Creating a WordPress site is exciting, but it can also be hard work. The last thing you want is to encounter a security breach once your site launches. Often, people focus on the design theme and layout of their WordPress site but overlook their site security. Failing to secure your site will make it vulnerable to cyber threats like hackers and malware. The good news is, there are lots of ways to make your website more secure. Here are some security tips to protect your WordPress site:
Keep WordPress updated
WordPress is constantly being updated, and new versions are released regularly. When a new version comes out, the security is improved, and vulnerabilities are removed. If you don’t update your WordPress site, then you are at risk of cyber threats like sql injection attacks and other malicious software. You can update your WordPress by visiting the dashboard. If a new version is available, you can click on the “update now” tab. Your WordPress should automatically update to the newest version within a few minutes.
Backup your site’s data
It is always good practice to backup your site’s data. This will allow you to recover data quickly if you fall victim to a cyber-attack or your server crashes unexpectedly. You will need to download a plugin to create a secure WordPress backup. There is a good selection of backup solutions available. UpdraftPlus is a popular WordPress plugin that allows you to backup all of your data for free. This plugin allows you to schedule automatic backups hourly, daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Pick a strong login password
Make sure that you pick a secure password for your WordPress site login. According to the Center for Internet Security: “A strong password contains at least 10 characters and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.” You should change your password immediately if you think that it’s been compromised. Never allow unlimited login attempts as it makes it easier for cybercriminals to discover your login details. Set your WordPress site to only allow a limited number of login attempts before blocking the user.
Pick a secure hosting company
Low-quality hosting is one of the main reasons why WordPress sites have security vulnerabilities. Choosing a cheap hosting company might seem like a good idea, but it’s likely to cost you more in the long run. You must pick a quality hosting service that offers high levels of security. You can assess a hosting company’s security by reviewing their security records online. Market research should also give you an idea of the security standards they have in place. You should look for a hosting company that offers up to date software, firewalls, and malware monitoring.
Conclusion
Neglecting security will leave your WordPress site vulnerable to hackers and other cybercriminals. Investing in security software is a simple way to protect your data and website. Fortunately, minor upgrades can have a big impact on your online security. Following these security tips will help keep your WordPress site safe and prevent cyber attacks.