WordPress Website Security

🛡️ WordPress Website Security for– Simple & Effective Checklist 

 🔐 1. Use a Secure Hosting Provider Choose a host that offers: Free SSL certificate Regular backups Malware scanning Server-level firewalls ✅ Recommended for bloggers: SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger --- 

 🔑 2. Use Strong Admin Credentials Username: Never use “admin” or your blog name Password: Use a complex one or a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass Enable 2FA: Use the “Google Authenticator” or “WP 2FA” plugin --- 

 🧰 3. Install a Security Plugin These tools handle most things for you: Wordfence (all-in-one firewall & scanner) iThemes Security (easy for beginners) All in One WP Security (lightweight but powerful) --- 

 🗂️ 4. Regularly Backup Your Blog Even if your host offers backups, add a plugin: UpdraftPlus (free and reliable) Set backups to cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. Schedule backups weekly or daily (if you post often) ---

 ⚠️ 5. Limit Login Attempts Use a plugin to block brute force attacks Example: “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” --- 

 🛑 6. Disable Unused Features Disable XML-RPC (used for remote connections but often abused) Turn off file editing from the dashboard (use FTP instead) Add this line to wp-config.php: define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); --- 👀 

7. Monitor Activity Use “WP Activity Log” to see if anything suspicious happens Track: New user creation File changes Login/logout attempts --- 

 📎 8. Keep Everything Updated WordPress Core Themes (delete unused ones) Plugins (delete unused ones) Outdated items are the #1 reason for hacked blogs. ---

 📧 9. Secure Contact Forms & Comments Use reCAPTCHA (Google anti-spam) Install “Akismet” to filter spam comments Limit file upload permissions if you allow guest posts --- 

 🚨 10. Know the Signs of a Hacked Blog Sudden traffic drops Suspicious pop-ups or redirects Login problems Unknown users in your dashboard If you spot anything weird: Restore your backup Run a malware scan using Wordfence Change all passwords immediately




🛡️ WordPress Website Security – Overview

🔍 Purpose

To teach WordPress users how to protect their websites from hackers, malware, spam, and data breaches.

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📘 Typical Course Contents

1. Introduction to WordPress Security

Why WordPress websites are targeted

Common types of threats (e.g. brute force, SQL injection, phishing)

Statistics on WordPress vulnerabilities

2. Setting Up a Secure WordPress Environment

Choosing a secure web hosting provider

Importance of SSL certificates

Keeping PHP, MySQL, and Apache updated

3. Securing WordPress Installation

Best practices during installation

Changing the default wp_ database prefix

Disabling file editing from the dashboard

Setting correct file/folder permissions

4. User Roles and Permissions

Assigning appropriate roles

Enforcing strong passwords

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

5. Backup Strategies

Setting up automated backups

Recommended plugins: UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, etc.

Storing backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox)

6. Recommended Security Plugins

Wordfence Security

iThemes Security

Sucuri Security

All In One WP Security & Firewall

7. Monitoring and Auditing

Setting up activity logs

Monitoring login attempts

Using services like Cloudflare for DDoS protection

8. Hardening WordPress

Limiting login attempts

Disabling XML-RPC

Blocking suspicious IP addresses

Securing the wp-config.php and .htaccess files

9. Security for eCommerce Sites

PCI compliance

Securing payment gateways

Using HTTPS throughout

10. What to Do if You Get Hacked

Signs your site is compromised

Cleaning malware

Restoring from backups

Notifying users

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🎓 Learning Support & Resources (typically included)

Step-by-step video tutorials

PDF guides/checklists

Sample code snippets

Plugin setup instructions

Access to a private support forum or email helpdesk