Beef Up Your WordPress Security in 3 Simple Steps

WordPress is single-handedly powering around one-third of all websites on the internet. As mindblowing as that figure is, it's not that hard to see why.

At its core, WordPress is one of the most simplest and effortless content management platforms out there. Anyone with the most basic technical know-how and the ability to run some searches online can get a website up and running in a single evening.

Unfortunately, being such a popular platform also makes it an obvious target for unscrupulous characters. With many website owners never changing the default settings, a single bug or security loophole in WordPress can expose millions of websites.

Luckily, you can protect your brand by applying some quick and easy changes. These security tips are so simple that you can implement them today without so much as breaking a sweat.

Let's jump right in!

1. Bolster Your Login

Let's start with the obvious. You need to upgrade your password to a mix of alphabets, numbers, and special characters. This should be a unique combination that you're not using on any other website.

Once your password is hard to predict, you should look into limiting the number of login attempts. The more chances someone has, the more likely they are to brute force their way into your WordPress admin dashboard. We recommend setting a limit of 3 consecutive failed attempts before the system locks the user from trying again—for a few hours, at least.

Lastly, you should set up two-factor authorization. Yes, we're talking about the code you get through an SMS or call when you try to log into your bank account or any other sensitive account with this feature enabled. For WordPress, you can install any of the popular plugins to set up 2FA.

Our recommendation is to go for a plugin that supports Google Authenticator instead of paying for SMS. That's because not only is it free, but it's also more secure. Talk about a double kill!

2. Clean Up Your Repertoire of Installations

Between plugins and themes, you probably have an entire army of third-party installations sitting on your server. While these add-ons are what makes WordPress so powerful and appealing, they are also a major security risk.

Poorly-coded plugins and themes can expose your website to a variety of attacks. These include the installation of crypto miners, password sniffers, and even malware packages that will infect the computers of your beloved audience.

That's why you should only use the most popular packages with lots and lots of reviews. Better yet, you should avoid installing anything that's not an absolute necessity. Minimalism in this regard will go a long way.

3. Install Latest Updates

From your plugins and themes to your WordPress installation itself, everything should be updated to the latest edition.

Despite best efforts, security issues are always a possibility. That's why good developers relentlessly monitor for any loopholes and patch them as soon as possible. However, for your website to benefit from these patches, you must update to the latest version.

Conclusion

From your chosen password and login limitations to the installed add-ons and installing updates, the fate of your website rests in your hands.

At the same time, there's a major third party whose choices can affect you in many ways, including the security of your website. Yes, we're talking about your hosting provider.

The right host will keep all systems updated, including all the layers of underlying systems like scripting engine, hosting software, operating system, and more.

At WinkHosting, we offer all that and much more to keep your website safe, secure, and running at all times. Our team of technology and security experts is always exploring new avenues to enhance your website's defenses and elevate your customers' experience.

To experience the WinkHosting difference for yourself, be sure to check our Wordpress Hosting today.