Securing a website can seem complex. Large companies spend fortunes to protect their online platforms. However, for smaller businesses, it can be simpler and more affordable—you just need to know what to expect and what steps to take.
Who Wants to Hack Your Website?
Let’s first understand how hacking works. If you’re running a small business without controversial values, it’s unlikely that a specific hacker or organization would target you. However, even if you’re not on anyone’s radar, you can still fall victim to a mass attack.
Hackers often target minor websites to exploit vulnerabilities. These attacks are rarely personal but may aim to insert malicious ads or experiment with hacking techniques. If your “door is left open,” your site could be at risk.
Close the Door and Don’t Leave the Key Under the Mat
The good news is that these random attacks are often not sophisticated. Attackers are looking for easy targets. It’s similar to scam attempts that are so obvious you wonder how little effort the scammers put in. But that’s also part of their strategy—they target people so naive that if they fall for such an obvious trick, the scammers can be almost certain they’ll profit without wasting time convincing them further.
Even today, many WordPress sites haven’t been updated in years and still use login credentials like user: admin, password: 1234. Hackers don’t necessarily need to evolve their methods when outdated ones still work.
This is why following basic security practices is usually enough to keep issues at bay. Think of it like securing your home or car—it’s not about making it unbreakable but ensuring you’re not leaving it unlocked.
The same applies to your website. Start by following recommended basic practices—they’re often sufficient.
So, what are these practices?
Essential Security Practices
1. Choose Quality Hosting
Reputable hosting providers handle much of the security for you, with proactive measures, constant monitoring, and regular backups. Be cautious of cheap providers offering “unlimited everything” at a low cost, as this often indicates compromised quality.
Personal recommendation: For peace of mind, I use WPX Hosting.
2. Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Passwords:
Never reuse passwords across platforms.
You can use tools like Bitwarden if you have too many passwords to remember. Or, if you believe that your mind is the safest place to store them, that works too. Just create a string of random words, add symbols and numbers, and you’ll be fine.
For example, Dog-Deodorant-Berlin-5780 is a strong password. It includes uppercase letters, numbers, special characters, and is long, making it hard for algorithms to guess. It’s also human-readable and easy to remember if the words have personal meaning. However, avoid using words with obvious connections, as this reduces security.
- 2FA:
Add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication, such as Wordfence Login Security or Google Authenticator.
3. Secure Your Personal Devices
If your work devices are compromised, your website becomes vulnerable too. Malware on your browser could give hackers direct access to your admin panel.
4. Regular Updates
WordPress is highly popular, making it a frequent target for hackers. Developers quickly patch vulnerabilities with updates, so it’s crucial to apply them regularly. Make it a habit to run updates periodically to keep your site secure.
5. Use a Security Plugin
If your hosting provider doesn’t offer robust security measures, consider a plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri. These tools monitor activity, block unwanted access, and flag potential issues.
6. Backup, Backup, Backup
Even with excellent security, issues can arise. Backups act as your time machine, allowing you to restore your site to a previous state if something goes wrong. Many hosting providers offer daily or weekly backups, but it’s wise to create manual backups periodically using tools like All-in-One WP Migration or Updraft.
By implementing these basic security practices, you can protect your WordPress site effectively, even without advanced technical expertise. While no system is completely foolproof, regular maintenance and cautious habits can save you from most common threats.
