Over the years, many clients have approached me after their WordPress website has been hacked. When building or redesigning a WordPress site, security is always a top priority. However, that does not mean your new website will be immune to attacks, especially if it is not properly maintained. Therefore, you need to take precautions, just as you would with any website, whether it uses WordPress or another content management system.
Some argue that because WordPress is built on open-source software, it is more vulnerable to hacking. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps, you can secure your website and significantly reduce the risk.
I specialise in WordPress websites, from hosting and maintenance to design and development. In this article, I will explain what you can do to prevent hackers from gaining access to your WordPress site.
Brute force attacks are the most common type of attack on WordPress websites. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to prevent your site from being compromised. Let’s take a closer look.
A brute force attack is a method used to crack a password or username through trial and error. These attacks are typically carried out by automated software that targets your website’s login page. Because they are automated, they can generate a high volume of login attempts in a short time. Even if they are unsuccessful, the sheer number of requests can slow down or even crash your server.
Automated software can also disguise its IP address and location, making it more difficult for your system to detect and block suspicious activity. If a hacker successfully executes a brute force attack, they may gain access to your website’s admin area. This can have devastating consequences, as they could install malware, steal user data, or even delete all content, rendering your site inaccessible.
If your website is unprotected, this information should raise concerns. However, it is not all bad news—there are highly effective ways to safeguard your WordPress site from these aggressive attacks. Let’s explore them.
As mentioned earlier, brute force attacks can put a significant strain on your server. The standard WordPress login page is well known, making it an easy target for attackers. By simply adding /wp-admin or /wp-login.php to the end of a website’s URL, anyone can access the login page.
The first step in securing your WordPress site is ensuring that your login credentials are difficult to guess. Brute force attacks exploit weak usernames and passwords. As a general rule, you should never use “admin” as your username, and your password should be a complex combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Additional steps to enhance login security include:
A firewall can filter out malicious traffic before it even reaches your server, preventing slowdowns and crashes. I personally recommend Wordfence Security, which allows you to limit the number of failed login attempts, reducing the effectiveness of brute force attacks. Wordfence also includes an endpoint firewall and a malware scanner that checks your core files, themes, and plugins for vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, Wordfence offers two-factor authentication (2FA) and login page captchas. With 2FA enabled, users must enter a code sent to their phone or email in addition to their password, adding an extra layer of protection.
Using strong usernames and passwords is crucial. Surprisingly, many people still use weak credentials, making their sites easy targets. Your password should be at least 10 characters long and include a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols. Avoid using “admin” as your username.
Remembering multiple complex passwords can be daunting, but there are secure password managers available that can store them safely for you.
Regularly updating your website is essential to preventing hacks. WordPress and most popular plugins are open source, which means hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated versions.
Updating your website is straightforward. Simply go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Updates” section, where you will find a list of plugins, themes, and core updates that need attention.
However, updating plugins can sometimes cause compatibility issues, as each plugin is developed by different third parties. While most conflicts are resolved quickly, they can occasionally disrupt your site. To avoid problems:
By following these steps, you can keep your website running smoothly while minimising security risks.
Regular backups are a crucial part of website security. If your site is hacked, having a recent backup allows you to restore it to a previous version and address any vulnerabilities before they are exploited again.
Daily backups should be stored securely. If you use a managed WordPress hosting provider, backups are often automated, ensuring your site is always recoverable. My hosting services include secure daily backups and high-specification servers to keep your website safe.
Many people overlook the importance of backups until it is too late. When it comes to website security, being proactive is always better than being reactive. Do not make life easy for cybercriminals—ensure your backups are up to date.
As a website owner, it is your responsibility to keep your site as secure as possible. Maintaining a WordPress website requires ongoing effort, but by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach.
Although no method can guarantee 100% protection, these precautions will make it much harder for hackers to access your site.
Managing your website’s security while running a business can be challenging. However, you do not have to do it alone. With over 10 years of experience in WordPress website management, I can help ensure your site remains secure.
If you do not have time to oversee your website’s security, get in touch today. I offer maintenance packages tailored to your budget, ensuring your website remains protected. Contact me for a friendly chat about how a monthly maintenance plan can enhance your website’s security and safeguard your business reputation.
Looking for a freelance WordPress developer who understands your needs and delivers on time? Let’s make your website work harder for you.