Did you know that on average, hackers attack a website every 39 seconds? It is a frightening statistic, but ignoring it won’t make the threat go away. Implementing solid WordPress security best practices is not just about protecting your data; it is about protecting your brand’s reputation and your customers’ trust.
Many site owners believe, “I’m too small to be a target.” Unfortunately, bots don’t care about the size of your business. They look for vulnerabilities.
At Next Step Solutions, we clean up hacked sites regularly. The tragedy is that most of these attacks were preventable. In this guide, we will outline the essential steps to harden your website against digital threats.
Security plugins are a good start, but real protection requires a layered approach.
1. Why WordPress Security Best Practices Start with Updates
The number one entry point for hackers is outdated software. Developers release updates to patch security holes. If you ignore that “Update Now” button, you are leaving the door unlocked.
The Fix: Make it a habit to update your WordPress Core, Theme, and Plugins weekly. If you manage a complex site, test these updates on a staging site first to ensure nothing breaks.
2. Enforce Strong Login Credentials
Using “admin” as your username and “password123” as your password is an invitation for a brute-force attack. Hackers use automated scripts to guess millions of password combinations until they get in.
How to lock it down:
- Change the default username: Never use “admin”. Create a new user with Administrator privileges and delete the old one.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use a password manager to generate complex, 16-character passwords.
- Limit Login Attempts: Install a plugin that blocks an IP address after 3 failed login attempts.
3. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
Look at your browser’s address bar. Do you see a padlock icon? If not, your site is marked as “Not Secure” by Google. SSL encrypts the data passing between your website and your visitors, which is critical for WordPress security best practices.
Most quality hosting providers offer free “Let’s Encrypt” SSL certificates. Ensure yours is active today.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if a hacker guesses your password, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) stops them in their tracks. This adds a second layer of security by requiring a code sent to your mobile phone.
Adding 2FA is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Regular Backups are Your Safety Net
No security measure is 100% fool-proof. If the worst happens and your site is compromised, a recent backup is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a total disaster.
Your Backup Strategy:
- Off-site Backups: Do not store backups on the same server as your website. Use cloud storage like Google Drive or AWS.
- Automated Schedule: Set your backups to run daily or weekly automatically so you never forget.
6. Hide Your `wp-config.php` File
The `wp-config.php` file contains your database credentials. It is the heart of your WordPress installation. Advanced WordPress security best practices involve moving this file or restricting access to it via your `.htaccess` file so hackers cannot read it.
Don’t Leave Your Security to Chance
Securing a website takes time, technical knowledge, and constant vigilance. One missed update or one weak plugin can bring your business down.
You don’t have to fight the hackers alone.
At Next Step Solutions, we offer comprehensive maintenance and security packages. We monitor your site 24/7, handle all updates, and keep your backups secure so you can sleep soundly.