Introduction
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. However, its popularity also makes it a target for hackers. In this article, we’ll discuss some steps you can take to protect your WordPress website from hackers.
Choose a secure hosting provider
The first step in protecting your WordPress website is to choose a secure hosting provider. A good hosting provider will have measures in place to protect their servers from common attacks, such as DDoS attacks and malware. They will also keep their server software up to date and regularly scan for vulnerabilities.
When choosing a hosting provider, look for one that offers features such as a web application firewall (WAF), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and regular backups.
Get a security plugin
A security plugin can help protect your WordPress website by adding an extra layer of protection. There are many security plugins available for WordPress, and they offer features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security.
Some popular security plugins for WordPress include Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security. When choosing a security plugin, look for one that offers regular updates and has a good reputation in the WordPress community.
Choose a secure theme
The theme you use on your WordPress website can also affect its security. A poorly coded theme can introduce vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
When choosing a theme for your WordPress website, look for one that is regularly updated and has a good reputation in the WordPress community. You should also avoid using nulled or pirated themes, as they can contain hidden malware.
Keep WordPress updated
Keeping your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date is crucial for the security of your website. Updates often include security fixes for known vulnerabilities, so failing to update can leave your website open to attack.
You can update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes from the WordPress dashboard. It’s also a good idea to enable automatic updates for minor releases, which include security fixes.
Use secure login details
Using strong login details is important for the security of your WordPress website. A strong username and password combination can make it difficult for hackers to gain access to your website.
When choosing a username and password, avoid using common combinations such as “admin” and “password”. Instead, use a unique username and a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Add two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to the login process by requiring users to provide two forms of identification when logging in. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your website even if your login details are compromised.
There are several plugins available for WordPress that allow you to add 2FA to your website. Some popular options include Google Authenticator, Authy, and Duo Security.
Disable file editing
By default, WordPress allows users with administrator privileges to edit theme and plugin files from within the WordPress dashboard. However, this feature can be exploited by hackers if they gain access to an administrator account.
To prevent this, you can disable file editing by adding the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:
define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
This will remove the file editing feature from the WordPress dashboard.
Scan your website and computer
Regularly scanning your website and computer for malware can help you detect and remove any threats before they cause damage. There are several tools available that can help you scan your website for malware, including Sucuri SiteCheck and Wordfence.
You should also regularly scan your computer for malware using an antivirus program. This can help prevent malware from spreading from your computer to your website.
Add additional allow/deny rules via your .htaccess file
Your .htaccess file is a powerful tool that allows you to control access to your website at the server level. You can use it to add additional allow/deny rules that can help protect your website from common attacks.
For example, you can use the .htaccess file to block access to sensitive files such as wp-config.php or .htaccess itself. You can also use it to block access from specific IP addresses or ranges that are known to be associated with malicious activity.
Restrict login URLs to specific IP range(s)
Restricting access to your login URLs (such as wp-login.php) to specific IP range(s) can help prevent unauthorized access to your website. This means that only users with IP addresses within the specified range(s) will be able to access the login page.
You can restrict access to your login URLs using the .htaccess file or by using a plugin such as iThemes Security or WP Cerber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many steps you can take to protect your WordPress website from hackers. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help keep your website safe and secure. Remember to always keep your software up to date, use strong login details, and regularly scan your website and computer for malware. With these measures in place, you can help protect your WordPress website from hackers.