WordPress Security is a key issue for all WordPress website operators. As the world's most widely used content management system (CMS), with a Market share of over 43% (as of October 2024), WordPress offers numerous functions that combine flexibility and user-friendliness. However, this popularity also makes it a popular target for hacker attacks. Comprehensively securing your WordPress website not only protects your data, but also that of your visitors.
In this article, you will learn how to secure your WordPress website step by step. We also explain how a managed WordPress hosting helps you to comply with the highest security standards without the need for programming skills or to be an IT security expert.
1. why is WordPress Security so important?
Every day, thousands of WordPress websites fall victim to hacker attacks. These attacks range from simple brute force attacks, in which passwords are guessed, to complex exploits that take advantage of security gaps in themes or plugins. A successful attack can not only mean data loss, but also long-term damage such as the loss of visitor numbers or the de-listing of your site in search engines. The security of your WordPress instance is therefore crucial to ward off such attacks.
You can find more information in the official WordPress documentation on security.
2. the most common security vulnerabilities in WordPress
Before we look at the WordPress Security measures, let's take a brief look at the most common security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit:
- Outdated WordPress versions: WordPress regularly publishes security updates. Websites that do not install these are vulnerable to known exploits.
- Insecure plugins and themes: Non-maintained or poorly programmed extensions provide a gateway for hackers. These gaps pose a major risk for your WordPress website.
- Weak passwords: Brute force attacks use automated tools to guess common passwords.
- Missing SSL encryption: Without SSL, data transmissions between your visitor and the website are unencrypted and therefore easy to intercept. If you run a WooCommerce store, for example, attackers could intercept your customers' credit card details.
- Lack of protection against malware and backdoors: Once infected, websites can be provided with hidden backdoors through which attackers gain permanent access.
3. basic measures to safeguard your WordPress website
Protecting your WordPress website starts with a few basic measures that every website operator should implement immediately. The following measures offer you solid basic protection:
3.1 Always keep WordPress, themes and plugins up to date
Regular updates are the first and most important step in keeping your site secure. A secure WordPress website requires constant updates to close new security gaps. The WordPress maintenance Your website should therefore always come first.
3.2 Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Use complex passwords consisting of a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters and at least 8 characters. With two-factor authentication (2FA), you add an additional layer of security to your WordPress security. You can find out how to activate 2FA on your WordPress website in this article at 5 WordPress security plugins: The best tools for security.
3.3 Install an SSL certificate
SSL encryption protects the communication between your server and the visitors to your site. Managed WordPress hosting providers like WPspace offer free SSL certificates as standard, which is an important component of WordPress security.
3.4 Change the default login path
Many attackers target the default login URL (yourwebsite.com/wp-admin or yourwebsite.com/wp-login) of WordPress directly. To improve your WordPress security, you should change this URL. Plugins like WPS Hide Login facilitate this.
4. extended WordPress Security Measures
In addition to the basic measures, there are advanced approaches to further improve your WordPress security.
4.1 Limit the number of login attempts
Another important measure for your WordPress security: Brute force attacks aim to crack the password through constant attempts. Limit the number of login attempts allowed to prevent this type of attack. Most WordPress security plugins and managed WordPress hosting providers offer this function as standard.
4.2 Use a web application firewall (WAF)
A WAF monitors data traffic and blocks suspicious requests before they reach your website. Tools like Sucuri or Wordfence and hosting providers such as WPspace offer comprehensive WordPress security solutions in this area.
4.3 Rely on regular backups
Should a successful attack occur despite all WordPress security measures, regular backups are often the last resort. WPspace offers daily automatic backups for all customers.
4.4 Scan regularly for malware
A regular malware scan is essential for maintaining WordPress security. Plugins like Wordfence or MalCare perform automated scans and notify you if problems occur.
5. WordPress Security Plugins: The best tools for protection
There are numerous plugins that help you to optimize your WordPress Security to improve. Here are some of the best:
- Ninja Firewall: Probably the best plugin to protect your WordPress website from hacking attacks, malware and brute force attacks.
- Wordfence SecurityOne of the most comprehensive solutions with firewall, malware scanner and protection against brute force attacks.
- iThemes SecurityOffers over 30 security measures, including two-factor authentication and security protocols.
- Sucuri Security: A free plugin with malware scan, firewall and security monitoring.
- All In One WP Security & FirewallA user-friendly plugin with protection against brute force attacks, login attempts and much more.
But beware: Security plugins can massively reduce the loading time of your website, as they are usually very resource-hungry. When choosing your WordPress hosting tariff so make sure you book a sufficiently powerful service. Or you can go straight for managed WordPress hosting, which already has all security measures integrated at server level as standard. This usually makes special WordPress security plugins obsolete.
6. how the WordPress Security at WPspace
WPspace attaches great importance to the WordPress security of its customer websites and offers comprehensive security solutions that go beyond the standard measures.
6.1 Automated updates and patching
With WPspace WordPress security updates as well as updates for plugins and themes can be installed automatically. This ensures that our customers always use the most secure and up-to-date version of their software. In addition, you can use the regular WordPress maintenance book. This puts full operational responsibility in the safe hands of the WordPress experts at WPspace.
6.2 Daily backups
WPspace creates automatic backups of your website daily and completely free of charge. These are stored in a secure, external location and can be restored quickly in an emergency. This is an essential part of WordPress security at WPspace. Incidentally, you can save yourself a backup plugin. 😁👍 WordPress Backup Plugin save. 😁👍
6.3 Web Application Firewall (WAF) and DDoS protection
Our WAF blocks potentially dangerous traffic before it even reaches your website. We also offer comprehensive DDoS protection to ensure the security of your website.
6.4 Security scans and malware removal
WPspace carries out regular security scans to detect malware or other threats at an early stage. This sustainably improves the WordPress Security your website.
6.5 SSL certificates for all websites
All WordPress websites operated by WPspace are equipped with a free SSL certificate as standard. This makes a decisive contribution to WordPress security by encrypting communication between the server and visitors.
7. conclusion: protect your WordPress Security sustainable
A robust WordPress Security is crucial to protect your website from attacks. With the measures described and the advanced security solutions from WPspace you are optimally protected. Invest in the security of your website so that you can focus on the success and growth of your content.
