WordPress is a popular CMS platform and powers 40% of all websites on the internet. More than 500 websites are built every day on WordPress. WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that converts WordPress sites into fully functional E-commerce sites.

WordPress runs on open source code and they have a separate team for finding, recognizing, and repairing security issues of source code. But security vulnerabilities are inescapable as not all users are thorough, careful, or conscious about security. Hire WordPress Developer that will help you develop a full-featured WordPress website with security optimization.

Reasons for WordPress Security Issues:

The objective of hacking is to gain unauthorized access either from the frontend or from the backend of the WordPress website. Here are the most common security issues of WordPress sites.

Brute force attacks

Brute force attacks refer to trial and error by trying the combination of different usernames and passwords multiple times till the successful combination is detected marketplace. The bots get access to your site using brute force attacks especially using the WordPress login page.

Default WordPress does not limit the login attempts so bots can attack via the login page using brute force attacks. Even if the brute force attack attempt becomes unsuccessful, it can slow down your website due to multiple login attempts. Using brute force attacks, your account even gets suspended.

File Inclusion Exploits

The next attack can be on the PHP code of your WordPress website. Your WordPress website, plugins, and themes run on PHP code.

The most important and significant file of the WordPress website is wp-config.php. File Inclusion exploits is a way where attackers get access to this file.

SQL Injections

WordPress websites use MySQL Database to store data. SQL Injections happen when attackers get access to this SQL Database and your website’s data.

With SQL Injections, attackers can create a new admin account and get access to the whole site data. The attacker can even modify the data and links to malicious or spam websites.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting is the most common technique of attackers to break the security of any website on the entire internet.

Cross-Site Scripting is a program where the attacker aims at adding malicious scripts to users’ web browsers by including malicious data on a web page or application. The actual attack occurs when the user visits those web pages that contain malicious data. Cross-Site Scripting is most common for forums, web pages that allow comments, and message boards.

Malware

Malware means malicious software. It is used to obtain illegal access to your WordPress website. If malware has been injected into your WordPress website, your site is hacked. Check the recently changed files to determine the malware attack.

Malware can be detected and removed manually, by removing the malicious file or by upgrading to the latest version of WordPress or restoring the website.

Best 10 Ways to Secure WordPress Site

WordPress is the most popular CMS platform but it can be vulnerable to threats if not properly maintained for your online marketplace. So far we learned about the causes of security issues of WordPress sites. Now let’s learn the ways how you can deal with those issues and secure your WordPress Site online business and marketing.

Choose a reputable host

Your store files and databases are stored by the hosting provider and people can view this file all over the world. Your hosting providers must have the measures to protect your files and databases from malware and fraud. Thus, it is very important to choose a valuable hosting provider so that you and your customers are risk-free.

You should choose a host that distinctly understands WordPress and states what they do for the safety and security of your store. Your hosting provider must-have features like SSL certificate, backup, attack monitoring, server firewall, round-the-clock support.

Create Strong Passwords

Choosing safe hosting is not only enough. You have to be through it. Choose safe and strong passwords for all the accounts associated with your site. Use unique passwords for every account. Passwords must contain a mixture of numbers, capitals, small letters and symbols. Avoid using birth dates, anniversary dates, or anything that is easily recognizable. Passwords are hard to break if they are longer and complex.

Enable WordPress 2FA

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances the protection of your WordPress site. With 2FA, there is an additional requirement of security code from other devices like mobile phones along with passwords. You must configure 2FA for all of your accounts. However, it adds an extra step to the login, but it completely reduces the risk of malware attacks.

Keep your WordPress store updated

WordPress releases updates regularly. Updates are for the security of your site. By neglecting the updates, you put yourself and your customers at risk. Turn on the auto-update option for your WordPress site. Reserve a regular time for site updates, review, identify and arrange updates.

Regularly backup WordPress site

If your WordPress site is hacked, you can have a fresh start with backup. It is the fastest way to resume your site operations. WooCommerce Marketplace offers plugins for an automatic backup of your WordPress site. Have a reliable backup plan for your WordPress website.

Activate brute force protection

Brute force attacks happen when hackers try multiple combinations of usernames and passwords and finally find the right combination. After that, they get unauthorized access to your confidential files. Your store experiences an increased load time due to traffic. Use services that offer brute force protection to prevent hackers from unauthorized access.

Add an extra layer of protection

Apart from brute force protection and two-factor authentication, it is advisable to add an extra layer of protection for your WordPress website. There are a number of plugins that provide added functionalities like malware scanning, spam prevention, automatic updates, monitoring downtime, and more. You can also keep a watch on what is happening on your WordPress site.

Install WordPress Security plugin

A WordPress Security plugin is a great way to add a secure covering to your site. The security plugin offers a more technical aspect to safeguard your WordPress site from suspicious attacks. You do not need to be a security expert as the plugins do all the work for you.

Check FTP settings

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to transfer files between two devices. With the help of a hosting provider, you can create an FTP account that allows connecting your computer to the website server. Limiting access to these accounts helps to avoid reducing malicious access.

Run malware scans

Schedule malware scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on malware infections. Many WordPress plugins give you malware status with other blacklisting statuses. Running malware scans can prevent malware infections further damaging your site.

Final Words:

Web security issues will always reside. But the best practices to deploy WordPress sites with proper solutions and actions can reduce the security risks. You can keep your WordPress site safe and protected with security best practices and awareness.

Keeping your customer’s data safe and secure must be your top priority. By following the above-mentioned strategies, you can create a safe, trustworthy WordPress website that is rare to attack.