As the most dominant content management system (CMS) on the internet, WordPress is appealing to hackers, putting your website at risk. Securing your WordPress website is vitally important. Not only can you lose your entire site, but if you’ve been hacked, Google can deter visitors from visiting it as well. The developers behind WordPress know this and that’s part of the reason they roll out regular updates — to fix vulnerabilities. However, there are also additional steps you can take to protect a small business website.
Below we’ll cover additional steps to protect your website.
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Hire the Best Web Hosting Company
The first step you can take in securing your website is to ensure you pick a web hosting company that’s as committed to your site security as you are. A good host will have several security barriers in place to fend off intrusion, preventing your site from being wiped out or your domain hijacked. InMotion Hosting is invested in both hardware and software resources, making upgrades, updates and backups regularly, as well as offering users 24/7 Live Support.
Don’t Skimp on Your Theme
Skip the jailbroken null theme and pick a premium theme. A premium theme typically has some security features built into the code. Not only that, when you pay for a premium theme, you also get the updates as they’re rolled out, which can include critical patches for security holes. A nulled theme doesn’t get these updates, and what’s more, it may have malicious code included, risking your secure WordPress website and content.
Use a Security Plugin
WordPress security plugins, such as WP Cerber and Wordfence, help you manage the day-to-day monitoring of your small business website for security purposes. While it isn’t a complete substitute for your attention and awareness, it is a useful tool, alerting you as soon as a problem like malware is detected. A critical aspect of using a security plugin — or any plugin — is making sure it’s kept up-to-date as new versions are released.
Tighten Up Your Website Login Procedures
Consider changing the default log-in URL manually, or with a security plugin, that’s established with every WordPress installation to something else. This will help cut down on the chance that a brute force attack on your website will be successful. In addition, WordPress gives users the option of limiting the number of log-in attempts to their small business website through the settings screen, which can also help lock out hacking attempts. Requiring two-factor authentication can also ensure only those authorized to log in can do so. And don’t forget to use good username and password habits; change the given “admin” username to something else and pick a strong password, changing it regularly.
Make Site Backups a Part of Your Routine
Despite the best security planning, hackers may at some point get the best of your site or your hosting company. If it ever happens to you, you’ll be glad you have a current copy of your website backed up instead of having to start from scratch with the design and content changes you’ve made over time. While WordPress is a secure and well-supported platform for building your small business website, it’s a good idea to supplement those efforts through action. From choosing InMotion Hosting to buying premium themes to restricting user access, there are concrete steps you can take to minimize your risk and secure your WordPress website. Call us today today to discuss your website security needs.
