WordPress powers over 40% of the web, which makes it a constant target for automated attacks. The good news is that the vast majority of hacks exploit a few avoidable weaknesses. Lock these down and your site becomes a far harder target.
Secure your logins
Most break-ins start at the login page. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and never use “admin” as a username. Limiting login attempts stops brute-force bots cold.
Keep everything updated
Outdated plugins and themes are the number-one source of vulnerabilities. Update promptly, remove anything you are not using, and only install from trusted sources.
- Firewall — block malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
- SSL — encrypt data between your site and visitors.
- Backups — automated, off-site, and tested regularly.
Security is not a product you buy once — it is a routine you maintain.
Always have a backup
Even with perfect defenses, things can go wrong. A recent, off-site backup turns a catastrophe into a minor inconvenience. I set up automated daily backups on every client site, and so should you.