How to Improve WordPress Security?

Wordpdpress

Improving WordPress security is essential to protect your website from hackers, malware, and other threats. Here are some key steps to enhance WordPress security:

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes & Plugins Updated

  • Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch vulnerabilities.

  • Enable automatic updates for minor releases (define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor'); in wp-config.php).

2. Use Strong Login Credentials

  • Use unique usernames (avoid “admin” as the username).

  • Enforce strong passwords (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) (use plugins like Google Authenticator, Wordfence, or Duo).

3. Limit Login Attempts

  • Use plugins like Login LockDown, Wordfence, or iThemes Security to block brute-force attacks.

4. Change the Default Login URL

  • Use WPS Hide Login or iThemes Security to change /wp-admin/ to a custom path.

5. Secure Your wp-config.php File

  • Move wp-config.php to a higher directory (if possible).

  • Set permissions to 640 or 440.

  • Add this to .htaccess to block access:

    apache
  • <Files wp-config.php>
  Order Allow,Deny
  Deny from all
</Files>

6. Disable File Editing in WordPress Dashboard

  • Add this to wp-config.php:

    php
  • define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

7. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

  • Cloudflare (free tier available) or Sucuri Firewall can block malicious traffic before it reaches your site.

8. Disable XML-RPC (If Not Needed)

  • XML-RPC can be exploited for brute-force attacks. Disable it via .htaccess:

    apache
  • <Files xmlrpc.php>
  Order Deny,Allow
  Deny from all
</Files>

  • Or use a plugin like Disable XML-RPC.

9. Secure .htaccess & wp-admin Directory

  • Password-protect wp-admin (via cPanel or .htaccess).

  • Restrict access to wp-admin by IP (if you have a static IP):

    apache
  • <Files wp-login.php>
  Order Deny,Allow
  Deny from all
  Allow from YOUR.IP.ADDRESS
</Files>

10. Disable Directory Indexing

  • Add this to .htaccess:

    apache
  • Options -Indexes

11. Use HTTPS (SSL/TLS)

  • Install an SSL certificate (free via Let’s Encrypt).

  • Force HTTPS by adding this to wp-config.php:

    php
  • define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);

  • Update site URL to https:// in Settings > General.

12. Regular Backups

  • Use UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or Jetpack for automated backups.

  • Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

13. Disable PHP Execution in Uploads Folder

  • Add this to .htaccess inside /wp-content/uploads/:

    apache
  • <Files *.php>
  Deny from all
</Files>

14. Monitor & Scan for Malware

  • Use Wordfence, MalCare, or Sucuri for security scans.

  • Check for unauthorized file changes.

15. Change Database Prefix

  • During installation, change wp_ to something unique (e.g., myprefix_).

  • For existing sites, use plugins like iThemes Security or manually update the prefix.

16. Disable Unused Features

  • Disable REST API if unused (via plugin or code).

  • Disable pingbacks & trackbacks (Settings > Discussion).

17. Use a Secure Hosting Provider

  • Choose hosts with WordPress-specific security (e.g., Kinsta, WP Engine, SiteGround).

18. Hide WordPress Version

  • Remove version info by adding this to functions.php:

    php
  • remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

19. Disable Hotlinking

  • Prevent others from stealing bandwidth by adding to .htaccess:

    apache
  • RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^$
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^https://(www\.)?yourdomain.com [NC]
RewriteRule \.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif)$ - [NC,F,L]

20. Implement Security Headers

  • Add these to .htaccess or server config:

    apache
  • Header set X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff"
Header set X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN"
Header set X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block"

Final Tip: Stay Informed

  • Follow WordPress security blogs (Wordfence, Sucuri, WP WhiteSecurity).

 

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
🔒 WORDPRESS SECURITY CHECKLIST 🔒
20 Essential Steps to Protect Your Website from Hackers
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

✅ LOGIN SECURITY 🛡️ CORE HARDENING 🚫 BLOCK ATTACKS
——————————– —————————— ——————————
• Use 2FA & Strong Passwords • Update WP + Plugins • Enable Firewall (Cloudflare)
• Limit Login Attempts • Disable File Editing • Disable XML-RPC
• Rename /wp-admin/ URL • Secure wp-config.php • Hide WP Version
• Disable “admin” username • Set correct file permissions • Restrict WP-REST API

🔍 MONITORING 🔐 ADVANCED TWEAKS 🚨 EMERGENCY FIXES
——————————– —————————— ——————————
• Scan for Malware (Wordfence) • Change Database Prefix • Backup Before Changes
• Regular Backups (UpdraftPlus) • Force HTTPS (SSL) • .htaccess Lockdown
• Disable Directory Indexing • Disable PHP in /uploads/ • Monitor File Changes

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks on your WordPress site.

 

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