10 Coding Tips How To Secure WordPress Website
Securing your WordPress website is critical to protect against vulnerabilities and ensure your data and user information remain safe. This article outlines ten essential coding practices to enhance your WordPress site’s security. From using HTTPS and enforcing strong passwords to securing the wp-config.php file and implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP), these tips offer practical, code-based solutions to safeguard your website. Whether you’re aiming to prevent brute force attacks, secure your database, or optimize your site for SEO, these coding strategies will help you build a robust and secure WordPress site.
Securing a WordPress website is essential for protecting both the site and its users. Here are ten crucial security tips, complete with coding examples, to help you secure your WordPress website while maintaining SEO-friendliness and safeguarding your database.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Regular updates are vital for security, as they often contain patches for vulnerabilities. Make sure to keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date.
// Enable automatic updates
define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enforce the use of strong passwords and implement 2FA to add an extra layer of security.
Example (functions.php):
// Enforce strong passwords
function enforce_strong_passwords($errors, $update, $user) {
if (strlen($user->user_pass) < 12) {
$errors->add('pass_too_short', __('Password should be at least 12 characters.'));
}
}
add_action('user_profile_update_errors', 'enforce_strong_passwords', 10, 3);
3. Secure the wp-config.php File
The wp-config.php file contains sensitive information, such as database credentials. Restrict access to this file to enhance security.
Example (.htaccess):
<files wp-config.php>
order allow,deny
deny from all
</files>
4. Disable File Editing from the Dashboard
Prevent unauthorized users from editing theme and plugin files through the WordPress dashboard.
Example (wp-config.php):
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
5. Limit Login Attempts
Limiting login attempts can protect against brute force attacks by temporarily locking out users after a set number of failed login attempts.
Note: Plugin Recommendation: Use a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded for more features.
Example (functions.php):
function limit_login_attempts() {
$attempts = get_transient('login_attempts_' . $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);
if ($attempts > 3) {
wp_die('Too many failed login attempts. Please try again later.');
}
}
add_action('wp_login_failed', 'limit_login_attempts');
6. Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP)
CSP helps prevent XSS attacks by controlling the sources from which content can be loaded.
Example (functions.php):
function add_csp_header() {
header("Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self' https://trusted-source.com; style-src 'self';");
}
add_action('send_headers', 'add_csp_header');
7. Harden Database Security
Change the default WordPress database prefix from wp_ to something unique to make it harder for attackers to target your database.
Example (wp-config.php):
$table_prefix = 'customprefix_';
8. Use SEO-Friendly Security Measures
Ensure that your security measures do not negatively impact your SEO. For example, use robots.txt to prevent search engines from indexing sensitive areas of your site.
Example (robots.txt):
User-agent: *
Disallow: /wp-admin/
Disallow: /wp-includes/
9. Regularly Back Up Your Website
Regular backups ensure that you can recover your site in case of a security breach. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus for automated backups.
Example (wp-config.php):
// Schedule daily database backups
if (!wp_next_scheduled('database_backup')) {
wp_schedule_event(time(), 'daily', 'database_backup');
}
function database_backup() {
// Code to backup database
}
add_action('database_backup', 'database_backup');
10. Secure Your Login URL
Change the default login URL to something unique to reduce the risk of automated attacks on your login page.
Plugin Recommendation: Use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to change the login URL.
By following these tips and implementing the corresponding code snippets, you can significantly enhance the security of your WordPress website, protect your database, and maintain SEO-friendliness. For a more robust security setup, consider combining these measures with additional security plugins and services tailored to your specific needs.