How to Secure Your WordPress Site from Common Threats

Essential Security Measures for WordPress

1. Basic Security Setup

Strong Authentication

• Use complex passwords with mixed characters
• Change the default 'admin' username
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Limit login attempts

Recommended plugin: Wordfence Security

• Offers firewall protection
• Malware scanning
• Login security features

File Permissions

Set correct file permissions:

// WordPress files: 644
// WordPress folders: 755
// wp-config.php: 600
// .htaccess: 644

2. Keep Everything Updated

• WordPress core
• Themes
• Plugins
• PHP version

Auto-update configuration in wp-config.php:

define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);
define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', false);

3. Secure WordPress Configuration

Hide WordPress Version

Add this to functions.php:

function remove_version_info() {
    return '';
}
add_filter('the_generator', 'remove_version_info');

Disable XML-RPC

Add to .htaccess:

# Disable XML-RPC
<Files xmlrpc.php>
    order deny,allow
    deny from all
</Files>

Disable File Editing

Add to wp-config.php:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

4. Database Security

• Use strong database prefix (not wp_)
• Regular backups
• Secure database credentials

Recommended plugin: UpdraftPlus

• Automated backups
• Cloud storage integration
• Easy restoration

5. SSL Implementation

• Install SSL certificate
• Force HTTPS

Add to wp-config.php:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);

6. Firewall and Security Headers

Security Headers

Add to .htaccess:

<IfModule mod_headers.c>
    Header set X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block"
    Header set X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN"
    Header set X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff"
    Header set Referrer-Policy "strict-origin-when-cross-origin"
</IfModule>

7. Regular Maintenance

• Monitor security logs
• Scan for malware regularly
• Remove unused themes/plugins
• Regular security audits

Recommended plugin: Sucuri Security

• Activity monitoring
• Security scanning
• File integrity monitoring

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Using nulled themes/plugins
2. Neglecting updates
3. Weak passwords
4. Unnecessary plugins
5. Unsecured file permissions

Additional Security Tips

1. Move wp-config.php above root
2. Restrict access to wp-admin
3. Use security keys

Generate new security keys:

define('AUTH_KEY',         'unique-phrase-here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY',  'unique-phrase-here');
define('LOGGED_IN_KEY',    'unique-phrase-here');
define('NONCE_KEY',        'unique-phrase-here');
define('AUTH_SALT',        'unique-phrase-here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_SALT', 'unique-phrase-here');
define('LOGGED_IN_SALT',   'unique-phrase-here');
define('NONCE_SALT',       'unique-phrase-here');

Remember to:

• Regularly test security measures
• Keep backup copies offsite
• Document security procedures
• Monitor site activity regularly

These measures create multiple layers of security, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise your WordPress site.