20 Simple Tricks to Secure WordPress Site in 2024

In today’s digital landscape, keeping your WordPress site secure is more crucial than ever. Here’s a list of 20 simple yet effective tricks to fortify your website against potential threats in 2024.

1. Use Email as Your Login

?? Why Email? Hackers often guess usernames, but email addresses are tougher to predict. Switching to email login adds an extra layer of security. Plugins like WP Email Login can make this transition seamless—no configuration needed, just activate and go!

2. Rename Your Login URL

?? Change the Entry Point: By default, your login URL is accessible via wp-login.php or /wp-admin. Changing this URL can thwart automated attacks before they even begin.

3. Strengthen Your Passwords

?? Password Power: Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to crack your passwords.

4. Monitor File Changes

?? Keep an Eye on Changes: Regularly monitor your website’s files for any unauthorized changes. Plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security can help automate this task.

5. Regularly Backup Your Site

?? Don’t Neglect Backups: No matter how secure your site is, backups are essential. Regular backups ensure you can restore your site quickly in case of an attack.

6. Set Strong Database Passwords

?? Secure the Heart: Your database holds all your site’s data. Ensure it’s protected with a strong password that combines different character types.

7. Remove Your WordPress Version Number

?? Stay Anonymous: Your WordPress version number can be used by hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. Hide it using security plugins.

8. Connect to the Server Securely

?? SSH/SFTP Over FTP: Always use SSH or SFTP to connect to your server. These protocols encrypt your data, making it harder for attackers to intercept.

9. Disallow File Editing

? Block Unauthorized Changes: Prevent hackers from editing your files through the WordPress dashboard by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);        

10. Change the Admin Username

?? Ditch ‘Admin’: Never use ‘Admin’ as your username. It’s a common target for hackers. Choose something unique and unpredictable.

11. Carefully Manage User Accounts

?? Limit Access: If you allow multiple users, ensure they use strong passwords. The plugin Force Strong Passwords can enforce this.

12. Change Default Security Keys

?? Upgrade Default Keys: WordPress uses security keys to protect your data. Change these in your wp-config.php file to make it harder for hackers to breach.

13. Keep Themes and Plugins Updated

?? Stay Current: Regularly updating your themes and plugins ensures your site is protected against known vulnerabilities.

14. Delete Unused Plugins and Themes

?? Clean House: If you’re not using a plugin or theme, delete it. Even deactivated plugins can pose a security risk.

15. Limit Login Attempts

?? Lock the Door: Limiting login attempts can protect your site from brute force attacks. This feature is available in many security plugins.

16. Use Forced SSL for Logins

?? Secure Every Login: Ensure that all login pages use SSL to encrypt data. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information.

17. Remove Error Messages from Login Page

?? Keep Hackers Guessing: Error messages can give hackers clues about your site. Add this to your functions.php file to remove them:

add_filter('login_errors', function() { return null; });        

18. Hide Author Usernames

?? Conceal Identities: By default, WordPress makes it easy to discover author usernames. Use this command in your functions.php file to hide them:

add_action('template_redirect', function() {
  if (is_author()) {
    wp_redirect(home_url());
    exit;
  }
});        

19. Install Security Plugins

?? Get Comprehensive Protection: Security plugins like Wordfence and iThemes Security offer multiple layers of protection for your site.

20. Choose Regularly Updated Plugins and Themes

?? Stay Updated: Always select plugins and themes that receive regular updates to avoid vulnerabilities.

Wrapping Up

Securing your WordPress site isn’t just about installing a plugin or two; it’s about taking proactive measures across the board. Implement these simple tricks to keep your site safe and secure in 2024. Stay secure, stay successful!