How to secure your Wordpress site

Mar 16, 2025

Mar 16, 2025

11 Minutes

11 Minutes

1. Server-Level Security Tips

With Plugin:

Use All In One WP Security & Firewall to set file permissions, block malicious IPs, and enable firewalls.

Without Plugin:

Set file permissions manually:

-Files: 644

– Directories: 755

Add the following .htaccess rule to restrict access to sensitive files:

<files wp-config.php>
    order allow,deny
    deny from all
</files>


2. Protect Your Login Area

With Plugin:

-Use WPS Hide Login to change your default login URL.

-Install Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to block repeated failed login attempts.

Without Plugin:

-Change your login URL manually by editing .htaccess or server settings.

-Limit login attempts using tools like fail2ban or custom server rules.


3. Database and File Security

a) Change the Default Table Prefix
With Plugin:

-Use WP-Optimize to safely update the default table prefix (wp_).

Without Plugin:

-During installation, set a custom prefix.

-For existing sites, update the $table_prefix value in wp-config.php and rename tables in the database. Example:

b) Secure wp-config.php
With Plugin:
-Use iThemes Security to restrict access to wp-config.php.
Without Plugin:
-Move wp-config.php above your web root directory.
-Add this .htaccess rule:
<files wp-config.php>
    order allow,deny
    deny from all
</files>

4. User Management Practices
a) Use Strong Admin Passwords
With Plugin:
-Enforce password strength with Wordfence Security.
Without Plugin:
-Use password managers like LastPass or Bitwarden to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
b) Assign Proper Roles
With Plugin:
-Install User Role Editor to manage user permissions.
Without Plugin:
-Regularly review and assign appropriate user roles via the WordPress admin dashboard to limit unnecessary access.

5. Monitoring and Backups
a) Implement Cron Jobs for Monitoring
With Plugin:
-Install Activity Log to track changes, failed logins, and suspicious activities.
Without Plugin:
-Set up cron jobs to monitor file changes or login attempts. Example:
b) Perform Regular Backups
With Plugin:
-Automate backups with UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
Without Plugin:
-Use cPanel or cron jobs to schedule database and file backups. Example for database backup:bash
-Store backups securely on a remote server or cloud storage.

6. Secure Your Hosting Environment
Your hosting environment is the foundation of your WordPress site’s security. Poor hosting practices can expose your website to unnecessary risks.
a) Choose a Secure Hosting Provider
A secure hosting provider offers advanced server-side security measures to protect your WordPress site from vulnerabilities.
-Look for hosting providers with features like:
–Server firewalls: Prevent malicious traffic.
–DDoS protection: Mitigate attacks that overload your server.
–Daily backups: Ensure you can restore your site quickly if needed.
–Malware scanning and removal: Proactively detect threats.
Recommended hosting providers: Kinsta, SiteGround, or WP Engine.
b) Keep Server Software Updated
If you’re using a VPS or dedicated server, make sure the server software (e.g., PHP, MySQL) is updated regularly. This reduces vulnerabilities from outdated components.

7. Use HTTPS with an SSL Certificate
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts the data between your website and its users, protecting sensitive information such as login credentials and personal details.
a) Why SSL is Essential
-Prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive information.
-Boosts trust with users by displaying a padlock in the browser address bar.
-Improves your SEO rankings, as search engines prioritize HTTPS websites.
b) How to Set Up SSL
Step 1: Obtain an SSL Certificate
-Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.
-Premium SSL certificates are available for advanced features like wildcard or extended validation.
Step 2: Activate SSL in WordPress
-Update the WordPress and Site URL under Settings > General to https://.
-Force HTTPS on your site:
With Plugin: Use Really Simple SSL to handle HTTPS redirection automatically.
Without Plugin: Add the following rule to your .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
c) Verify HTTPS Implementation
After enabling HTTPS:
-Check your site in a browser to ensure the padlock icon appears.
-Use tools like Why No Padlock to identify and fix mixed content issues.

Conclusion
Securing your WordPress site is a proactive step toward protecting your business and its users. Whether you choose plugins for simplicity or manual methods for precision, implementing these strategies will strengthen your site against potential threats.
Not sure where to start? Let the experts at Beffect Digital Solutions Agency handle it for you. We specialize in WordPress security, optimization, and custom development to keep your site safe and performing at its best.
Contact us today and take the first step toward a secure and optimized WordPress site!
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