When choosing a platform to build a website, the question ‘will my site be secure’ is common. In terms of WordPress, the short answer is yes. The platform is known for good security and the tech team behind WordPress has done a lot of work to ensure your site will be safe.
However, it is ultimately up to you to ensure the continuing safety of your website. WordPress is a popular platform with thousands of users, making it a prime target for hackers. Luckily, there are ways that you can ensure your site’s safety.
CREATE STRONG PASSWORDS
One of the easiest ways to protect your site is to create a strong password. Common passwords have a word or phrase followed by a succession of numbers. Stray away from names, places and dictionary words when forming your password. Hackers can crack easy passwords by running a dictionary through with a combination of numbers. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols is ideal; meaning simply choose memorable words and replace some letters with numbers or symbols.
KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE
Software teams are always finding new vulnerabilities with plug-ins and software that you are currently using. This is why it is important to keep all of your programs up to date – I know your smartphone or tablet might update apps automatically, but your website won’t, so be careful! You want to continuously check for software updates to ensure you have the newest fixes to any vulnerabilities that may have been found.
INSTALL SECURITY PLUG-INS
Security plug-ins are software that you purchase for your website to monitor and protect you from vulnerabilities. When a vulnerability is found in a program there is a window of time between when the weak point is discovered to when it is fixed. In that window you are susceptible to attacks. Security plug-ins have firewalls that can be initialized at the moment of discover to protect your site from any attacks in the window of vulnerability. One such program is called WordFence, which we highly recommend to protect your site.
KEEP YOUR SITE CLEAN
The more plug-ins and themes and programs you use on your site, the more that can be attacked. When possible, clean up your website to make sure there is less room for error. For example, if you have multiple admin accounts, which aren’t all being used, delete the ones you don’t need. If you have applications that no longer have a purpose to your site, get rid of them. The more cluttered your website is, the more prone to attack it will be.
IT’S UP TO YOU
WordPress is a secure site, but it is still prone to attacks. In the past there have been security breaches that have made users question it’s ability to protect their site – but ultimately your website’s protection is in your hands. Any platform is susceptible to attacks and all software have vulnerabilities. But if you use the above precautions to ensure your website is as secure as possible, you will decrease the chance of your site being a target. The power of security is in your hands! If you would like to learn more about site security, or if you want a consultation on your site, give us a call or send us a message below. It’s never too late to make sure your website is secure.
