How to Protect Your WordPress Website: Top Security Tips

When dealing with website security for a WordPress website there are a few simple steps you can take to help protect your website. They are so simple that they are overlooked most of the time and people do not even realize they are leaving open holes for security risks. Let’s dive into what the Top 6 Security Points are that help protect your website.

Modify Database Table Prefix for Enhanced Security

Enhancing security begins with changing the default database table prefix from ‘wp_’ to something unique, which can be done in both the wp_config.php file and on your MySQL server. This simple step makes it significantly harder for malicious actors to identify your database table names, fortifying your website’s defenses.

Disable Unnecessary REST API Feed Endpoints

By disabling specific REST API Feed Endpoints like wp-json/v2/users, you can thwart automated bots from harvesting critical login information through usernames. Identifying and blocking or deactivating these endpoints can be a proactive measure to protect your website from potential threats.

Restrict File Edits for Backend Security

Strengthen your backend security by prohibiting file edits through the wp-admin interface. This can be achieved by setting ‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’ in the wp_config.php file. This precautionary step prevents hackers from inserting malicious code that could compromise your website or compromise sensitive data. Moreover, our hosting platform employs a read-only filesystem, providing long-term protection not only for WordPress files but the entire file structure.

Enhance Security with FTP Plugin Installation/Updates

Ensure that plugin and theme installations or updates occur exclusively via FTP/FTPS. This practice mitigates potential security vulnerabilities that could be exploited if your admin login credentials were compromised. With Platform.sh’s read-only filesystem, such security risks are further minimized, enhancing your website’s overall security posture.

Leverage Protective Scanning and Patching

Our hosting services incorporate a protective scanning mechanism. When code is deployed to your website, it undergoes thorough vulnerability scanning. If critical vulnerabilities are detected within your website’s codebase, we promptly rectify and redeploy the code. This stringent process ensures that any security issues are addressed promptly, maintaining the integrity of your website.

Enforce HTTPS for a Secure Website Connection

Make it mandatory for HTTPS to be the exclusive protocol used for accessing your website. Implementing an SSL certificate on your web server is akin to sealing a letter in an envelope before sending it via postal services. At Platform.sh, we leverage Let’s Encrypt, a trusted SSL certificate provider, to seamlessly and cost-effectively integrate this critical security feature into our site hosting services. This not only safeguards your website but also enhances its SEO performance.

By implementing these proactive security measures, you can confidently protect your WordPress website while addressing the vital question of “How can I protect my WordPress website?”