Shawneric
WordPress ranks among the topmost website development platforms which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ranks high in functionality. However, like all websites and web platforms, WordPress is susceptible to security threats which can be averted and managed easily.
It depends on whatever purposes users manage WordPress websites, whether it’s for personal reasons, for profit, for maintenance or for promotion. It is undoubtedly true that they need protection from all sorts of cyber-attacks, online security lapses, online security vulnerabilities, server attacks, virus & fake traffic.
How to protect WordPress websites from online threats?
The following are some worthwhile tips for people in protecting their WordPress websites from online threats, shared by an expert from one of the leading agencies for Custom web design agency in Dubai.
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Usage of strong passwords
The first line of defence for anything related to electronic devices and computers are passwords. They are also the first line of defence against impending cyber-attacks. Hence, users and businesses alike must ensure they are using strong passwords for their website’s admin and server services.
Passwords must always include both uppercase and lowercase alphabets. They must also include special symbols (such as %, $, @, etc.) and some digits (1,2,3 etc.).
Passwords should be as cryptic as possible, so no one is able to make a wild guess about it. It is also highly recommended that users & businesses make use of a password manager to generate as many unique passwords as needed. Then these passwords should be stored in secure storage or vault.
Some of the best password management software come in with the following features:
- Limitless password storage.
- Periodic cloud backup.
- Safe note-taking.
- Auto form-filling features.
- Usage of strong encryption technology (i.e. AES-256-bit encryption).
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Averting SQL injection attacks
SQL Injection attacks are online attacks where hackers use a URL parameter (or a web form file) to access a website’s database.
For instance, suppose a website manager is using a standard transact SQL. A hacker then inserts a snippet of code into a query which then allows it to alter the tables of data, access data or even delete it.
This kind of attack can be averted easily and that too by means of parameterised queries. Most of the web languages in use support such and implementing them is easy as well.
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Installing security plug-ins of WordPress
As always, there are loads of eCommerce & SEO WordPress plugins to help enhance your website. These plugins are dedicated to security as well.
The following are good examples of such plugins:
6Scan Security
6Scan Security offers comprehensive rule-based protection for websites running on WordPress. It repairs an array of security lapses on its own and is frequently updated. In fact, it covers all major cyber-attacks, which include:
- Brute force attacks.
- CSRF injection.
- SQL injection.
- Remote file inclusion.
And the like. This ensures the WordPress website is provided with an all-round security package.
Sucuri Security
Sucuri Security is another popular WordPress plugin which is renowned and is from the popular web security and auditing firm Sucuri. It offers protection against brute force attacks, DoS attacks, DDoS attacks, zero-day exploits & the like.
Sucuri Security also offers blacklist monitoring, website firewall protection & malware scanning. A notable advantage of this plug-in is that it keeps the website’s activity log maintained and uploads on cloud servers for users to access and review with ease.
The plug-in itself is free but when users invest in its premium version, they enjoy a higher level of security.
WordFence
WordFence is a tool bundle containing a firewall, a security scanner & other essential security tools merged together into a single plugin. This protects the website to the end, blocking malicious codes and content through its integrated malware scanner & rejects all requests from malicious IPs using real-time IP blacklisting service.
WordFence is also capable of repairing damaged core & theme files. It even reports changes to its users. Its complete range of features is wide and many.
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Keeping all WordPress plugins, themes and WordPress itself up to date
The Panama Papers breach reminds us all of a cyber-attack on Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. When hackers can attack such a website, what is a small website compared to it?
It simply means that all plugins and themes of WordPress including WordPress itself should be kept up to date else the website will be more vulnerable than usual.
