The WordPress Security Checklist That Stopped 10K Hack Attempts

WordPress powers 43% of the web making it the most targeted CMS, and most owners only add security after getting hacked.

Here is what every business owner needs to know about the wordpress security checklist that stopped 10k hack attempts, broken down into the questions that matter most.

Most common WordPress vulnerabilities?

Outdated core/plugins/themes, weak admin passwords, vulnerable plugins (especially nulled), unsecured hosting, XML-RPC attacks.

First thing to do to secure WordPress?

Change default admin username. Limit login attempts to 3-5. Enable two-factor auth. Change login URL from /wp-admin. These four steps block 90% of automated attacks.

How to set up proper backups?

3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 off-site. Daily DB backups, weekly full backups to cloud storage. Test restoration monthly.

How to detect a hack?

Search Console warnings, unknown admin users, unknown files in uploads, redirects to spam, unusual database tables. Run Sucuri SiteCheck or Wordfence.

Best security plugin?

Wordfence (free for most needs). Sucuri Security for monitoring. iThemes Security Pro for easier config. Never install more than one security plugin.

How to secure the database?

Change ‘wp_’ table prefix. Use strong DB usernames/passwords. Restrict permissions to only what WordPress needs.

What is a WAF for WordPress?

Web Application Firewall filters traffic before reaching WordPress. Cloudflare free plan includes basic WAF. Sucuri WAF ($199/year) tuned for WordPress threats.

How to harden wp-config.php?

Disable file editing with define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true). Disable PHP execution in uploads. Block wp-includes. Disable XML-RPC. Enable auto minor updates.

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