Did your WordPress site get hacked? No problem
Checkmate Productions specializes in the removal of malware from compromised WordPress websites, as well as securing and hardening existing WordPress websites to minimize vulnerability to hacking and other security intrusions.
For help with WordPress site security and hardening, please call us at (801) 633-4262 or email us at help@checkmateproductions.com.
Hacking, security intrusions and security vulnerabilities are a major concern for WordPress sites due to a number of platform-specific factors:
POPULARITY: In the same way that Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system, the popularity of WordPress makes it a primary target for hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in outdated themes, WordPress plugins, and WordPress core files.
Third-Party Extensions: WordPress plugins and themes developed by third parties contribute to the versatility of WordPress. However, if these aren't regularly updated or come from unreliable sources, they can introduce security risks into the WordPress platform.
Human Error: Weak passwords, failure to keep plugins, themes and WordPress core files updated, and improper configurations often result from human oversight. These security failures can open doors for potential WordPress vulnerabilities.
Access Control: Improperly managed user roles and permissions can lead to unauthorized access, compromising the security of a WordPress website.
WordPress itself is not inherently insecure. The WordPress core development team is actively involved in improving security measures with frequent updates and patches to address vulnerabilities. However, site security greatly depends on proper website maintenance and management. Regular updates, strong passwords, timely installation of security plugins, and adherence to best security practices significantly mitigate potential risks and vulnerabilities.
At Checkmate Productions, we specialize in the maintenance and management of WordPress websites. Call us at +1 801 633-4262.
Improving the Security of WordPress Websites
Security is a critical component to the successful management of websites built using WordPress. Since WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS), WordPress sites are frequently the targets of professional hackers and are vulnerable to various security threats if not properly protected, maintained, and hardened.
Here are some of the practices that we employ to harden and protect WordPress websites for our clients:
- Keep WordPress Core Files, Themes, and Plugins Updated: On a monthly basis, we take a complete backup of your WordPress site and update the WordPress core, WordPress themes, and WordPress plugins. Updates include security patches that address security vulnerabilities.
- Assure the use of Strong WordPress Login Credentials: The use of unique usernames along with complex passwords (called credential "hygeine") is critical to the ongoing security of WordPress websites. We always avoid using "admin" as the username, and it's preferable to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to access the WordPress backend for added security.
- Limit Login Attempts: We install and configure WordPress plugins and server configurations to limit the number of login attempts. This prevents brute-force WordPress attacks where attackers attempt various credential combinations to access the WordPress backend.
- Select Secure Web Hosting: With WordPress hosting, you frequently get what you pay for. Reputable hosting providers -- especially those specializing in the hosting of WordPress websites -- offer more robust security features such as regular backups, quality technical support, and the ability to update WordPress websites to utilize the latest PHP and MySQL versions.
- Installation & Configuration of WordPress Security Plugins: We use WordPress security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security to improve the security and prevent hacking attempts on all of the WordPress websites that we maintain. These security plugins help to monitor, detect, and prevent security threats, hacks, and intrusions.
- Robust Backups Regimen for WordPress Installations: We create and maintain regular backups of your WordPress site, going back up to 180 days. Frequently, in the case of WordPress website hacks, the security intrusion on the WordPress website is not immediately obvious. As a result, it's imprerative to have WordPress backups going back in time in order to assure the existence of a clean WordPress backup for re-installation.
- Maintenance of Secure WordPress File Permissions: We set and maintain appropriate file permissions on the WordPress web server to prevent unauthorized access to WordPress files and directories.
- Use of SSL Certificates to ensure secure connections to the WordPress admin login page: The encryption of data transmission between the user's browser and your WordPress server through the use of an SSL certificate (HTTPS) secures sensitive information like WordPress login credentials and personal data.
- Disabling WordPress File Editing: Disable the ability to edit plugins and themes from the WordPress admin website dashboard. This adds an additional layer of security by preventing attackers that access the WordPress administrative backend from directly modifying Themes and plugin code from within the WordPress interface.
- Monitor and Audit Server Logs: We regularly review your WordPress site's access logs and audit logs to identify any suspicious activity, hacks, or intrusions.
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF): WAFs filter and monitor web traffic between a WordPress web application and the exterior world.
WordPress security is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and updates to WordPress core files, plugins and themes as new vulnerabilities emerge. By implementing these best practices, we can significantly enhance the security and safety of your WordPress website.
