WordPress is a popular and powerful website platform that is used by millions of people worldwide. However, with its popularity comes increased security risks. Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes to exploit and gain unauthorized access to websites. To ensure the security of your WordPress site, it’s crucial to implement some best practices and lesser-known tips that can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll explore seven lesser-known WordPress security tips that you can implement to keep your website secure.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your WordPress site is to use a strong password. Weak passwords are easily guessable, making it simple for hackers to gain access to your site. A strong password, on the other hand, is a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, making it much harder to guess.
To create a strong password, avoid using common words or phrases, and instead, use a combination of random letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also use a password manager tool to create and manage your passwords.
Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Regularly
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes to gain access to websites. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep everything updated to ensure you’re protected from these types of attacks.
When a new update is available, it usually includes security fixes and improvements that can help protect your website. So, make sure to update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly. You can enable automatic updates for plugins and themes, but it’s always best to update WordPress manually to avoid compatibility issues.
Use a Security Plugin
Using a security plugin can provide an additional layer of protection for your WordPress site. A security plugin can perform tasks such as monitoring for suspicious activity, blocking malicious IPs, and scanning your site for vulnerabilities.
There are many security plugins available in the WordPress plugin repository, both free and premium. Some popular security plugins include Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security, and All in One WP Security & Firewall. Choose a security plugin that fits your needs and install it on your site to improve your website’s security.
Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often use automated tools to try and guess passwords by repeatedly attempting to log in to your website. Limiting login attempts can help prevent these types of attacks.
You can limit login attempts by using a plugin like Login Lockdown or Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. These plugins can limit the number of login attempts allowed and can even block IP addresses after a certain number of failed attempts.
Disable File Editing
By default, WordPress allows you to edit files directly from the dashboard. While this feature is convenient for making quick changes, it can also be a security risk. Disabling this feature can help prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your website’s files.
To disable file editing, add the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:
define( ‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true );
This will disable the file editor in your WordPress dashboard.
Change the Default WordPress Login URL
The default WordPress login URL is easy for hackers to find, making it a common target for attacks. Changing the login URL can make it harder for attackers to gain access to your site.
You can change the login URL by using a plugin like WPS Hide Login or manually adding some code to your functions.php file. When changing the login URL, make sure to choose something unique and difficult to guess.
Conclusion
By implementing these lesser-known WordPress security tips, you can make a big difference in keeping your website secure. Use strong passwords, update regularly, and use a security plugin to protect your website from hackers. Limiting login attempts and disabling file editing can also help prevent unauthorized access. Finally, changing the default WordPress login URL can make it harder for attackers to find and target your site.
With these tips, you can take a proactive approach to WordPress security and protect your website from potential threats. By staying vigilant and keeping your site up-to-date and secure, you can have peace of mind and focus on growing your online presence.