WordPress is one of the best and most popular Control Management Systems (CMS) in the world and it is open source. But, because it has open code, WordPress websites are attractive to hackers.On one side we have large number of designers and developers who are trying to make web prettier place, but there is the other side which is trying to spoil all of that efforts of the first side. Fact is that some companies completely base their business on the web, so security of their sites is very important.
Goal of this post is to present the best advices and suggestions for increasing WordPress security.It is important to mention that these measures doesn’t guarantee full protection of hacking attempts, mostly because 100% secured website doesn’t exist, but it will protect you from majority of attacks.These are some practical advices which should be applied.
CHOOSE RELIABLE HOSTING PROVIDER
Before start creating website project and planning online presentation, first step is choosing hosting provider. Search for hosting providers which offers good support and have high priority for security and have the best performances for your website.
REGULAR DATA BACKUP
Backup is the basic security measure which every website should practice, especially if it is dynamic CMS website. For WordPress you can use certain plugin for backup which works automatically, for instance one backup in week or you can make backup manually by directly accessing through hosting account.
For WordPress it is necessary to backup files which comes with installation and website database.
The most safely solution is to save all website data in the one computer in folder with name and date of backup.
REGULAR VERSION UPDATE
WordPress often releases new versions – don’t ignore this! It is very important that website is up-to-date with versions, plugins and themes which are updated to higher level of security, with new versions. WordPress will let you know if there are new updates, and you can easily apply them.
DELETE INACTIVE/OLD THEMES AND PLUGINS
WordPress themes and plugins which are installed but aren’t in use, may be potential security risk, in case if they aren’t updated, they could have security omissions which hackers can use.The best option is to delete all themes and plugins which aren’t in use, and keep just those which are needed.
DISABLE THEME/PLUGIN EDITOR
If happens that someone unwanted access admin page of the website, it is necessary to protect access to theme and plugins files, in that way you prevent them to add malicious code. For instance, hackers can make changes in template files or they can change security permissions without your knowledge. In this way you prevent attackers to make any changes to files.
CONCLUSION
Website security is often the last thing which is considered by site owners, but to make business more stable, this part should have much higher priority.