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The WordPress community is extremely diligent about keeping the platform secure. But it’s important to remember that WordPress is a safe environment if appropriately managed.
Securing your WordPress site is more than installing a security plugin and walking away; you must update your site regularly to keep your information safe.
Due to the popularity of the WordPress platform, you can no longer afford to “set it and forget it” when it comes to website security. As so many people use WordPress, it’s become a tempting target for hackers.
The more plugins, themes, and custom code you add to your site, the more likely it is to be hacked. Equally, the more users you add, the more likely you will face an attempted hacking.
Being hacked is a fear every website owner shares – from individuals running a simple blog to businesses with seven-figure turnover. The fear is the same: you don’t want to lose your precious data and compromise your users.
By following these five simple tips, you can ensure that your site is better protected. This will not only save you time and money but also prevent a huge heartache down the line if the worst happens.
1. Strengthen your password
Let’s start with the most essential tip—strengthening your password. You want to make it unique, complex, and as long as possible to prevent brute-force attackers or guessing. As your site’s most vulnerable area, it’s essential not to overlook this step.
Although complicated passwords can take longer to type in and require you to consult your notebook where you’ve jotted them down, it’s better than leaving yourself vulnerable to an attack.
Top tip: Random strings of letters and numbers make the most robust passwords rather than actual words.
2. Obscure the Login Page
While we’re on the subject of logging in, did you know you can obscure your login page? Although hiding it won’t prevent hackers from accessing your site, it will make it harder for them to do so.
Brute-force attacks are typically automated and will try to access your site using the following login URLs: www.websitename.com/wp-admin or >www.websitename.com/wp-login.php. Therefore, they will have difficulty attacking if your login page is called something completely different.
Top tip: Many plugins are available to make this simple change, including Lockdown WP Admin.
3. Introduce two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication has been around since 2013 to add an extra layer of security to the login process. To log in to your site, you must have a password and an authorization code sent to your phone (by SMS).
Although this form of identification can be annoying, such as if you can’t find your phone or forget to charge it, it is one of the most effective ways of deterring hackers.
Top tip: Check out these plugins that will help you add an extra step to the login page.
4. Cut back on plugin use
You should remove any plugins and themes you’re not using from your site. Not only do they slow down your site, affecting its performance, but the fewer plugins you have, the fewer chances hackers have to access your information.
So, if your site can function without a particular plugin, delete it immediately. To keep your site secure, you should be scrupulous in the number of plugins you decide to use within your site.
Top tip: Read this for more information about managing your site’s plugins.
5. Backup your WordPress site regularly
Installing the best security features on your site is a considerable step to deter hackers, but none of it matters if you aren’t regularly backing up your site. Aside from hackers, data loss, hardware breakdown, and human errors can quickly happen at any time, so it’s worth investing in a robust backup solution.
A WordPress backup can restore your entire website to its previous condition, leaving your business and reputation intact. Remote data storage centers, backup plugins, and data recovery software can achieve this.
<blockquote>Top tip: An onsite and an offsite backup solution is sensible to protect your website and business reputation.</blockquote>
Website maintenance or management should be an ongoing part of your business strategy. Hiring someone to manage your site is worth it if you don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to do this regularly.
At WP Tech Support, we can handle all aspects of your site’s security to ensure it’s protected from hackers. This includes backing up your website to our secure cloud server for complete peace of mind.
Our great-value monthly plans start at just $55 per month—a small price to ensure your website stays healthy, up-to-date, and secure. We’re so sure you’ll love them that we will refund you if you’re not 100% happy!