More and more people are using WordPress to create their websites. WordPress is an open source content management system. Initially, it was associated with blogging, but over time it supports online stores, media galleries and much more. An increasing number of people hire a web design company to create their websites on WordPress. An example of a web design company in Dubai which provides such services is FMEextensions.

While creating and designing a website is not as difficult as some people make it out to be, it is the website’s security which requires professional help. Web design companies play a significant role in ensuring the safety of your website as an average person is unaware of the workings behind their website. This article will help provide you with 10 effective tips to improve security on your WordPress site.

STAY AWAY FROM ‘CRACKED’ THEMES & PLUGINS

There are numerous websites which offer ‘cracked' versions of paid themes and plugins. People in the hopes of standing out from the rest of the websites download these themes and plugins. What they do not realise is that these ‘free’ themes and plugins contain malicious codes which will not only steal your data but infect your website with viruses and much more.

INSTALL SECURITY PLUGINS

Not everyone is a developer, so it natural that you may not catch a malicious code written into your website. Fortunately, multiple security plugins protect your website from hackers. A security plugin will regularly check your website’s code and take proper action in case of threats. There are various security plugins available, some of which are paid and some free.

SELECT A SECURE HOSTING COMPANY

One of the best ways to ensure security on your website is to select a secure and dependablehosting company. An excellent hosting company will provide multiple layers of security to protect your website from hackers. Unfortunately, people opt for the cheapest option and only regret it once their complete data has been wiped clean or their URL begins redirecting to other websites.

A reliable hosting company will regularly perform security scans, update their security, provide regular updates and offer 24/7 customer service. A hosting company can protect you from DDoS attacks and offer a Web Application Firewall.

OPT FOR HTTPS

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) encrypts your data while it is transferred. It is an upgrade over the HTTP in terms of security. HTTP is the protocol that is used when a user accesses a website and data is transferred from the website to the user. HTTPS encrypts this data and reduces the possibility of hacking the data while it is in transit.

Even WordPress and Google are pushing for the use of HTTPS for improved security. There are numerous web design and hosting companies which offer HTTPS certificates for improved security. While some offer paid services, there are some which upgrade your website from HTTP to HTTPS for free.

CHOOSE A SECURE PASSWORD

While it is a no brainer, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to change the default password and username of your WordPress website. Choosing a combination of letters, number and special characters will make it more difficult for hackers to break into your account. You can also select WordPress's password generator, which generates an unbreakable password.

USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

It is one of the most critical ways of securing your website as it provides an extra layer of security. While there are different names for it, the idea behind it is a two-step process for logging into your website. There are various plugins available to enable this feature.

Once this feature is activated, even if your password gets leaked to unwanted people, the website cannot be accessed until the code sent to your phone is entered. Therefore, hackers are unable to login your account, unless and until the code is entered.

LIMIT THE NUMBER OF USERS ON THE WEBSITE

If you are a single user with sole access to the website, then this point is not for you. However, if multiple people are managing the website, it is an added security risk. If this is the point, then the first suggestion is to ask them to use strong passwords.

Limit the user with administrator privileges to one, while others can be given privileges according to their needs. Once the user no longer needs access, remove their access at once. It is highly recommended to use the WordPress admin area to keep an eye on the activities of the users. If you note anything suspicious, give the user the BOOT!

SECURE WP-CONFIG.PHP AND .HTACCESS FILES

Experienced web designers and developers should only undertake this option! A novice person might do irreparable damage to the website. Even for experienced professionals, it is highly desirable to take a backup of the files first. But what are these files? The wp-config.php file contains your hosting, database and other credentials. The .htaccess file can control your whole website.

Once the backup has been taken, do the following to secure the files. Locate the wp-config.php file and add the following code,

<Files wp-config.php>

order allow,deny

deny from all

</Files>

For the .htaccess file, add the following code,

<Files .htaccess>

order allow,deny

deny from all

</Files>

Once the process is completed, hackers cannot access these files, improving your website’s security.

REGULARLY UPDATE WORDPRESS

WordPress periodically updates itself, so it is ideal for downloading the latest versions and protecting your website from vulnerabilities. Developers frequently identify and fill the loopholes which can be exploited by hackers. Similarly, it is recommended that users also update their themes and plugins for improved security.

BACK IT UP

No matter how secure your hosting company is or how many security plugins you have installed, hackers always find a vulnerability in the system and exploit it for their nefarious gains. Therefore, it is always an excellent choice to back up your website regularly.

IT security experts recommended to at least have THREE backups secured at separate locations. Never should the backups be secured at the same locations. It is better to have a backup in cloud storage and an external physical storage device.

Conclusion

Your website’s security is bound to improve if you adopt these effective tips. Apart from these, it is always a perfect choice to keep an eye on changing trends in website security. If you are unable to do so, there many web design companies in Dubai offering security services for your website.

Author Bio:

Hi, My name is William Smith. I work in a well-known firm as a content writer. I love to read and write article about technology. I always try to find the most unbreakable topics for encouraging my self and have to write many article like AR Oyunlar for Turkish company this was biggest challenge for me. I like to keep things real and that is what I try to do in my blogs and articles.