Running a WordPress website is a great way to establish your online presence and engage with your audience. However, with the rise in cyber-attacks and data breaches, prioritizing website security is more important than ever. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best practices for better WordPress website security so that you can protect your site and your visitors’ sensitive information. We’ve got you covered, from updating your software regularly to implementing strong passwords and using security plugins. Let’s dive in!

 

1- Update WordPress for Better WordPress Website Security

Updating your WordPress website is crucial for ensuring its security. Not only does it provide bug fixes and enhanced features, but it also helps to prevent attacks from hackers and other malicious actors. With regular updates, you can also improve the performance of your website and enhance its functionality. So, pay attention to updating your WordPress website and protecting against security threats.

Moreover, when WordPress releases a new update, they also disclose the security vulnerabilities in the previous versions. Attackers can exploit this information to target websites that still need to be updated. Therefore, updating your WordPress website as soon as possible is essential.

2- Use a Strong Password for Better WordPress Website Security

A strong password for your WordPress website is crucial for securing your site. A weak password makes it easier for hackers to access and potentially compromise your site. Using a strong and unique password can significantly reduce the risk of losing your website access to unauthorized people. Using numbers, symbols, uppercase, and lowercase in your passwords is a good practice. Creating a password that’s hard to guess or crack is essential. Additionally, changing your password regularly is a good idea to further enhance your site’s security.

3- Assign User Privileges Carefully for Better WordPress Website Security

WordPress allows you to assign varying user privileges for a specific reason. You should not give editor privileges to an author, contributor, or administrator to an editor. User privileges ensure that each user has access to necessary resources, limit access to sensitive information, and provide relevant tools for optimal performance.

Admin access to your WordPress website should only be given to trusted individuals with a legitimate need for such privileges. Giving the wrong person access could lead to serious consequences, including the potential loss of important data, unauthorized changes to your site, or even complete control of your website. It’s vital to exercise caution and regularly review user roles and permissions to ensure everyone has the appropriate level of access.

4- Be Careful When Installing Themes and Plugins

By installing a theme or plugin onto your WordPress website, you are essentially granting it access to your site’s code. If the theme or plugin is poorly coded or contains malicious code, it can create a security vulnerability that hackers can exploit. This can result in your website being hacked, sensitive data being stolen, or your site being used to distribute malware. It’s important to exercise caution when installing themes and plugins only from reputable sources. Additionally, keep your themes and plugins updated to ensure any security vulnerabilities are fixed.

Before installing a theme or plugin, it’s essential to research and gather information from various websites. Check reviews and ratings to ensure it’s a reliable and suitable choice.

 

5- Installing Necessary Plugins for Security

Installing a security and malware plugin for WordPress can help keep your website safe by detecting and preventing potential threats. It can also ensure prompt security updates and simplify your security efforts, making it a crucial step to protect your site. Using a security plugin can add an extra layer of protection to your website and help keep your visitors safe.

One plugin which we always recommend is Wordfence. Wordfence is a fantastic plugin that offers a wealth of security features for website owners. It constantly scans your site for malware and notifies you immediately if any suspicious activity is detected. It also provides a live traffic feature that lets you see who is accessing your website in real-time, giving you complete control over your website’s security.

6- Backup Your Website for Better WordPress Website Security

Backing up your WordPress website is crucial to ensure you keep up all your hard work in case of a mishap. A backup can be a lifesaver in situations where you accidentally delete your website, or it gets hacked. It enables you to restore your website to its previous state, including all your content, media, and settings. You would have to start from scratch without a backup, which can be a nightmare. Therefore, setting up a backup system for your WordPress website is always recommended. There are several plugins available that can help you automate the backup process and store your backup files securely. With a reliable backup solution, you can have peace of mind knowing that your website is safe and secure and can restore in no time if anything goes wrong.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing the best practices for better WordPress website security is crucial in today’s digital world. Implementing the suggestions mentioned in this article can significantly lower the chances of your website being hacked or compromised. Therefore, regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins, use strong passwords, limit login attempts, and use security plugins to monitor your website’s security status. By taking these steps, you can ensure a safe and secure online presence for yourself and your visitors. Stay safe and secure!