5 WordPress Security Suggestions to Protect the Website

Jan 24,2020 by Admin
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WordPress websites are one of the easy-to-handle websites. So, if you are wondering how daunting the task of securing your WordPress website would be, you don’t  have to worry much!

Being one of the most widely used content management systems (CMS) in the market, WordPress is subject to the hacking attempts too. This is certainly scary for WordPress owners. But, one thing to remember is, websites (not just WordPress) get targeted and affected by hacking attempts only if their owners fail to take the proper security measures. There are many ways to enhance your website traffic and also many ways to protect your website.

WordPress security practices to protect your website:

Install New Plugins with Care

WordPress attracts a lot of attention from third-party developers who create its plugins. At present, there are more than 50,000 plugins available in the WordPress marketplace.

However, you do not want to install damaged, incomplete plugins that either hamper your site or slow it down. Hence, the best way to choose a plugin is to do a little bit of research before installing or adding it on the website. Know if the plugin has received good reviews, if there are any updates (which update is best suited), etc. Also, test the plugin before adding it to the site.

Go with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certification

If your WordPress site is an e-commerce solution or you are dealing with sensitive data, it is better to add an SSL certificate to the site while developing it. SSL certificate assures the safety of the data being received, sent, stored or dealt on the site. SSL certificates assures your users, site visitors, or subscribers that their data is secured and safe. Websites with SSL show a green padlock symbol in the browser.

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Installing SSL automatically redirects HTTP into HTTPS connections; hence, securing your site.

It manages the status of individual pages too. It allows you to choose which website can run with HTTP or HTTPS connection. You can buy SSL Certificate from trusted SSL providers. 

Two-Factor Authentication is Important

Hackers usually prefer force attacks to hack the website or breach the security. However, two-factor authentication (2FA) prevents such efforts.

Usually, a user can enter the profile or perform an activity simply after entering a username and password. However, in 2FA, the login process will also demand some kind of unique data from you, that’s only available to you, for example,  the OTP (One Time Password).

This system prevents unwanted login attempts as the required login information is sent only to your personal account or devices. To integrate two-factor authentication into your WordPress website, install a suitable 2FA plugin. You can share authentication code to the user through the following ways:

  • The codes sent to a registered Email Account
  • A verification link sent to an Email
  • Google Authenticator Application
  • The Codes sent through SMS

The plugin allows you to decide which user needs to use 2FA to log in to your website, and which does not. You can also decide the code expiry period – you can decide the time for which the code or the verification link will be valid.

Blocking Harmful Users

What damages active websites the most are its malicious users. However, if managed carefully, you can save your website from such hurdles. Have robust anti-spam restrictions to protect your website. Email and domain blacklisting are great ways to stop unwanted users, scammers, or spammers from accessing the website.

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However, though it is a crucial feature, it is not built in the WordPress framework by default. But you can install the relevant plugins to filter and block unwanted users from accessing the website. These plugins work by incorporating the domain services and acquire a list of known hackers and scammers. The plugin then automatically restricts any of the users (mentioned in the list) from accessing the website.

Safely Manage File Sharing

You need to have control over what is being uploaded and downloaded on your website. Files containing viruses can damage your website, affecting its operations and ultimately its reputation and ranking too. If your site is a media streaming site or an eCommerce website, you will have to be more careful as the frequency of users and the number of active users is always higher on such sites.

Have a plugin that allows users to operate in a secure client area of your website where you can manage the files (evaluate them for a reason for safety). Once the plugin is installed, your users can upload and download their files and you can easily monitor them, without affecting the site’s speed, ranking, or reputation.

Read More: 6 Amazing WordPress Maintenance Services

Conclusion:

You can also backup your website. The truth is, every precaution mentioned above (and any other) is not a one-time remedy. You will have to be constantly vigilant and alert. Websites are always at the risk of getting hacked, and hence one has to make sure of their safety.

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Natasha Bieber
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