5 quick tips to avoid a hacked WordPress site
Every day, more than 30,000 websites are hacked completely unnecessarily. Very simple security holes are often used to take control of the sites, and the most common mistakes are easy to avoid. Therefore, here are five smart tips to ensure that your site is not affected.
1. Username and Password
When WordPress is installed, many use "admin" as the username. Thus, half of the information needed to access the system (username + password) has been given away. By replacing "admin" with something else, the intrusion becomes much more difficult. Also, remove all unused system users and take the opportunity to review your password. Here is a great service that shows how long it would take to crack your password: howsecureismypassword.net
2. Update WordPress frequently
WordPress releases an average of one to five updates per month, ranging from new features to security patches. By installing these as soon as they are released, you can ensure that known security vulnerabilities are addressed. To update, go to the admin panel and click on the update tab. Many web agencies also offer services where they perform the updates for you, and in some cases, you can even set up automatic management of this.
3. Keep track of your plugins and themes
It's popular to install plugins and themes that provide new features and appearances. These are freely developed and released by anyone, so they vary greatly in quality and security. Only install plugins from reputable developers with many downloads and high ratings. Make sure to update them to the latest version as soon as they are released and delete plugins that are no longer used.
4. Check the backups
Many web hosting providers and servers offer backup services, but it is up to you to ensure that they are working and properly configured. If possible, perform a test restore from a backup copy to verify that they are functioning correctly.
5. Obtain an SSL certificate
SSL is a security mechanism that encrypts information that you send to websites. Without SSL, your password is sent between your computer and the website unencrypted when you log in, which can be risky if you are using a shared internet connection during your vacation. An added bonus is that Google is said to prioritize sites with SSL in their search results. Your web hosting provider or web agency can usually assist you with obtaining a certificate and installation.
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