An
average of 30,000 websites are hacked. Every. Single. Day. If your WordPress website is hacked, you could lose all your content and your personal information. That's why WordPress security is critical.
Today, I'll share top WordPress security tips you should implement on your website and server right away to help keep it safe and secure.
1. Use Secure Hosting
One of the first things you do before you set up your WordPress website is to find a reliable hosting provider. Whichever host you choose, they need to have a history of reliability and security.
If your hosting isn't secure, your site won't be either. It's like building your house on a bed of sand. It's not going to stay standing for very long.
That's why it's important to do some research before choosing by taking a hard look at third-party reviews.
2. Update WordPress Often
Many security patches come in updates for the WordPress platform. If you don't update your website, you leave security holes open for hackers to exploit.
Because
WordPress powers 29% of internet websites, it's a particularly large target for hackers. The reason being that there are a ton more websites to hack, which means the probability of them being successful is a lot higher.
For details, check out
Why Updating WordPress is Essential and Not Debatable.
3. Update Everything Else
While you're updating WordPress regularly, you should also update all the plugins, themes and scripts you have installed.
Similar to the WordPress core, there are security patches that become available often and if you don't apply them, you leave your website open to attack.
4. Obscurity Tactics Aren't Enough
Obscurity security tactics are weak security measures that entails hiding parts of your website. The idea behind this is that if a hacker can't see something vulnerable to attack, they'll move on.
However, experienced hackers can get through obscurity tactics easily. That's why it's important to use them alongside strong security measures.
You can check out
WordPress Security through Obscurity: Is It Essential or Optional? for details.
5. Use a Security Plugin
It's important that you also install and set up a security plugin. This gives you all around protection for your website since most security plugins include a ton of security measures under one roof.
6. Install a Server Fire Wall
Using a server-level firewall is also an excellent way to help protect your WordPress website. It puts up a barricade around your server so hackers have a difficult time getting through.
Since your website is in your server, a firewall helps protect your site and server right off that bat.
Some hosting providers automatically install one for you, but if you're not sure if you have one, you can contact your host and ask.
7. Run Security Scans
Run malware scans as often as you can. It can help you catch a hacker before a lot of damage is done to your website.
Scheduling scans is even better because you won't have to rely on your memory in order to protect your website.
8. Use Proper File Permissions
It's crucial that you also set proper permissions for your WordPress files. Not setting them up correctly is like closing your front door before you leave without locking it.
You need to check them and make sure they're set correctly. When they're set up right, it helps prevent hackers from having easy access to files with sensitive information.
For details, check out
Understanding File Permissions and Using Them to Secure Your Site.
9. Prevent Spam
Preventing comment and website registration spam is also just as important as any other WordPress security measure. It not only puts your users at risk, but spam can also lead to many serious security issues including XSS vulnerabilities, and DDoS and brute force attacks.
As if that's not terrible enough, spam can also contain links to automatically downloadable malware or to a phishing site that steals your login credentials or other personal details.
For details, check out
The Ultimate Guide to WordPress Spam.
10. Install an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate is a piece of software that encrypts the connection between your server and the end user's computer. In the case of WordPress, it prevents hackers from being able to spoof a legitimate user and use their account or connection to the website.
If a hacker is able to get through, they could steal login credentials, personal details or get access to your account just enough to hack their way even further.
Wrapping Up
It's crucial that you secure your WordPress website. These top 10 tips should help you do just that.
If you want an automatic way to secure your WordPress website,
NeatlyPressed has got you covered with expert maintenance plans.
Is WordPress security a priority for your website? What do you consider to be your top WordPress security tips?