According to Forbes, “it’s very important for businesses to position themselves with a website.” However, a website leaves your business open to hackers (i.e. data thieves). A quick Google search has revealed that 43 percent of all small businesses are subject to a data breach. When your business website is exposed to data thieves this can create serious down-time and steep fees associated with recovery cost (possible compliance sanctions). The fact is, your website can be scrutinized by a hacker at any time and there is never 100 percent protection to guarantee your cybersecurity either. Read on to learn more about WordPress security.
Why Do Data Thieves Target Your Website?
Ideally, business owners understand they can become a victim of data thieves, but do they really understand why cyberbullies attack their website or what they’re after?
Hold Your Data Ransom
Most of the actions behind data thievery is related to financial gain. The Business Financial Post, says hackers are quick to use ransomware to hold your data files hostage in an effort to get money for the recovery of those files. In fact, hackers gain access to your files through unauthorized access. Hacking has evolved since it was first introduced in the early ’90s. Ransomware rose to 250 percent in 2017 as reported by SyncSort. This means now more than ever your business website is vulnerable to a cyber attack. Strong access controls are the best way to protect your business against a hacker holding your data files hostage.
Identity Theft
In a 2018 Harris Poll, nearly 60 million U.S. residents were the victim of identity theft from a data breach. In fact, the same survey noted that a year proper to that over 16 million consumers experienced identity theft. The truth is, hackers invade your business website to steal customer identities. More importantly, victims and consumers become a victim of identity theft on and offline which leaves your business website highly vulnerable. In this instance, your password recovery configuration options are very important.
Uninvited Infrastructure Boarders
Storage servers and arrays are very expensive and can leave your business website vulnerable to uninvited guests. Instead of paying for their own space, a hacker will freeload or surf on your network. The fact that this is going on is not widely known among businesses that run websites, but data thieves are storing data and hosting applications on business website with details about the size of their infrastructure.
What Does This Mean To Your WordPress Security?
With the reasons behind hacking websites identified, let’s discuss what this means to your WordPress Website. There a number of precautions you take to prevent website vulnerabilities or a data breach. The last thing you need is a cyberbully impacting your WordPress blog or eCommerce. More importantly, focus on precautions instead of costly recovery options after the fact. Discover the tips and strategies that make it easier to protect yourself against WordPress vulnerabilities.
Is Your WordPress Website Secure?
There are a number of factors that can leave your WordPress website vulnerable including:
- outdated WordPress software
- nulled plugins
- poor systems management
- poor credentials management
- lack of website security
- lack of security knowledge
… leaving your website a target to hackers at the peak of data breaches and unauthorized access, but here’s what you can do:
Backup Your WordPress
Backing up your WordPress for recovery options is one of the first ways to protect your website. Remember, if a government website can be hacked, yours can too, but to limit access through a back door or other unauthorized access methods backing up your data is highly recommended (as a precautionary measure). Storing your WordPress on the cloud is also a great way to secure your website owner recovery options. Amazon, Dropbox, and private backup websites like Stash are preferred among many WordPress website owners.
WordPress Security Plug-In
Auditing and monitoring your system is the next best way to protect your WordPress website from vulnerabilities. This method allows users to keep track of everything that is happening on their website. WordPress website owners should also keep track of their file integrity, malware scanning, failed login attempts, strange IP addresses, etc. Once you activate a security log-in, you’ll have access to features like audit logging, email alerts, integrity checking including other important features. One of the top security plug-ins for WordPress is available through WP Suites. These options help you lock down key areas of your website that are attractive to hackers.
Disable File Editing Features
A built-in word editor and theme leaves your website vulnerable to hackers and it’s highly recommended that you turn this feature off (disallow file edits). Keep in mind, when it comes to your plug-ins (52 percent) are left vulnerable and (26 percent) of your themes. There are 1-click features available through security plug-in features or you can add a code to your wp-config.php file. According to a recent article on WP suites, (37 percent) of your WordPress core features are left vulnerable to hackers and your plug-in and themes are at the core of your site.
Relocate Your Website To SSL/HTTPS
If you want to make it harder for cyber-bullies to snoop around in your online information, switching your WordPress website to Secure Socket Layers (SSL) makes it harder for prying eyes. This type of protocol provides an encrypted data transfer between your browser and the user’s browser. The browser requests a connection, the server sends the certificate with a public key, the browser checks certificate validity, encrypts data using the public key, and finally, the server decrypts the data using a public key. Decrease your chances of a brute force attack by relocating your website to SSL or HTTPS.
Scan Your Website For Malware And Vulnerabilities
A WordPress security plug-in will provide a routine malware check, but you may want to scan for vulnerabilities manually if you notice signs of decreased traffic and search rankings. A security scanner can also spot malware and corrupt files, but they won’t be able to remove them from your website. To remove malicious malware, consider hiring a professional security company.
Other WordPress Cyber-Security Fixes Include:
- strong passwords
- limit login attempts
- automatically log out idle users
- disable XML-RPC
- disable directory index and browsing
Bottom line: Protecting your WordPress website and server is a key element of cyber-security especially with an eCommerce website.
You’re invited to contact us WP Suites to discuss the security of your WordPress website or servers today!
