WordPress Security Checklist

Essential Practices to Keep Your Website Secure

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering more than 40% of all websites on the internet. While WordPress is known for its ease of use and flexibility, it is also a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals. As a website owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your WordPress website is secure and protected from online threats. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive WordPress security checklist that includes essential practices to keep your website secure.

1. Keep WordPress up to date

WordPress releases updates regularly to fix bugs, add new features, and improve website security. It is crucial to keep your WordPress website up to date to ensure that it is secure and protected from potential vulnerabilities. Make sure to update WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly.

2. Use strong and unique passwords

One of the easiest ways to secure your WordPress website is to use strong and unique passwords. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

3. Install security plugins

There are many security plugins available for WordPress that can help you protect your website from online threats. Some of the popular security plugins include Sucuri, Wordfence, and iThemes Security. These plugins can scan your website for vulnerabilities, block malicious IPs, and protect your website from brute force attacks.

4. Use SSL certificate

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts the communication between the website server and the user’s browser. It adds an extra layer of security to your website and helps protect sensitive information like login credentials, credit card information, and personal data. You can get a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt or purchase one from a trusted certificate authority.

5. Limit login attempts

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which makes it vulnerable to brute force attacks. A brute force attack is when a hacker uses automated tools to guess your login credentials repeatedly. You can limit the number of login attempts by installing a plugin like Login Lockdown or Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.

6. Secure wp-admin directory

The wp-admin directory is the backend of your WordPress website where you manage your website’s content and settings. It is essential to secure this directory to prevent unauthorized access. You can do this by password-protecting the wp-admin directory or changing its name. You can also use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to hide the login page URL.

7. Disable file editing

By default, WordPress allows users to edit plugin and theme files from the dashboard. This can be a security risk as a hacker can use this feature to inject malicious code into your website. You can disable file editing by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define( ‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true );

8. Backup your website regularly

Backing up your website regularly is crucial in case of a security breach or data loss. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to automate website backups. Make sure to store your backups in a secure location like cloud storage or an external hard drive.

9. Use a reputable hosting provider

Your hosting provider plays a crucial role in website security. It is essential to choose a reputable hosting provider that offers robust security features like firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection.  FASTDOT is a popular Australian Hosting Provider with local support!

10. Educate yourself on website security

Finally, it is crucial to educate yourself on website security best practices. Keep yourself updated with the latest security trends and news. Attend webinars, read blogs, and follow experts in