A Comprehensive Guide to Improving WordPress Website Security

A content management system (CMS) is a software application that helps users build, manage, and customize websites without having to write their own code.WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in the world, making it a high-value target for cyberattackers.

WordPress' own in-house team provides regular security updates and patches for newly discovered system vulnerabilities, but there are steps WordPress users can take to ensure that their sites are protected against known and emerging threats. Most of these steps fall into two categories: threat elimination and risk reduction.

How secure is WordPress?

Common WordPress Attacks

1. password-based attack: Brute-force password attempts are when an attacker repeatedly enters different user credentials (username and password combinations) on the login page, and are typically used to gain unauthorized access to a WordPress account. Other forms of password attacks include credential stuffing and dictionary attacks.
2. Cross-Site Scripting Attacks (XSS): XSS allows malicious code to be injected into WordPress websites. This is usually done through a WordPress plugin.
3. SQL Injection (SQLi): Sometimes referred to as database injection, SQLi attacks inject malicious code into WordPress websites via data entry fields such as contact forms.
4. DDoS attack: DDoS attacks can drive large amounts of unwanted traffic to a WordPress website, resulting in severe performance degradation or service interruption.

WordPress Vulnerability

1. Outdated WordPress Versions: WordPress regularly updates its core software to patch existing vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses against new threats. Older versions of WordPress do not have these protections and may still be vulnerable to attacks.
2. Third-party themes and plug-ins: Third-party WordPress themes and plugins offer a wide range of functionality, but may not always meet the latest security requirements. Therefore, installing them on your WordPress site poses a risk.
3. fig. under the counter (indirect way for influence or pressure): Once a WordPress account is cracked by an attacker, a backdoor (a covert method of bypassing security measures) can be created. A backdoor allows an attacker to repeatedly access a WordPress site or launch further attacks.
4. Weak user authentication: Not paying attention to password hygiene (creating strong passwords, changing passwords regularly, etc.) or not implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) increases the risk of cracking.
5. WordPress Default Settings: WordPress has a variety of default settings, so it's easy for an attacker to recognize common entry points (such as the /wp-login.php URL) and sensitive site information (such as the wp-config.php file).

WordPress Security Best Practices

There are several steps users can take to protect WordPress websites from common cyber threats and known vulnerabilities. These steps typically fall into the following categories:Site settings, active security features, user access, user rights and site security updatesThe

I. Protection of website settings

1. safe WordPress Hosting: The security of a WordPress website depends on its hosting provider (a third-party service that provides content on behalf of users). Hosts that can withstand sophisticated attacks, help scan for emerging vulnerabilities and threats, and provide disaster recovery resources should be chosen.
2. Change WordPress default login page URL and database prefix: These URLs (ending in /wp-login.php and /wp-admin, respectively) are enabled by default on all WordPress sites, making them easy for attackers to find. They can be renamed to help avoid brute force password cracking attempts and other targeted threats.
3. Move the wp-config.php fileThe : wp-config.php file contains the WordPress security key and other sensitive WordPress installation details. Unfortunately, it's also very easy to find. Moving this file above the WordPress root directory makes it difficult for attackers to find.
4. Install Secure WordPress Themes: Some WordPress themes have not been updated to support the latest version of WordPress or may not comply with existing WordPress security standards. As a result, they may be easier for attackers to exploit. Choose a theme that is included in the WordPress Themes directory, or verify it with the WordPress Theme Validator before installing.
5. Hide the version of WordPress being used: Many WordPress attacks exploit vulnerabilities specific to different versions of WordPress. By hiding which version of WordPress is being used, users can avoid these threats or make it difficult for attackers to find existing vulnerabilities on their site.

II. Installation of active safety features

1. Using SSL/TLS Certificates: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), also known as Transport Layer Security (TLS), is a security protocol that helps ensure the security and encryption of data transmitted over the Web.SSL certificates can be obtained from hosting providers or from third-party security services such as Cloudflare.

2. Installation of firewalls: The Web Application Firewall (WAF) sits on the front-end of a WordPress website and is used to filter and block unauthorized traffic. Installing a WAF helps prevent DoS and DDoS attacks from having a significant impact on your website's services.
3. Blocking HTTP requests using the XML-RPC protocol: XML-RPC is often used in large-scale network attacks or brute force attempts. XML-RPC functionality can be opted out of using plug-ins or firewall rules.
4. Preventing Hot Links: Hotlinking allows third parties to embed content from WordPress sites without having to host it themselves. When this happens repeatedly, it increases the bandwidth costs of the original host of the content.

III. Protection of user access

1. Enforcement of MFA: MFA requires users to provide an additional form of authentication before accessing a protected system or account, making it difficult for an attacker to break into a WordPress site even if they crack a legitimate user's username/password combination.
2. Limit the number of failed login attempts: Password attacks are more likely to succeed when an attacker tries to enter credentials on a login page without limit.
3. Automatic logout of inactive users: Some users may access their WordPress account from a public computer or develop other unsafe browsing habits. Automatically log out users after a set period of inactivity to reduce snooping and other unauthorized access.Third-party accessThe Opportunity.
4. Deleting inactive user accounts: Even if a user no longer accesses the WordPress site with their own account, their account and login credentials can be targeted by an attacker.

IV. Managing user rights

1. Restricting file and folder permissions: Users should not have administrator-level privileges unless absolutely necessary. Limit the functions that users can perform on your WordPress site to reduce the likelihood of unwanted data sharing and minimize the impact of vulnerabilities.
2. Prohibit editing of documents: The default file editor in WordPress allows users toEdit PHP files. If a WordPress account is cracked, this feature also allows an attacker to massivelyModify the code of the website file.
3. Monitor user activity: WordPress attacks can come from both external and internal sources. Log and review user activity on a regular basis to track any suspicious behavior (e.g. changing files, installing unauthorized plugins, etc.).

V. Updating WordPress security features

1. Update to the latest version of WordPress: WordPress is regularly updated to defend against known vulnerabilities. Check the notifications at the top of the WordPress dashboard, which alerts users when new versions are available. In the dashboard select "update"Check if Wordpress is the latest version.

2. Update WordPress Themes and Plugins: Every theme and plugin is a potential entry point for attackers. Just as older versions of WordPress can contain major vulnerabilities, attackers often use outdated themes and plugins against WordPress users. This can be seen in theinstrument panelsmaybeInstalled plug-insrightplug-in (software component)Make updates.
3. Conduct regular security scans: Usecrediblesecurity plug-ins, software or third-party services to automatically check for malware and other security risks.
4. Regular backup of website data: NurtureRegular backup of website dataIn case of an attack, the lost data can be restored through a recent website backup.

Summary:

By taking these steps, users can greatly improve the security of their WordPress website, protecting it from a wide range of cyber threats and known vulnerabilities. Maintaining website security not only safeguards the integrity of data, but also enhances user trust, thus helping the website achieve long-term stability.