One of the most popular website publishing programs people use is WordPress, a well-structured, web-based content management system.
When it comes to content and publishing on the Internet, security needs to be a priority.
There are many people, unfortunately, who try to hack websites for fun, or to simply give others a hard time. There are some simple WordPress security tips that users need to be aware of, and when practiced, can provide peace of mind.
1. Stay Updated
It is important for WordPress users to stay updated. This means that whenever WordPress issues software, plugin, and theme updates, they need to be loaded onto the various technological devices used. Whenever threats are discovered, users need to update their codes.
This is especially true for certain plugins and themes. When WordPress issues version updates, it is wise for users to download them sooner than later.
2. Periodically Change the Password
Like any other secure website, it is always a good idea to constantly change the strong password each time. A strong password contains upper and lower case letters in addition to numbers and other characters.
It is recommended by experts that passwords get changed at least twice a year to keep WordPress security tight.
3. Install WordPress Security Plugins
A variety of WordPress security plugins are available for users to download. They help scan computers for backdoors, malware, and other infections. Periodically scanning the website for viruses and the like can help websites stay clean and function more efficiently. Some recommended WordPress security plugins include:
4. Change the Default Database Prefix
The default table prefix in WordPress is “wp_”. It is an obvious prefix that hackers know and can find easily. To prevent hackers from easily identifying WordPress users, the prefix should be changed to anything else but the default.
For users managing multiple WordPress sites, it is suggested that a small combination of letters is used for each website, keeping the database organized.
5. Don’t Be Too Trusting
Some people spend hours looking around on the Internet for that “just right” theme or plugin for their website. It is fun to be creative and let imaginations run wild. Unfortunately, not every WordPress theme or plugin is safe to download.
Often times, people will conduct general searches on Google using “free WordPress themes” as their search phrase. When this happens, random websites pop up offering free themes. If the user is not careful, they could download one with a malicious code or virus.
To be on the safe side, it is a good idea for WordPress users to heighten their security measures and download plugins and themes from well-known sites. Starting on the official WordPress site or browsing Smashing Magazine might be safer places to search.
6. Change the Username
By default, the WordPress username is “admin.” Hackers are very aware of this, making it easier to worm their way into the system.
When WordPress users tighten their security measures and change their username from “admin” to something else, it lessens the chance of hackers guessing the username and password combination. The more hackers have to figure out, the more secure a WordPress website is for users.
7. Back Up
The best thing for users to do when it comes to security is to backup the website often. Aside from easy website content retrieval in case anything bad happens, it is also less stressful to know that everything is backed up. WordPress has many plugins that can be installed to help with the backup process.
With WordPress being a commonly used software for website publishing and content management, users need to be aware of security. Hackers are very familiar with the way the software works, making it easier for them to get into the system and fool around. Being aware of WordPress security and acting on the suggestions can help users better manage their content and grow their businesses.
Have any additional tips that everyone should know about?
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