The Ultimate Guide to Secure Your WordPress Site
Ensuring your WordPress site is secure is crucial to protecting your content, data, and visitors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you secure your WordPress site effectively.
1. Keep Everything Updated
Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins:
Regular updates are essential because they patch security vulnerabilities. Simply go to your dashboard and check for updates regularly. It’s an easy task, but if you find it overwhelming, your webmaster or hosting provider can handle it for you.
2. Strengthen Login Security
Apply Strict Username and Password Policies:
Use strong, unique passwords and avoid common usernames like “admin.” This is a basic yet crucial step you can do yourself. Many plugins can help enforce these policies.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification. This might sound technical, but there are many reliable plugins to help you set this up easily. On the user side we would recommend an app like Authy.
Limit Login Attempts:
Protect against brute force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts. This can be easily managed with a security plugin.
3. Control Access
Implement Role-Based Access and Permissions Control:
Assign users only the permissions they need to perform their tasks. You can manage this through the WordPress user settings, but it might be best to ask your website maintainer for assistance.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Critical Users:
Critical users should have multiple authentication steps for added security. This is similar to 2FA and can be set up using security plugins.
4. Monitor and Manage User Activity
Enable User Logging and Monitoring:
Keep track of user activity to detect suspicious behavior. This can be done with plugins that log user actions and notify you of unusual activity.
5. Enhance Server Security
Install a Reputable Security Plugin:
Use plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to add robust security features to your site. These plugins are easy to install and configure.
Set Up a Web Application Firewall (WAF):
A WAF helps filter and monitor HTTP traffic to and from a web application, blocking malicious traffic. This is essential and can be complex, so it’s advisable to have your hosting provider set it up.
Install an SSL Certificate:
Encrypt data transfer between your site and its visitors to ensure security and trust. All hosting providers should offer SSL certificates and can help you install them.
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN):
CDNs can provide additional security features, including DDoS protection and faster loading times. Services like Cloudflare make this easy to implement.
Use SFTP Instead of FTP:
SFTP encrypts data during transfer, making it more secure than FTP. This change can usually be done through your hosting provider’s control panel.
6. Secure Your Database
Change the Default WordPress Database Prefix:
Use a custom prefix to make it harder for attackers to guess your database tables. This requires some technical knowledge, so ask your website maintainer to handle it.
Secure Your /wp-config.php File:
Move this file to a non-public directory and set proper file permissions. This is an essential security measure that is best performed by a professional.
7. Backup Regularly
Regularly Back Up Your Site:
Ensure you have up-to-date backups in case of a breach. Plugins like UpdraftPlus make this process simple and automatic.
Keep Backups on a Separate Server:
Store backups separately to protect them if your main server is compromised. This might require some assistance from your hosting provider.
8. Monitor for Vulnerabilities
Leverage WPScan’s Vulnerability Database:
Regularly scan for known vulnerabilities in your themes and plugins. WPScan offers an easy-to-use plugin for this purpose.
Regularly Assess Third-Party Plugins and Themes:
Ensure they are regularly updated and have a good reputation. Regular checks and reading reviews can help you avoid risky plugins.
9. Restrict Access and Hide Sensitive Information
Use Custom /wp-admin and /wp-login.php URLs:
Changing these URLs can deter attackers. There are several security plugins that make this an easy task.
Restrict wp-admin Access by IP Address:
Limit access to trusted IP addresses. This requires modifying your .htaccess file, which might need a professional’s help.
Disable File Editing:
Prevent users from editing theme and plugin files through the WordPress dashboard. This can be easily done by adding a line to your wp-config.php file.
Disable Directory Browsing/Listing:
Prevent attackers from viewing your directory structure. This involves editing your .htaccess file, which is best done by a professional.
Disable PHP Error Reporting:
Hide error messages that could reveal sensitive information about your site. This can be configured in your wp-config.php file.
Disable WordPress Version Disclosure:
Remove the WordPress version number from your site’s source code to make it harder for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. This can be done through your theme’s functions.php file.
10. Implement Advanced Security Measures
Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP):
A CSP helps prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This is a complex task best left to your developer.
Enable Security Headers:
Use HTTP headers like X-Content-Type-Options, X-Frame-Options, and X-XSS-Protection to secure your site. These headers can be added through your server settings or a security plugin.
Implement a Code Review & QA Process (for Developers):
Regularly review and test code for security vulnerabilities. Developers should include security checks in their workflow.
Conduct Regular Employee Training:
Ensure your team is aware of security best practices and potential threats. Regular training sessions can help keep everyone informed and vigilant.
About R the Company and making sure you Secure your WordPress site 
At R the Company, we specialize in ensuring your WordPress site remains secure and robust against potential threats. Our team of experts can handle all the technical aspects of securing your site, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business. Whether it’s setting up security plugins, configuring advanced security measures, or providing regular backups and updates, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to secure your WordPress site?
