WordPress is a free and open source content management system (CMS) used to operate and manage websites. It was released on May 27th, 2003 and is now the most popular website management system with over 60 million users.

When it comes to managing a website, there is no denying that there are lots of security issues associated with both the website domain host and the CMS system and WordPress is not exempt. It is therefore essential to secure your hard earned and not-so-easy-to-build reputable website.

As a website owner, managing your website’s security should be one of your main priorities because users feel more secured using a site that lacks a history of security challenges. Cyber attacks, especially identity theft, are major concerns to both site owners and site visitors. So with the help of a reputable web design agency, you can keep your site secure. Or why not follow these tips instead?

Use a login URL

WordPress login page comes with a default wp-login.php added to the site’s main URL. This default URL is easily accessed by hackers who will log into your login page as admin and enter a username and password with an improvised database that supplies millions of guessed identities repeatedly. Changing the default URL will limit unauthorized logins into your website admin page.

Install trusted plugins and regularly update them

There are over 55,870 feature plugins for WordPress that can be downloaded. Building a plugin has never been easier. Not all WordPress site owners are gurus on security upkeep when it comes to website security management. It is also very tasking to keep a close monitor on security challenges within your domain.

The good news is that WordPress has made it easier by providing a security watch-Dog such as the Sucuri plug-in to help you search for suspicious malware and other related security threats that can “hit” your website. It is advisable to read through the Plugin Developer Handbook to learn about WordPress development.

Another critical thing to note is whether the plugin you are about to install has been recently updated. If it hasn’t been updated for a long time, don’t install. Only install plugins from credible sources. Plugins that run in combination with other plugins should be avoided. Running fewer plugins reduces your vulnerability to attacks, so keep your plugins regularly updated, as nonfunctioning plugins are automatically deleted.

Use a strong quality password

Always choose passwords that are of security strength and quality. Use a secure password generator tool that provides a complex password that comprises a combination of alphabets and numerals as well as special characters that will not be easily guessed by unauthorized users. Regularly change passwords at an interval and prompt security questions to go along with password inputs in case a wrong password is entered. Such security questions should be easily remembered and should be questions related to your profile.

Set a limit for login attempts

Reducing the numbers of login attempts can help you reduce the security risk resulting from false entry. Your log in attempts will automatically be blocked when this number of efforts is exceeded, and prevent further attempts. This can be achieved by accessing the WordPress login limit attempts option in the limit attempts plug-in submenu.

Get the latest version of WordPress

Regularly updating your WordPress application is an effective way of keeping your WordPress site secure. Latest versions come with updated and more advanced security features by their developers. It is advisable to update other related plugins and themes to be compliant with the latest security tool for secured operations.
Encrypt your domain data with an SSL.

Ensure that your admin domain data is secured and encrypted. The SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a Standard Security Technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and browser. It ensures that all data passed through both the web server and browsers and they remain private and integral.

To create an SSL, you need an SSL certificate. A series of questions about your website will be provided, and cryptographic keys will be given to you. This certificate issues a Certification Authority and if an unwanted browser does not meet this certification, the browser will issue a warning to the end user letting them know that SSL does not secure the site. Further access will be denied. SSL can be gotten through the assistance of your domain host visit SSL tools, to get started.

Disable the file editing option

Word press has a code editing function that allows you to edit your plugin and theme. When setting up your site, you should disable file editing under ‘appearance’ submenu. File editing option can also be assessed in the Plugins setup, under ‘editor’ option. Disabling this option will deny hackers the opportunity to gain access to your files and carry out malicious entries embedded with malware that are not easily noticeable until great harm has been done. To disable editing use the code define (‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’,true); on your wp-config.php file.

Choose a high-quality hosting provider

Choosing a web host that provides your website with a series of security options is important, especially for website owners that are new in website management. A high-quality hosting company can be financially tasking, but it is work giving a go. Although there are cheap hosting providers; spending to get the best option is never a bad idea when considering the menace of hackers.

Make regular backups a routine

Ensure you make regular backups of your site on a routine basis. This process allows you to restore your website from previous working copies if required. In a situation whereby hackers exploit your site, you can retrieve your files and data.

Also ensure to back up your website files and the database, they are connected to. The frequency of backups depends on the size of the website. Larger websites will require a higher frequency of backups.

Some WordPress plugins can backup the database and files for your websites periodically on your behalf based on the schedule plans you subscribed for. However, backups take space, and it depends on the type of subscription you choose.

Avoid sharing hosting accounts

Many website managers run multiple websites on a single hosting account. It becomes a problem if one of your sites faces a cyber attack. Running multiple websites with a single account can make restoring backups so tasking, as hosting companies run backup services for account holders as well.

This implies, restoring to a working condition after one of your sites is attacked, will require restoring other uninfected sites sharing the same account as well. Imagine the time and energy for such restores and downloads for a website with larger data and files.

These tips are easy and pretty cheap to apply. Get your WordPress sites protected. Don’t be caught napping.