How to secure WordPress from compromises & malware

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world. Its popularity has made it a prime target for hackers and malware attacks. A compromised WordPress install can lead to serious consequences, including loss of sensitive data, reputational damage, and loss of revenue. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some practical tips to secure WordPress from compromise and malware.

  1. Keep WordPress Updated

WordPress developers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve the platform’s overall performance. The latest version of WordPress will always have the most up-to-date security features. You should ensure that your WordPress site is always running the latest version. You can enable automatic updates to ensure that your site is always up-to-date.

  1. Use Strong Passwords

Weak passwords are easy for hackers to crack, and they can quickly gain access to your WordPress admin panel. It’s essential to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. A strong password should contain at least 12 characters and a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.

  1. Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress allows users to attempt to log in as many times as they want, making it easy for hackers to use brute force attacks to crack passwords. You can use plugins like Login Lockdown or Limit Login Attempts to limit the number of login attempts.

  1. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your WordPress site. It requires users to provide an additional authentication factor, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their username and password. This makes it more challenging for hackers to gain access to your site even if they have your password. This can be added by installing a plugin such as WordFence.

  1. Install a WordPress Security Plugin

Several WordPress security plugins can help protect your site from compromise and malware attacks. Some popular options include WordFence, iThemes Security, and Sucuri Security. These plugins can scan your site for vulnerabilities, block suspicious traffic, and monitor your site for any signs of compromise.

  1. Use HTTPS/SSL

HTTPS is a protocol for secure communication over the internet. It encrypts data sent between your website and its visitors, making it difficult for hackers to intercept sensitive information. You should ensure that your WordPress site uses HTTPS and has an SSL certificate installed.

  1. Disable File Editing

By default, WordPress allows administrators to edit PHP files from the WordPress admin panel. This can be a security risk as it allows hackers who have gained access to your admin panel to modify your site’s code. You can disable file editing by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

In conclusion, securing your WordPress site from compromise and malware attacks requires a proactive approach. Having secure WordPress hosting helps, but by following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress site being hacked. Keep your WordPress site updated, use strong passwords, limit login attempts, use two-factor authentication, install a security plugin, using HTTPS/SSL, and disabling file editing. By implementing these security measures, you can rest assured that your WordPress site is secure from compromise and malware.