WordPress security and how to improve it
WordPress is a top-rated web content platform for small businesses. Un_Standard can’t recommend it enough for ease of use, functionality, and practicality. We’ve used WordPress many times before and highly recommend it to any small business trying to establish a web presence. The system is free, easy to use, and provides an immense number of features that would otherwise drive costs through the roof for many small businesses.
However, with popularity comes risk. We’ve learned (the hard way) that the WordPress platform is prone to attacks from ruthless hackers. It’s happened to us, so it’s crucial to take necessary precautions when using WordPress. The good folks over at WordPress HQ update their platform frequently to respond to known threats, but it’s nearly impossible to catch everyone. If you are using WordPress, then we here at Un_Standard can’t recommend enough that you take some simple steps to secure your site. If your website is critical to your business, then you should ensure that your site doesn’t have any downtime due to a hack. It’s a good idea to tighten your WordPress security settings and protect your hard work.
Benefits of WordPress
One of the great things about WordPress is that you can put up a professional site without knowing the first thing about coding and HTML. WordPress security is vulnerable to a particular hack where the hacker inserts malicious URL parameters to reveal sensitive database content, known as SQL injection attacks. Once a hacker has gotten inside, they can hijack your WordPress site and replace your content with spam or malware. Not good. One solution is to modify your site’s htaccess file, which controls how your hosting server behaves. This can prevent hacker’s parameter requests from succeeding.
Also, it is a good idea to steer clear of dodgy downloaded free WordPress themes from unreputable sources. Malicious actors will lace specific free WordPress themes with files that can include undetectable spam links to malware files. To stay safe, it’s recommended to only download files from sources that you know and trust. Paid themes generally have less of a security risk than free themes. But if you must use a free theme, then scan it with an anti-virus program before uploading.
From Idea to Growth
Most importantly, the first thing that you should do to protect your WordPress site is to change the default admin login. Hackers can use programs to crack password combinations at the admin level to access the control panel. Luckily, there are plugins that designers can load onto your WordPress site that block IP addresses that make multiple unsuccessful login attempts.
Numerous plugins are available for WordPress that we here at Un_Standard have found extremely valuable in safeguarding against malicious behavior. Wordfence is one of those plugins. Bulletproof Security is another that we have found to be helpful.
These small steps toward securing your WordPress site will drastically reduce the likelihood of getting hacked.
Conclusion
Un_Standard has a full range of solutions for businesses of all sizes to improve sales, increase customer satisfaction and get ahead of the competition. If you’d like to find out more, schedule a no-obligation 15-minute chat, click the following link and we’ll gladly show how we can make your business un-standard.About the author
David Garrard
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David Garrard
Agent Provocateur and Chief Creative Officer at Hone Ventures and Un_Standard. We create strategies for businesses of all sizes that improve customer relationships and help businesses grow. In his spare time, he loves experimenting in the kitchen and chasing after his three cats, Hallie Tosis, Lester Een, and Jim G. Vitis.
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