How to Tighten It and the Best Plugins
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. Its popularity makes it a prime target for hackers, so it’s important to take steps to secure your WordPress website. This blog article will cover the best practices for WordPress website security and recommend the best plugins to help you tighten it.
Best Practices for WordPress Website Security
Here are some of the best practices for WordPress website security:
- Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Your WordPress login password should be strong and unique, and you should enable 2FA for an extra layer of security.
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date. Outdated WordPress software, themes, and plugins can contain security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Make sure to update them regularly to the latest versions.
- Use a security plugin. A security plugin can help you protect your WordPress website from a variety of attacks, such as brute-force login attempts, malware infections, and SQL injection attacks.
- Disable file editing and XML-RPC. File editing in the WordPress dashboard is a security risk, so it’s best to disable it. XML-RPC is a feature that allows you to manage your WordPress website remotely, but it’s also a security risk if you don’t need it. It’s best to disable it if you’re not using it.
- Back up your website regularly. In case your website is hacked, having a recent backup will allow you to restore it quickly.
The Best WordPress Security Plugins
There are many different WordPress security plugins available, but some of the most popular and well-regarded ones include:
- Wordfence Security: Wordfence is a comprehensive security plugin that offers a variety of features, including brute-force attack protection, malware scanning, and website firewall.
- iThemes Security: iThemes Security is another comprehensive security plugin that offers a variety of features, including brute-force attack protection, malware scanning, and website firewall.
- Sucuri Security: Sucuri Security is a security plugin that focuses on malware scanning and removal. It also offers website firewall and other security features.
- WP Mail SMTP: WP Mail SMTP allows you to send emails from your WordPress website using a third-party SMTP server, such as Gmail or Outlook. This can help to prevent your website from being blacklisted for sending spam.
- UpdraftPlus: UpdraftPlus is a backup plugin that allows you to easily back up your WordPress website to a variety of locations, such as the cloud or your own server.
Industry Recommendations by WordPress.org
Here are some additional recommendations from WordPress.org for tightening the security of your WordPress website:
- Use a secure WordPress hosting provider. A secure WordPress hosting provider will offer features such as website monitoring, malware scanning, and DDoS protection.
- Limit login attempts. This can help to prevent brute-force login attacks.
- Use a web application firewall (WAF). A WAF can help to protect your website from a variety of attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting attacks.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN can help to improve the performance and security of your website.
- Educate your users. Make sure your users are aware of the latest security threats and how to protect their accounts.
How to Tighten WordPress Website Security
Now that you know some of the best practices and plugins for WordPress website security, here’s how to tighten the security of your own website:
1. Install and activate a security plugin. Choose one of the security plugins listed above and install and activate it on your WordPress website.
2. Configure the security plugin. Once the security plugin is installed and activated, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. This will vary depending on the plugin you chose, but most plugins will have a wizard that can walk you through the process.
3. Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly. Make sure to check for updates to WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly and install them as soon as they’re available.
4. Disable file editing and XML-RPC. Go to the Settings > Security page in your WordPress dashboard and disable file editing and XML-RPC.
5. Back up your website regularly. Use a backup plugin such as UpdraftPlus to back up your WordPress website regularly.
6. Educate your users. Make sure your users are aware of the latest security threats and how to protect their accounts. You can do this by sending them security tips or posting articles about security on your website.
By following these tips, you can tighten the security of your WordPress website
