Preventing Your WordPress Site from Getting Hacked
In a previous post, we discussed how to clean up a hacked WordPress site. However, it’s always better to prevent your site from getting hacked in the first place. While most people don’t think about securing their site until it’s too late, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure the safety and security of your website. In this post, we’ll provide you with 24+ WordPress security tips to help you keep your site safe.
1. Upgrade WordPress
Keeping your WordPress version up-to-date is crucial for maintaining the security of your site. Outdated versions of WordPress can be vulnerable to attacks, so make sure to upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible.
2. Update Your Themes and Plugins
Just like with WordPress, outdated themes and plugins can also pose a security risk. Make sure to update them regularly to ensure that they’re secure.
3. Delete the Default Admin Account
The default admin account is an easy target for hackers. Delete it and create a new admin account with a unique username and strong password.
4. Change Default Passwords
Change all default passwords, including those for your hosting account, FTP, and database.
5. Use Strong Passwords
Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
6. Limit Login Attempts
Limiting login attempts can prevent brute-force attacks on your site. Some good hosting providers include this feature by default.
7. Use 2-Factor Authentication
2-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone.
8. Move Your wp-config.php File
Moving your wp-config.php file to a non-public directory can prevent it from being accessed by hackers.
9. Use Secret Keys in Your wp-config.php File
Secret keys add an extra layer of security to your site by encrypting sensitive information in your wp-config.php file.
10. Change the WordPress Table Prefix
Changing the default table prefix from “wp_” to something unique can prevent SQL injection attacks.
11. Lockdown Your .htaccess File
Limit access to your .htaccess file by allowing only certain IPs to access it.
12. Use Shell Access Instead of FTP
Shell access is more secure than FTP because it encrypts data during transfer.
13. Create a Blank Index.html in Your Plugins Directory
Creating a blank index.html file in your plugins directory can prevent hackers from accessing your plugin files.
14. Block Access to the wp-admin Folder
Block access to the wp-admin folder using your .htaccess file to prevent unauthorized access.
15. Remove the WordPress Version String from Your Header.php File
Removing the WordPress version string from your header.php file can prevent hackers from targeting specific vulnerabilities.
16. Block Your WP Folders from Search Engines
Blocking your WP folders from search engines can prevent hackers from finding vulnerable files.
17. Limit User Access
Limit user access and do not allow people to register as administrators by default.
18. Keep Spam Comments Out
Use anti-spam plugins to keep spam comments out of your site.
19. Backup Your Database and Server-Side Files Regularly
Backing up your database and server-side files regularly can help you recover from a hack or other disaster.
20. Use Proper File Permission Settings on All Files on Your Server
Setting proper file permissions can prevent unauthorized access to your files.
21. Use Secured Connections to Access Your WP Admin Pages
Using secured connections, such as HTTPS, can prevent hackers from intercepting your login credentials.
22. Add SSL to Your Website
Adding SSL to your website can encrypt data during transfer and provide an extra layer of security.
23. Scan for Vulnerabilities
Regularly scan your site for vulnerabilities using security plugins or services.
24. Use Good Hosting
Choosing a good hosting provider with strong security measures can prevent many attacks.
25. Implement Tips 1 through 24
Implementing all of these tips can help you maintain a secure WordPress site.
In conclusion, securing your WordPress site is crucial for protecting your data and reputation. By following these tips, you can prevent your site from getting hacked and ensure its safety and security. Let us know in the comments which tips worked for you or if you have any questions.
