WordPress is a fantastic content management system. CMSs are scripts, stand-alone applications that allow user to manage and deploy web pages, and WordPress is the king of CMSs that power the Internet.
WordPress is used by millions of users around the world, and has become the number target for bad guys who want to gain access to vulnerable sites to launch attacks on other sites.
If you don’t manage your WordPress blogs or websites properly by securing them, they may be compromised and used to launch attacks on other websites.
This brief tutorial is going to show you some tips to protect your WordPress blogs and websites easily and quickly.
Protecting your WordPress sites isn’t difficult and anyone who manages to install and configure WordPress should perform these tasks painlessly.
Always update WordPress and related plugins/themes
Your first priority when managing a WordPress blog or website is to always update it. Update WordPress core files and scripts, plugins and themes whenever newer versions become available.
Whenever you logon to your WordPress admin section and see a notification to update, go and update your system as quickly as possible.
These updates are released to fix bugs and other security vulnerabilities.
When you go to your WordPress admin page, it should always look like the image below. No notifications to update.
The next thing you may want to do to protect your WordPress site is to guard against brute force attacks to gain access to your sites. Many attacks against WordPress sites are brute force attacks.
These attacks are carried out by bad guys who usually try multiple username and password combinations in hope to guess the correct login credentials.
These attacks easy to carry out but difficult to succeed when the site is using a strong password. Strong passwords are ones that use a combination of lower/upper case, number, special characters, and are long – usually 12 to 16 characters.
Using strong password may help with with brute force attacks, but you may need more than that in some cases.
Some popular services that may help again brute force attacks include Clef and BruteProtect. These two WordPress plugins can help you protect your login against brute force attacks.
They bring 2-factor, secure, password-less authentication to WordPress.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my Wordpress site from attacks?
To protect your Wordpress site, always update Wordpress core files, plugins, and themes to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
What is the importance of updating Wordpress regularly?
Regularly updating Wordpress helps in safeguarding your site against potential security threats and ensures smooth functionality.
What are common security risks associated with Wordpress sites?
Common security risks include brute force attacks, unauthorized access, and vulnerability exploitation due to outdated software.
How do brute force attacks pose a threat to Wordpress sites?
Brute force attacks involve multiple login attempts using various username and password combinations to gain unauthorized access to a site.
Why are strong passwords crucial for protecting Wordpress sites?
Strong passwords make it significantly harder for attackers to successfully guess login credentials and compromise the security of your site.
What is the primary target for bad actors looking to launch attacks on websites?
Wordpress is a prime target for bad actors due to its widespread usage, making it essential for site owners to proactively secure their installations.
How can I secure my Wordpress site without extensive technical knowledge?
Securing your Wordpress site is achievable for all users by following simple practices like updating, using strong passwords, and implementing security plugins.
What steps can I take to prevent my Wordpress blog from being compromised?
Prevent compromises by regularly monitoring and updating your Wordpress site, implementing security measures, and staying informed about potential risks.