3 ways to boost WordPress security

WordPress powers nearly 43% of all websites, and it’s not hard to figure out why they dominate the CMS market. Highly customizable while still accessible to web dev beginners with its numerous easy-to-install themes, plugins, and widgets, WordPress has something for everyone who wants to get online. But what about web security? How do you make sure your site is as protected as can be? Fortunately, WordPress makes it easy, but here are three-pointers to get you started. 

1. Purchase SSL certificate

WordPress-powered sites, much like all websites, need an SSL certificate. A small digital certificate you install on your site’s server, SSL encrypts the connection between your site and anyone trying to visit it on a web browser. This means that nobody can eavesdrop on communications to your website. This protects users from all kinds of hacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks and identity theft. Website encryption is doubly important if your site has login pages, forms, or purchases. Plus, SSL is basically a requirement for web browsers and search engines these days, so if you want your site to work in browsers and rank well in SERPs, an SSL is essential.

2. Get an all-inclusive security plug-in

There are a lot of moving parts to site security, from firewall protection to regular site scans for malware and bugs. Fortunately for WordPress users, plugins make implementing such features simple. There are hundreds of free and paid plugins that can help strengthen your site’s security. Something that offers multiple security features is more convenient than installing several separate plugins.

3. Continually update software and plug-ins

Whether it’s your website or computer, installing software updates ASAP is essential to keeping everything safe and secure. Software updates aren’t just to add new features; they typically fix any security bugs exploitable by hackers. So if you put off updating your WordPress software or plugins, you are putting your site at risk of a security breach. Avoid this by updating software and plugins as soon as you can. 

Conclusion

WordPress is an excellent CMS for creating and managing websites, but like all other CMS out there, it can be susceptible to hackers if you don’t take the time to implement good security and then maintain it. Keep your site safe from the start by getting an SSL certificate, installing a good security plugin, and ensuring to update software and plugins continually. By doing so, you should have a safe and secure website that runs smoothly.