WordPress is a straightforward and reliable way to create and manage websites, although it is not immune to cyber threats. Generally speaking, WordPress has a pretty good security system, but that’s only true if you have it all configured correctly. On the other hand, if you mishandle WordPress’s security tools or a hacker gains access to your website, you risk losing all the important data you’ve worked so hard for. To avoid that, here’s how to maximize your security on WordPress and avoid getting hacked or losing your website completely.
Update WordPress regularly
Updates are an important and often overlooked defense against cyber threats and attacks on your website. Updating your WordPress every time there is a new version available will ensure that you are getting optimal performance and maximum security.
With each update, the software becomes more resilient towards various kinds of attacks, minimizing the chances of losing your data or your entire website in the worst-case scenario. You can update your WordPress by going to the “Dashboard” and then the “Updates.” If your current version is not the same as the latest version of WordPress, update immediately to save yourself some cyber trouble.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication for WordPress
To avoid human errors and minimize the chances of an unauthorized person getting into your WP account, consider enabling a Two-Factor Authentication for your WP-Admin. This will add a layer of security to your website, as the person will need the unique code and the password to log in. Usually, you use your phone number or a third-party authenticator application to get the job done. It is just a small change in a daily log-in routine, but it can prevent many security threats often faced by WP websites.
Closely monitor user activity
Taking precautions is extremely important, but when it comes to cyber security, you can’t fully relax, ever. That is why even if you use all the safety tools and methods mentioned here, you still have to be on high alert and be ready to face an attacker if it comes to it.
The best and cheapest way to do that is to monitor user activity to detect all the suspicious actions across your website early on. If you do it regularly, you’ll be able to detect any security breaches early on before it is too late. There are quite a few options for monitoring activity on your website. You can use WordPress plugins such as WP Activity Log or Simple History.
Avoid logging into your WordPress through Public Wi-Fi
As a conscious web user, you should avoid using Public Wi-Fis altogether, but we know that it’s almost an impossible task. Life can often throw you into unpredictable circumstances, and you might be forced to use public Wi-Fi after all. If you can, avoid logging into your WP via public Wi-Fi because the public internet network is the opposite of secure, and you could be giving access to your website to someone without even knowing. If you must log in to your WP through public Wi-Fi, ensure that you use the best VPN to secure your connection and guarantee your website’s safety.
Don’t get fooled by flashy WP Themes
You may be tempted to get the once-premium themes for free or for a lower cost through the so-called “nulled themes.” But as good as that sounds, these themes usually come with plenty of security issues. When you see a nulled theme, it is often stolen and meant to be used as bait for naive WP users.
It may contain malicious code, malware, or even spam links meant to damage your website and compromise your account. Installing nulled themes on your WP can also open opportunities for other exploits, ruining your website forever. Instead of trying to save a quick buck by downloading a null theme, you might be endangering all your hard work. This is why it is always better to stick with trusted WP themes and leave the flashy deals for some other domain.
