Table of Contents
Nobody wants to be hacked and have their website or blog exploited. Cyber Attacks use malicious codes to modify computer logic, data, and code. A resulting cyber-attack may compromise data, resulting in cyber crimes such as information and identity theft.
Hackers are constantly vying for a new victim. Protecting your sensitive data, online activities, and information is a must. It is proven that WordPress is often targeted by hackers. Studies show that 90 percent of websites that have been infected came from WordPress.
Having precautionary measures on your website is essential. One way is to be smart about its security. So, activate your firewall freeware always, sharpen your senses, and be ready to harden the security of your WordPress.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
If you are not using two-factor authentication in WordPress, you had better start now. You can use a plugin such as Google Authenticator to set up a two-factor authentication feature on your site. This means that logging in requires your password and the code generated by a mobile application. In this case, you can heighten the security of your WordPress and also keep your site not vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
Back-Up Plugin
One thing that will help you regain your file in case you are hacked is the backup plugin. It is better to prepare for the worst that might happen. Having a backup system is a necessity. A plugin such as UpdraftPlus will help you create a regular backup schedule. Another thing to remember is that you should store your backup files off the site so they will not be infected. So, if you do not have this plugin right now, you may want to reconsider.
Use Antivirus Software
Aside from installing antivirus software on your device, keeping it up to date is essential since it plays a crucial role in preventing viruses from ruining your computer. Installing antivirus software will help you attain maximum cybersecurity on your device. It is common knowledge that almost all antivirus software will defend your computer from the harm of malware, worms, trojans, viruses, and rootkits.
Prevent Hotlinking
Well, hotlinking is not a form of security breach. But another website using your URL is not a great idea. Yes, that is what hotlinking is all about. Moreover, hotlinking can also be considered theft. In this case, hotlinking may lead to severe and unexpected costs since your hosting bill can skyrocket when the site that stole your image receives tons of traffic.
Learn to Recognize Suspicious Activities
Identifying cyber attacks is not easy since some hackers have mastered the art of not conspicuously treading the internet without leaving a trace. Hackers will utilize your accounts and devices as part of a botnet to make a Distributed Denial of Service attack, commonly called a DDoS attack.
Moreover, hackers can steal your identity and use it to deceive others. These kinds of activities may be subtle, but they leave a trail, and it could be an unauthorized connection or questionable and doubtful messages. If you see these things happening, you should secure your account and change your password.
Update Everything
Everything is continuously updated daily, whether antivirus software, security settings, or system updates. Keeping those things up to date is crucial since they help keep hackers at bay and other malware and viruses from attacking your WordPress. By keeping your stuff up to date, you decrease your risk of being a victim of cyber attacks, increasing your cybersecurity.
Install Good and Trustworthy Website Security Tools
One of the most significant uses of a website security tool is its capability to scan a website at periodic intervals. Yes, that is right. This is to identify suspicious activity. When the website security tool detects suspicious activity, it will instantly bring it to the attention of the security experts. Also, the main person in the organization will receive an alert.
Thus, website security tools will help identify and remove the malware trying to affect or invade your website. Here are a few of the proven and tested website security tools that have survived and are free. SecurityHeaders.io, Netsparker, this is good in terms of XSS and SQL Injection. OpenVAS is the most advanced security scanner, with over 25,000 scans. Lastly is the Xenotix XSS Exploit Framework, a tool that includes a selection of XSS attacks.
Strong Passwords
It is already embedded in our minds that we should always use complex passwords in our accounts. Using a strong password is inherent in protecting your server and website from unwanted malware and hackers who will try to seize your server.
Thus, enforcing a strong password requirement—for example, passwords should be at least eight characters and include a number and an uppercase letter—will increase the protection of your information, data, and especially your site.
Takeaway
Protecting your website, data, and information from these crimes is vital. It is quintessential not to store credit card information and details on any website. Be vigilant and recognize whether you are being attacked is always essential. Your passwords should be complex to protect your server from hackers. Do not forget to install antivirus software and security tools since it will always be an effective way to protect the site from harm.