How To Protect Your Assets Online
WordPress is one of the most popular website and blog running tools on the internet.
You can use it to share your thoughts, advertise your business, and you can even make a living through WordPress. Because it’s such a valuable tool, many scammers will be tempted to target your site.
While WordPress does provide a lot of security features, it is up to you to make sure that your site is as secure as possible.
Securing your WordPress site may sound like a daunting task, but today we are going to share with you 5 things you can do today to improve the security of your WordPress site.
Let’s jump right into it.
#1 – Strong Passwords
If you have been doing a lot of research into online security then you will probably be sick of hearing about strong passwords.
But, you keep reading about them because they are one of the easiest and most important ways to keep intruders out of your online assets – like your WordPress site.
Strong passwords should be over 12 characters long, including numbers, and special characters. Ideally, they shouldn’t contain any real words, especially not words related to your life.
You should consider not saving your passwords on your computer and having to log in every time you use your website.
In Europe, they recommend that you make your password a combination of three random and unrelated words like – hum*peach*secret.
#2 – Two Factor Authentication
As well as making sure you have a strong password, you should set up two factor authentication on your WordPress account.
Two factor authentication is an underrated tool that can make it nearly impossible to hack your account. It is so important that many governments around the world are looking at making it mandatory online.
To set up two factor authentication, you will attach a phone number to your account. Then after you have entered your password, your phone will be texted a code. To be able to log into your account you HAVE to enter this code.
Therefore no one will be able to log into your account unless they have your password and your phone.
Some people are reluctant to use the two factor authentication system because it slows things down. Trust us, it is completely worth it to keep your site safe.
#3 – Choose A Trusted Host Site
Be careful when using third party sites on your WordPress account. When possible, only use sites and companies that have been recommended by WordPress themselves.
They have a full list on their website if you are curious.
The same should be true when you are looking for a host. You want to make sure that they are well established, reviewed, and recommended by WordPress.
If a hosting deal seems too good to be true then it probably is. Always look up a hosting website on TrustPilot before using it.
If you need help choosing a hosting site, there are thousands of reviews online to help you make that decision.
#4 – Keep WordPress Up To Date
Some website building platforms don’t update, this is so that features and plug-ins on the website never stop working.
WordPress does update regularly.
Many people see this as a flaw, as you will need to check your website over after every update. However, in terms of cybersecurity, it is hugely important that WordPress puts out these updates.
Every time a weakness in their system or in a plug-in is found, they put together a patch to protect it. Not keeping up with these updates will make you vulnerable to hackers and ransomware.
This is a lesson that you should apply to all forms of technology in your life including web browsers, hardware, software, and your phones.
#5 – Regularly Delete Log-Ins
To improve your security further, set up log-in alerts. These will send you a text or email every time someone tries to log into your account – both successful and unsuccessful attempts.
If someone you don’t know is trying to or has logged into your account then you will want to log on and change the password before they lock you out of the account.
WordPress also allows you to track what devices are logged into your account. Check this regularly, and if you see any log-ins that you don’t recognize, delete them.
Doing this will boot them out of your account, and if you have set up two factor authentication they won’t be able to log back in.
