How to Secure Your WordPress Website?
WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS) worldwide, powering over 40% of websites on the internet. However, this popularity makes it a frequent target for hackers. Ensuring your WordPress site’s security is vital to safeguard your data, users, and online reputation. Below are practical steps, examples, and additional details to enhance your WordPress website’s security: In this post, we’ll cover 20+ essential tips to help you secure your WordPress website and keep it safe.
1. Keep Your Site Up to Date
Keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date is one of the most effective ways to ensure your site stays secure. WordPress frequently releases updates that patch security vulnerabilities.
Example:
- WordPress releases version 6.0.1 to fix a critical security flaw. If you don’t update, your site could be vulnerable to an attack that exploits this flaw.
2. Use Secure WP-Admin Login Credentials
A strong password is the first line of defense. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as “admin” or “12345.”
Example:
Use a complex password like XnM#7vT5pW2! rather than admin123.
3. Setup Safelist and Blocklist for the Admin Page
Only allow trusted IPs to access the wp-admin page by configuring a safelist. You can block IPs that make too many failed login attempts.
Example:
You can add the following code to your .htaccess file to allow only certain IPs access:
<Files wp-login.php>
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
Allow from 192.168.1.1
</Files>
4. Use a Trusted WordPress Theme
Choose themes from trusted sources like the WordPress Theme Directory or reputable third-party developers. Avoid downloading themes from questionable sites.
Example:
Install a theme like Astra or OceanWP, which is frequently updated and has strong security practices.
5. Install an SSL Certificate for Secure Data Transfer
An SSL certificate ensures that data transferred between your website and users is encrypted, making it harder for attackers to intercept sensitive information.
Example:
After installing an SSL certificate, your website’s URL should change from http:// to https://.
6. Remove Unused WordPress Themes and Plugins
Unused themes and plugins create additional vulnerabilities. Delete or deactivate any themes or plugins you aren’t actively using.
Example:
If you’re not using a theme like “Twenty Twenty-One,” delete it through Appearance > Themes to reduce potential attack surfaces.
7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide two forms of identification (e.g., password and a verification code sent to their phone).
Example:
Install a plugin like Google Authenticator to enable 2FA on your admin login page.
8. Create Backups Regularly
Set up automated backups to ensure you can restore your site in case of an attack or data loss.
Example:
Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to schedule daily or weekly backups.
9. Limit the Number of Failed Login Attempts
Limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks. After a certain number of failed attempts, the user is locked out for a specific time.
Example:
Use the Limit Login Attempts Reloaded plugin to restrict login attempts and block IPs after multiple failed logins.
10. Change Your WordPress Login Page URL
By default, WordPress uses /wp-login.php for the login page, which can be easily targeted by attackers. Change this URL to something more obscure.
Example:
Use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to change your login URL to something like https://yourdomain.com/mynewlogin.
11. Automatically Log Out Idle Users
Automatically logging out idle users helps minimize the risk of unauthorized access if a user leaves their session open.
Example:
Use a plugin like Inactive Logout to set an idle timeout for users, automatically logging them out after a certain period.
12. Monitor User Activity
Monitor user activity to track suspicious behavior or unauthorized actions on your website.
Example:
Install Activity Log to track user actions like login attempts, changes to posts or pages, and plugin updates.
13. Regularly Scan Your Site for Malware
Regularly scanning your site for malware helps to detect any malicious code early. Use security plugins that can scan for vulnerabilities and malware.
Example:
Plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri Security provide malware scanning, real-time firewall protection, and security alerts.
14. Disable the PHP Error Reporting Feature
PHP error messages can reveal sensitive information, like database details, which hackers can exploit. Disable PHP error reporting on your production site.
Example:
Add the following line to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', false);
15. Migrate to a More Secure Web Host
Choose a hosting provider that specializes in WordPress security and offers features like SSL support, automatic backups, and malware scanning.
Example:
Consider using SiteGround, Kinsta, or WP Engine, which provide robust WordPress-specific security measures.
16. Disable File Editing
By default, WordPress allows you to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. This can be dangerous if an attacker gains access to your admin.
Example:
Add this line to your wp-config.php file to disable file editing:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
17. Use .htaccess to Disable PHP File Execution and Protect the wp-config.php File
Using .htaccess, you can prevent PHP file execution in specific folders (like wp-content/uploads) and secure the wp-config.php file.
Example:
Add these lines to your .htaccess file:
# Disable PHP Execution in wp-content/uploads
<Directory "/wp-content/uploads/">
php_flag engine off
</Directory>
# Protect wp-config.php
<Files wp-config.php>
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</Files>
18. Change the Default WordPress Database Prefix
WordPress uses a default database table prefix (wp_), which makes it easier for attackers to guess table names. Change this to something unique.
Example:
You can change the table prefix during WordPress installation or manually update the wp-config.php file after installation.
19. Disable the XML-RPC Feature
XML-RPC allows remote access to your WordPress site, which can be exploited in DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.
Example:
Disable XML-RPC by adding the following code to your .htaccess file:
# Disable XML-RPC
<Files xmlrpc.php>
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</Files>
20. Hide Your WordPress Version
By default, WordPress exposes the version number in the HTML source code. Hiding it reduces the risk of targeted attacks.
Example:
Add this line to your functions.php file:
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
21. Block Hotlinking from Other Websites
Hotlinking occurs when other websites link to your images, using your bandwidth without permission. Block this to prevent unauthorized use of your media files.
Example:
Add this code to your .htaccess file to block hotlinking:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^$
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^https://yourdomain.com/ [NC]
RewriteRule \.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif|bmp|pdf|mp4)$ - [F,NC]
22. Manage File and Folder Permissions
Ensure your files and folders have the correct permissions to avoid unauthorized access.
Example:
Set file permissions to 644 for files and 755 for directories. You can do this via your FTP client or command line:
chmod 644 /path/to/your/files
chmod 755 /path/to/your/directories
23. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Block malicious traffic before it hits your site.
- Example: Services like Cloudflare or Sucuri include WAFs that filter harmful requests.
24. Implement CAPTCHA on Login and Forms
Stop bots from submitting forms.
- Example: Use Google reCAPTCHA with plugins like WPForms or Contact Form 7.
25. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Evaluate your site’s overall security periodically.
- Example: Use tools like WPScan to identify vulnerabilities.
By implementing these best practices, you can fortify your WordPress website against potential threats. Remember, security is a continuous process—stay vigilant and proactive!
