Website security is crucial to protect against potential cyber threats. Following a WordPress security checklist, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and installing security plugins, can help safeguard your site effectively.

According to a report, the heavy cost of cybercrime on a worldwide scale is as bad as 9.22 trillion USD. On a smaller scale, this means you could fall into a major loss if your website gets compromised. Taking imperative action to secure your website is a must and a worthwhile endeavour.

This WordPress security checklist will walk you through the steps you need to take to secure your website and keep it secure.

Steps to Secure Your WordPress Website

Here are a few easy steps you can follow to secure your WordPress website:

1. Use Strong Passwords

If you would like to begin with something simple, one of the easiest steps to secure your WordPress website is having strong passwords. Weak passwords are easily cracked and leave your account vulnerable to hacking.

Strong passwords guidelines:

  • Use more than 12 characters, and do not use very obvious words
  • Use the entire keyboard and use uppercase, lowercase, numerals, and special characters and note them down

Password managers:

  • If you’re confused about choosing passwords, you can use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for you.
Pro Tip: Do not reshuffle old passwords and make them new ones. Use fresh words and numerals, and change your passwords regularly.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This authentication requires a second verification step after you enter your password. This adds an extra layer of security to your website.

2FA plugins:

  • Plugins like Google Authentication or Two Factor Authentication can be used to protect your website further.

Verification methods:

  • The common methods you see every day, like SMS codes, email verifications, or app-based authenticators, are examples of strong verification methods.
Pro Tip: Using app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator will make your website more secure and guarantee a reliable 2FA experience.

3.   Keep WordPress and Plugins Updated

Other than installing plugins or having a strong password, your website must be updated and running without glitches in order for strong security. If you fall under that 31.3% of users still relying on older WordPress versions, you must immediately update your plugins, themes, and WordPress core before your website gets compromised one fine day.

Choosing auto-updates:

  • For regular and minor updates, go for automatic updates to save time and effort.

Manual Updating:

  •  For updates requiring complex processes or changing themes, manually ensure everything gets updated without technical issues.
Pro Tip: Before installing any major update, always back up your website in case something goes wrong with the newer version.

4.  Install a Security Plugin

Carefully choose the best security plugin for your website.

Recommended security plugins for your website:

  • Wordfence Security
  • Sucuri Security
  • iThemes Security

Features:

  • When selecting a plugin, look for plugins that give you features like malware scanning, firewall protection, and powerful login security.
Also Read: WordPress Plugins: Easy and Quick Tools to Convert Your Website into a Mobile App

5. Use SSL Certificates

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are reliable locks for your website. Have you looked at the padlock icon that appears with a website’s URL?  That padlock icon means the website is using SSL, meaning, between you and the website, no third person is watching you.

SSL Benefits for Your Website:

  • Encrypts data
  • Builds a sense of trust
  • Improves SEO rankings

How to Get SSL:

  • Many hosting providers will offer you free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.
Pro Tip: Once you have the SSL, check the padlock icon in the address bar.

6.  Regular Backups

Regular backups ensure that your data is protected and contained in other places in case your site crashes or is hacked.

Backup Plugins:

  • UpdraftPlus
  • BackWPup
  • VaultPress

Backup Frequency:

  • One important habit to acquire is keeping weekly backups of the site and checking them before making significant changes to the website.
Pro Tip: Store backups in multiple locations like the cloud or external hard drives.

Comparison Table: Key Security Measures

Security Measure Importance Recommended Tools/Plugins
Strong Passwords High Password managers
Two-Factor Authentication High Google Authenticator, Two-Factor Authentication
Regular Updates High Built-in WordPress update system
Security Plugins High Wordfence Security, Sucuri Security, iThemes Security
SSL Certificates High Let’s Encrypt, Hosting provider’s SSL service
Regular Backups High UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, VaultPress
Limit Login Attempts Medium Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Login LockDown
Change Admin Username Medium WordPress User Management
Disable File Editing Medium wp-config.php modification
Monitor User Activity Medium WP Activity Log, Simple History

Final Thoughts

By ensuring you follow diligently all the steps in this WordPress security checklist, you can protect your website and hard work against any potential threats. Remember, security is not a one-step thing but an ongoing process. Regularly reviewing and updating your security steps must happen in order to strengthen your website.

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