
Building a WordPress website encompasses various tasks, from choosing a web and domain host to ensuring its security.
Like most online systems and websites, WordPress hosting NZ is vulnerable to several attacks, such as DDoS attacks, SQL injection attacks, data breaches etc.
Common reasons for these attacks include misconfigured WordPress Database, misconfigured CDN, insufficient monitoring of user activities and logins. While WordPress has several capabilities and features, it does not include built-in security features.
To ensure security for your WordPress website, you must take a few essential steps: let’s explore some security measures for your WordPress website.
WordPress Hosting Security Tips
1. Implement SSL Certificates
SSL (Secure Sockets Layers) certificates are a standard technology that ensures an encrypted connection between a web browser and a web server. This connection ensures all data transferred between the two remains intrinsic and private.
SSL certificates are an industry standard utilised by most websites to secure their online transactions with their customers, and getting one should be one of the first steps you take while WordPress hosting in New Zealand.
2. Use Strong Passwords
You must use strong passwords for all your logins to ensure the most secure WordPress hosting. It might be tempting to reuse or create an easy-to-remember or familiar password; however, doing so puts both your website and you at risk. Improving your password security and strength decreases your chances of getting hacked.
The stronger your passwords, the less likely you are to be a cyberattack victim. Ensure your password includes at least 16 characters, lower- and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
If you are unsure whether your password is strong enough, you can use free tools like Password Strength Checker to check its strength.
3. Install A Security Plugin
WordPress plugins are an excellent way to promptly add useful features to your site, and various great WordPress security plugins are available. Installing a WordPress security plugin can add a layer of protection to your site without much effort.
Some recommended WordPress security plugins include-
- All-In-One WP security & firewall
- Wordfence security- firewall & malware scan
- MalCare WordPress security
- Solid security
4. Keep WordPress Core Files Updated
There are millions of websites using WordPress. Because of its popularity, WordPress sites are often a target for data thieves, malware attacks and hackers. To maintain your website’s stability and security, you must always keep your WordPress installation up to date.
Whenever a WordPress website security issue is reported, the core teams begin working to release an update that resolves the issue. If you are not updating your WordPress site, you are most likely using a WordPress version with known vulnerabilities.
With the introduction of automatic updates, there is no excuse for using an outdated WordPress version. If you want an easier way to handle updates, consider opting for a managed WordPress hosting solution with built-in auto-updates.
5. Frequently Run Website Backups
One of the best ways to secure your WordPress website is to have the latest backup of your important files and website. The last thing you want is something going wrong with your website, and you do not have a backup.
Regularly backup your website to ensure that if something happens to it, you can quickly and easily restore the previous version of the site and quickly get it back up and running.
To Wrap It Up
If your website is not secure, you will be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Fortunately, securing a WordPress website does not require too much technical expertise as long as you have the right hosting plan and tools to fit your requirements.
Implement the WordPress security tips mentioned above to secure your website.