WordPress powers millions of websites. However, with great popularity comes great risk (yes, Spidey, we know). 

If you think a basic password is enough, think again. Cyber threats are lurking around every corner, waiting for the slightest slip-up. Don’t sweat it, but arm yourself with these top-notch security plugins and turn your site into a digital fortress. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a web development company, these tools are non-negotiable for protecting client sites.

So, let’s talk about how you can do it.

Key WordPress Security Tips for a Web Development Company to Follow

Check out the tips that can save your WordPress website from invaders:

Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

If you’re not regularly updating your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins, you’re practically opening a door for attackers. 

For instance, when an update for WordPress core or a plugin is released, it often patches known vulnerabilities. Hackers wait for these gaps, and if you’re running outdated software, you’re inviting them in. 

Set up automatic updates if you’re too busy to manage them manually. Or, better yet, build a staging environment where updates are tested before deploying them to production.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

The word “password123” as someone’s login seems pretty common. You’d be surprised how often this happens. But a weak password is like putting a lock on your front door and leaving the key under the doormat. 

You need to set stronger password policies. Encourage your users to use long, complex passwords with a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols. It’s basic security hygiene.

Better yet, two-factor authentication (2FA) should be introduced. This adds a second layer of protection by requiring a second method to verify your identity, like a code sent to your phone. If someone does manage to guess or steal your password, they still need the second factor to access your site.

Limit Login Attempts to Prevent Brute Force Attacks

Brute force attacks are where a bot tries thousands of username and password combinations until it hits the right one. These attacks are still common. 

But there’s a simple way to block this: limit login attempts. By restricting how many times a user can try logging in, you stop bots in their tracks. Plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or WP Limit Login Attempts let you do this easily. 

They lock out IPs after a set number of failed login attempts. You should also consider adding CAPTCHA to the login page. It’s an extra hurdle, but it’s worth the peace of mind.

Implement SSL Encryption

If your WordPress site still doesn’t have SSL, you’re missing out on fundamental security. An SSL certificate encrypts data between your site and its visitors. So, no one can intercept sensitive information, like login credentials or credit card details. 

SSL has become a standard for all websites, and many browsers even warn users when a site isn’t secure. You can get a free SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt or purchase one from your hosting provider. 

Either way, you need to make sure that your WordPress site is accessible only through HTTPS. Not only does it protect your users, but search engines like Google also prioritize SSL-secured sites.

Regularly Monitor Your Website for Security Issues

You need to continuously monitor your website for signs of vulnerabilities or unusual activity. Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri offer real-time security monitoring, scanning for malware, suspicious logins, and more.

If your server is receiving an unusually high number of requests from a single IP, it may indicate a DDoS attack. Alternatively, odd traffic patterns could suggest that a botnet is targeting your site. 

Catching it early means you’re not waiting until things go sideways. But don’t just rely on automated scans. Regularly check your server logs for any anomalies. 

Must-Have WordPress Security Plugins

Below are some plugins that can protect your WordPress website, like Iron Man, whether you’re an individual or a developer in a renowned web development company. 

Wordfence Security

• Wordfence acts as a fortress for your WordPress site by providing an enterprise-grade firewall and malware scanner. It’s my go-to plugin, especially for high-stakes, enterprise-level projects.
• This feature blocks malicious traffic before it even reaches your site, preventing many types of attacks, including brute force.
• Wordfence offers live traffic views, so you can monitor login attempts, unusual traffic patterns, and potential threats in real time.
• The plugin automatically locks out IPs that exceed a set number of failed login attempts, blocking attackers from infiltrating your site.
• The paid version unlocks additional features, including country blocking and real-time alerts that notify you immediately about ongoing threats, helping you respond faster.

iThemes Security

• iThemes Security strengthens your WordPress site by enforcing strong passwords, securing wp-admin, and implementing two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
• The built-in two-factor authentication is a standout feature, making login attempts more secure by requiring a secondary confirmation, such as a mobile device or email code.
• Themes automatically scan for unauthorized file modifications and alert you if any files are changed. This feature is crucial for detecting malware or unauthorized access.
• A client’s site was infected with malware, and iThemes flagged the altered files. This allowed us to detect and clean the infection quickly, restoring the site before the issue spread.

Sucuri Security

• Sucuri regularly scans your WordPress site for vulnerabilities, ensuring your site is continuously protected from emerging threats.
• Sucuri’s WAF provides real-time protection against common threats like DDoS attacks, brute force attacks, and SQL injection attempts. If a threat is detected, it blocks the attack before it impacts your site.
• This advanced feature filters all incoming traffic through Sucuri’s network, ensuring that malicious users are stopped before they reach your site.
• For sites on shared hosting or those experiencing frequent attacks, Sucuri is an excellent choice. Its cloud-based firewall ensures that traffic is filtered, preventing malicious actors from reaching your site.

UpdraftPlus

• UpdraftPlus ensures that you always have a recent backup of your WordPress site, automating the process and saving you from manual backup management.
• You can store backups on cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and others, ensuring your backup is safe and easily accessible.
• In case of a cyberattack or site failure, you can quickly restore your site from the most recent backup. This feature proved invaluable when we restored a client’s site within minutes, saving hours of downtime.
• You can schedule automatic backups to ensure that your site’s data is always up to date without having to worry about doing it manually.

All In One WP Security & Firewall

• This plugin offers a broad range of security features, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It includes a firewall, database security, and login lockdown options.
• The plugin provides a user-friendly security dashboard that gives you a clear overview of your site’s vulnerabilities, allowing you to make quick fixes.
• It enables you to lock out IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts, reducing the risk of brute-force attacks.
• The plugin lets you enforce strong password policies, ensuring that all users follow secure practices. For multi-user sites, this is a critical feature to maintain overall site security.
• You can lock down user accounts and enforce strict security measures, ensuring that everyone on your site follows best practices.

Secure Your WordPress website with an Expert Web Development Company

Staying ahead of cyber threats is like playing an endless game of cat and mouse. But with the right security plugins, you can make sure the mouse never wins. Invest in these tools, stay vigilant, and sleep a little easier knowing your WordPress site is locked down tighter than Fort Knox. 

A reliable web development company knows that these precautions are the backbone of secure web projects. Happy securing!

Author: Jenny Astor

I am a tech geek and have worked in a custom software development company in New York for 8 years, specializing in Laravel, Python, ReactJS, HTML5, and other technology stacks. Being keenly enthusiastic about the latest advancements in this domain, I love to share my expertise and knowledge with readers.