How to secure your WordPress website quickly

How to Secure Your WordPress Website Quickly?

Securing your WordPress website is essential to protect it from hackers, malware, and other online threats. Whether you run a small blog or a large e-commerce platform, implementing the right security measures can save you from costly and time-consuming breaches. This guide will walk you through actionable tips to strengthen your WordPress site. Use the links below to navigate quickly to each topic:

1. Choose Reliable Hosting for Your WordPress Website

2. Keep WordPress Updated

3. Install a Firewall Plugin

4. Remove and Protect Sensitive Files

5. Limit Login Attempts and Use Strong Passwords with Two-Factor Authentication

6. Use the Latest PHP Version and Keep Your Theme Updated

7. Additional Security Measures

1. Choose Reliable Hosting for Your WordPress Website

Your hosting provider plays a crucial role in your website’s security. Shared hosting, while cheap, can expose your site to vulnerabilities caused by other sites on the same server. For better security:

• Opt for a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or a dedicated server. VPS hosting offers better resource isolation and is often cost-effective.
• Ensure your hosting provider includes features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and automatic backups.
• Look for hosting providers specialising in WordPress, such as WP Engine, SiteGround, or Bluehost, as they offer additional WordPress-specific security features.

Choosing a reliable hosting platform is paramount to the security of your website. We strongly recommend running your website on a Plesk VPS. It comes with a component called WordPress Toolkit which we found to be one of the most reliable plugin to host and run your website. It provides you everything from installing website to backing it up and ensuring you apply security measure with minimum knowledge. It will strengthen and look after your WordPress website. 

Would I need to know how to install Plesk on a VPS?

You don’t really need to know how to install it as with most hosting companies provide it installed for you or you have 1 click install. Pretty easy to manage as well. There are tons of youtube videos on it. 

To help you choose which hosting company you should go for, you might want to check out our article on best hosting companies in the UK

2. Keep WordPress Updated

Updating WordPress is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your site. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Here’s how to stay updated:

• Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases by adding this line to your wp-config.php file: define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);
• Regularly check and update your themes and plugins. Only use plugins and themes from trusted sources, such as the WordPress repository or reputable developers.
• Delete unused plugins and themes, as they can become security liabilities if left outdated.

3. Install a Firewall Plugin

A firewall plugin acts as a protective barrier, blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Here are two excellent options:

• WordFence: Provides comprehensive security, including malware scanning and login protection.
• All-in-One Security (AIOSEO): Offers features like brute force attack prevention and advanced security settings.

Additionally, avoid installing unnecessary plugins, as they can create vulnerabilities and slow down your site. Hackers often use vaulnerable plugins to gain access to your website. Once accessed, they can take over your entire site and install malicious codes and keep running on background without you realising it. 

4. Remove and Protect Sensitive Files

Hackers often target specific WordPress files to gain unauthorised access. Follow these steps to secure them:

• Remove the Readme.txt file: This file provides information about your WordPress version, making it easier for hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. Delete it or restrict access to it using your hosting’s file manager or FTP.
• Secure the xmlrpc.php file: If not required, disable this file, as it is often exploited in brute force attacks. Use plugins like “Disable XML-RPC” to block it.
• Protect the wp-config.php file: Move it to a higher directory and set strict file permissions (e.g., 400 or 440) to prevent unauthorised access.
• Prevent directory browsing: Add the line Options -Indexes to your .htaccess file to block attackers from viewing your site’s directory structure.

5. Limit Login Attempts and Use Strong Passwords with Two-Factor Authentication

Your login page is one of the most targeted areas of your website. Strengthen its security with these tips:

• Limit login attempts: Install plugins like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” to block users after a set number of failed attempts.
• Use strong passwords: Create passwords with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “admin123.”
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use plugins like WordFence to add an extra layer of security. 2FA requires a secondary verification method, such as a mobile app code.

6. Use the Latest PHP Version and Keep Your Theme Updated

The PHP version your server uses impacts your site’s security and performance. Always use the latest version supported by WordPress:

• Contact your hosting provider to update your PHP version if needed.
• Keep your theme updated to receive the latest security patches and features.
• Only use themes from reliable sources, and avoid nulled or pirated themes, as they often contain malicious code.

7. Additional Security Measures

For comprehensive protection, consider implementing these additional measures:

• Use an SSL certificate: Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt data transfers. Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through services like Let’s Encrypt.
• Backup your website regularly: Use plugins like “UpdraftPlus” to schedule automatic backups. Store backups securely offsite to ensure recovery in case of a breach.
• Monitor your site: Set up tools to track unusual activity, such as unexpected file changes or traffic spikes.
• Scan for malware: Use security plugins to perform regular scans and remove any detected threats.

Conclusion

Securing your WordPress website is an ongoing effort that requires attention to detail and regular maintenance. By implementing the steps outlined above, you can greatly reduce the risk of hacking and ensure your site remains a safe platform for your visitors. Make security a priority and stay proactive in safeguarding your online presence.