8 Best Security Practices to Protect Your WordPress Site from Hackers

WordPress is the most popular content management system used worldwide. As many websites use the WordPress platform, it's no more a surprise why hackers are constantly trying to exploit this platform and potentially have access to big chunks of data if they succeed. Website security is an essential part of WordPress website development and maintenance. If you're running a WordPress website, don't miss these important tips to keep your site safe from hackers.

Essential Tips to Ensure Complete Security of WordPress Site

By keeping these 7 security checks in place, you'll be empowered to run a robust and secure WordPress website.

1. Verify Your Website Using Webmaster Tool
After you've verified your WordPress site with Webmaster Tools, you can gain access to important data that will be useful for detecting any potential issue such as traffic, queries, and manual action messages. Google provides a separate section in its Webmaster Tools panel for security issues to help you identify any fault or issue with your website.

2. Update Your WordPress Core, Plugins, & Themes
The WordPress security team works with many contributors and developers worldwide to maintain WordPress' core security. The WordPress community releases an updated core every time a new bug is discovered. Therefore, whenever you log in to your WordPress site as an admin, you'll be prompted to update your WordPress site to the latest core release. This is a simple and quick way of updating your site. It's worth noting that the WordPress security team is not liable for plugins and themes as these are checked manually by volunteers. Various trusted plugins and themes have been installed by many users and their code is constantly maintained. However, before installing any plugin, it is wise to do some research. You may also sometimes notice that some plugins do not support the version of WordPress you're currently using. This may happen if the plugin has not been updated by the plugin developer. If you encounter such warnings, it is best to avoid using these outdated plugins.

The WordPress repository offers a plethora of secure and popular WordPress plugins. However, if you're looking for custom plugin development and WordPress customization services, it is always wise to hire WordPress experts from a reputed and trustworthy WordPress website development company. They can build robust and highly secure WordPress plugins and customize themes according to your requirements.

3. Use Uncrackable Passwords
Many times users create passwords that are short and easy to remember and hence choose something that is related to them. This can make them more vulnerable to hackers. Avoid using simple and easy-to-guess passwords.

A strong password reduces the risks of brute-force attacks on your website, including

• - Your WordPress admin account (Never use 'Admin' as the username)
• - WordPress user accounts
• - FTP accounts
• - Database login credentials

4. Block IP's for Multiple Login Attempts
Hackers use brute-forcing techniques to gain access to your website. They use a script that uses multiple random usernames and passwords to attempt to gain access to your website illegally. By blocking IP's for multiple login attempts is the best way to prevent such attacks.

5. Run Your Website on a Reputable and Trusted Web Host
When it comes to handing over your web content to an organization, you must carefully select a reputable and trusted web host. You should consider choosing one that is renowned in offering robust hosting infrastructure, and excellent customer service. You may also consult with WordPress website development consultants who, with their experience in the industry, can suggest you the best web hosting options for WordPress site. Furthermore, to ensure the security of your site, you can employ an enterprise-grade firewall solution to safeguard your WordPress website from hackers.

6. Use the SSL Certificate and HTTPS
SSL certificate ensures secure browsing over the internet. Having an SSL certificate installed on your WordPress website will help in sending web pages over the internet via encryption. SSL is useful when it comes to protecting credit card transactions, the transfer of sensitive data, and the login credentials of users.

7. Backup Your Website Regularly
Keeping a daily backup of your website is helpful when you need to restore your website. WordPress.org offers various secure and popular backup plugins that help you maintain daily backups. Having a backup of your website is useful in case your website has been compromised by malware attacks or accidental data loss.

8. Employ a Reliable Security and Firewall Plugin
A good security plugin has the power to reduce vulnerabilities by adhering to the latest WordPress security practices and techniques. Some plugins offer a firewall while some provide a combination of different security layers. You may combine the power of different security plugins; however, you need to make sure that their functionalities do not overlap. Explore the various WordPress security plugins on WordPress.org to find the best-suited security plugin for your WordPress website. If you're running a large and complex website, you should hire WordPress plugin developers from the trusted WordPress website development company who can develop custom security plugins with advanced features and functionality to protect your website from hackers.

Wrapping Up
Hackers may come up with numerous techniques to gain access to your website. Therefore, you need to be prepared for potential risks by strengthening the security of your website. These security practices can help you ensure the standard security of your website. However, if you're running a WordPress website with numerous web pages, content, and a large database, you need to hire WordPress experts from a professional WordPress website development company who can help you ensure complete security of your WordPress website by employing the industry-best security practices and technology. When it comes to web security, do not hesitate to approach a professional to be on the safe side.