Essential Tips for Securing WordPress Sites

Security is a priority for any website owner, especially those using WordPress, one of the world’s most popular platforms. Due to their widespread adoption, WordPress sites are frequent targets of attacks, which makes it essential to implement good practices to maintain their security. Below you’ll find detailed tips for protecting your site against threats and ensuring safe browsing for your users.

1. keep WordPress up to date

WordPress is constantly being developed, and new versions include security fixes and improvements. Make sure to:

• Update the WordPress core whenever new versions become available.
• Keep plugins and themes up to date to avoid security breaches.
• Delete unused plugins and themes, as even deactivated ones can be exploited by hackers.

2. Choose reliable plugins and themes

Not all plugins and themes are safe. To ensure that you are using reliable options:

• Opt for plugins and themes from recognized developers with good reviews.
• Avoid free plugins from unknown or pirated sources, as they may contain malicious code.
• Review the comments and update history to check the reliability of the developer.

3. Use a Strong Password and Two-Step Authentication (2FA)

Weak passwords are one of the main causes of successful attacks.

• Create strong passwords for all users with access to the WordPress dashboard.
• Implement two-step authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security by requiring a temporary code generated by applications such as Google Authenticator.

4. Limit Login Attempts

Brute force attacks are common, where hackers try various combinations to access your site.

• Use security plugins that limit login attempts and block suspicious IPs.
• Consider using a firewall to filter traffic and prevent repeated login attempts.

5. Make Regular Backups

Having a backup is essential for the security of a website because, in the event of an attack, you will be able to restore a clean version.

• Make automatic and frequent backups of the website and database.
• Store backups in secure locations outside the server, such as in the cloud.
• Use reliable backup plugins and test the restore to ensure that the files are complete and functional.

6. Set Appropriate File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can allow hackers to access and modify critical files.

• Set the correct permissions for directories and files. As a general rule, most directories should have permission 755 and files should have 644.
• Avoid granting write permissions to any unnecessary files.

7. Use SSL and HTTPS certificates

An SSL certificate encrypts the data exchanged between the browser and the server, protecting user information.

• Install an SSL certificate on your site and enable HTTPS to ensure that visitors’ data is protected.
• Redirect all pages to HTTPS to increase browsing security.

8. Install a Security Plugin

Security plugins can offer real-time monitoring and additional protection.

• Choose popular security plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri to protect your site.
• Activate regular scans to detect and remove malware or infected files.
• Use the plugin’s firewall features to block malicious traffic and protect the server.

9. Disable File Editing in the Control Panel

WordPress allows administrators to edit theme and plugin files directly from the control panel, but this function can be dangerous.

• Disable file editing by adding define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to the file wp-config.php. This prevents attackers from editing critical files if they manage to access the dashboard.

10. Monitor User Access and Usage

Knowing who accesses your site and what is changed helps to identify possible security problems.

• Track user activity and logins, especially for administrators and editors.
• Regularly review the permissions of each user and ensure that only those who need it have administrator access.

Final considerations

Ensuring the security of your WordPress site doesn’t have to be complicated. With these essential practices, you can protect your information and that of your customers, keep your site secure and prevent attacks that could compromise the reputation and operation of your business. Implementing these measures helps maintain a foundation of trust with users and also optimizes site performance, providing a reliable and enjoyable experience. Keeping up to date with new security practices and technologies is equally important, as threats are constantly evolving. Don’t hesitate to review your security strategy periodically and adjust processes to meet the best practices on the market.