Security

15 tips to stay safe on the web.

Protect Your Files and Databases

1. Change Database Prefix: Before installing WordPress, alter the default database prefix (wp_) in the wp-config.php file to something unique. This helps prevent SQL injection attacks.

2. Use Authentication Keys: Generate and set unique authentication keys in your wp-config.php file. These keys encrypt user sessions and cookies, adding an additional layer of security.

3. File Permissions: Ensure that files and directories have appropriate permissions. Typically, directories should have permissions set to 755 and files to 644 to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Block PHP Execution in Specific Directories: Disable PHP execution in directories like wp-content/uploads by adding a .htaccess file with the appropriate code. This reduces the risk of malicious scripts being executed.

5. Disable File Editing: Add define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true ); to wp-config.php to prevent file editing from the WordPress admin, reducing the risk of unauthorized code changes.

Secure Your Login and Sessions

1. Force HTTPS: Implement HTTPS across your site by installing an SSL certificate and updating your site URLs. Add define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true); and define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true); in wp-config.php to ensure all login and admin sessions are secure.

2. Limit Login Attempts: Use a plugin to limit login attempts, preventing brute-force attacks. This can block an IP address after a set number of failed login attempts.

3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all admin accounts to add an extra layer of security, requiring a second verification step in addition to the password.

4. Change Admin URL: Customize the URL of your WordPress login page from the default /wp-admin to something unique to deter automated attacks.

5. Implement Security Headers: Add security headers such as X-Frame-Options, X-XSS-Protection, and Content-Security-Policy in your .htaccess file to protect against common web vulnerabilities like XSS and clickjacking.

Maintain a Secure WordPress Installation

1. Regularly Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins: Always keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.

2. Perform Regular Security Scans: Use plugins or external tools to regularly scan your site for malware and vulnerabilities, ensuring any potential threats are identified and dealt with promptly.

3. Hide WordPress Version Information: Remove WordPress version details from your site’s HTML code to prevent attackers from exploiting version-specific vulnerabilities.

4. Delete Unnecessary Files: Remove files like readme.html and license.txt from your root directory as they can provide information to attackers about your WordPress version.

5. Choose Reputable Plugins and Themes: Only download and install plugins and themes from reputable sources, and always check reviews and update history to ensure they are secure and well-maintained.