is no such thing as a 100% secure website, the tips here should help you increase your WordPress security, giving hackers a much more difficult time.
Keep WordPress & plugins up to date
The first, and most important thing you can do to keep your WordPress secure is by keeping it updated. This includes all plugins that you are running on your website. WordPress regularly releases updates, and these updates include security fixes.
WordPress plugins should also be updated as soon as new versions are released. Older versions of plugins can increase your risk of being hacked.
Don’t user the username “admin”
Admin is the default WordPress administrator username. Yes, it’s easy to remember. It’s also cutting a hacker’s job in half. Now all he has to do is find the password. Most attacks on WordPress try breaking in with the assumption that the username is “admin.” Simply using another username protects you from many attacks.
Protect your admin login page
The most basic of WordPress attacks target your admin login page. Hackers will use “brute force” attacks to try and send hundreds of passwords as quickly as possible hoping one of them works. WordPress has a “limit login attempts” plugin which allows you to stop this. You can limit the number of times someone can try to login before blocking them for a set amount of time. It’s an easy way to stop brute force attacks.
You can see more about how this plugin works by clicking here.
Use a secure password
It may seem simple enough, but all too often people use passwords that aren’t secure. When setting up your admin account make sure you use a password that is secure. The most simple brute force attacks try using dictionary words as passwords, so using special characters and numbers will increase your security.
Scan your computer for viruses
Many personal computers have malware or viruses that can go undetected by you during every-day use. If your computer is infected then a hacker may be able to gain access to your WordPress login information, among other, potentially more harmful info. Making sure your computer is clean of malware is a good way to protect your WordPress, as well as your bank account and email.
Most of the tips above are relatively simple. They are basic ways to strengthen your WordPress security immensely.