Categories: How-To

Effective Ways to Secure Your WordPress Theme and Plugin Code

Do you own a website? Above all, which system are you using to manage your content? Supposed you are using WordPress to operate your site, then you are not exempted from online attacks as much as WordPress is a robust system. You need to be equipped with knowledge on how to keep your site secured always. WordPress system requires a professional approach and that is why Java developer salary is high.

However, we are living in an era where even online content is at risk of falling into the hands of unwanted people, aka hackers. For this reason, there are proven tips that once put in action, you are able to run your website for ages without having to worry about such attacks. And if you are out there dreaming of being a developer, follow your heart because Java developer salary keeps increasing due to the demand in the field.

Most hackers all over the world keep working on how to crack down sites run by WordPress relating to other content management systems. Suspicious codes, login attempts, and SQL injections are the ways through which hackers target a WordPress website. A poorly selected theme can also be an easy way for hackers to access your website. So, ensure you get the best theme from trusted sources for your website.

Tips to Secure WordPress and Plugin Сode

Deactivate PHP Error Reporting

Such errors help a lot when a website has issues. You can resolve a problem instantly using such areas. Activating error log in can produce the information so valuable to the code. In many cases, the hacker tracks the origin of the error for them to access the structure of the website. So, when the website is in the hands of the hackers, your site is at risk. That is why you need to deactivate PHP errors.

Countercheck the Plugins List

Most entry-level developers often add many plugins to a WordPress site thinking that they will stabilize the site. In the long run, most of the plugins become irrelevant or stop functioning as required. Some of them become weak, giving hacker’s easy time to access your site. Because of this, it is important to analyze your plugins before using them. Above all, keep checking the plugins regularly and maintain the ones needed while you delete the unnecessary ones. However, remember that deactivating a plugin implies that it can be used later on while deleting a plugin implies getting rid of it completely with all the data. In this case, the best option is to delete unnecessary plugins to avoid issues with hackers.

Be Cautious When Amending the Roles

In different areas, like a lead generation agency, a WordPress developer can always amend user roles such as editor, subscriber, contributor, admin, and author. Any newbie in the WordPress system should focus on the mentioned roles only. However, if it is a must you amend user roles, then remember to install trustable plugin then be cautious when changing the roles.

Authenticate Data for WebForms

Web forms enable you to interact with targeted end-users though they can be harmful to your site. A hacker can access your site by injecting malicious code into a box found in the web form. Supposed the malicious code is validated in your site, expect more harm such as running unnecessary ads to altering with key information of your site. To avoid such problems, always install plugins for data validation.

Deactivate File Editor

WordPress theme is at risk of experiencing attacks coming from the file editors. The moment the hackers get access to the files, they can temper with the details included like deleting important information or even changing the files. That is why you should deactivate the file editor to keep your account secured.

You can deactivate the file editor by installing a MalCare security plugin. MalCare will help your site in many ways, such as:

Scanning, protecting, and cleaning your web
Disabling file editor
Prevents doubtful operations

Do Not Use Nulled WordPress Templates

There is a saying that goes, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” The same can be applied to nulled templates and plugins.

There are thousands of nulled plugins and templates all over the Internet. Users can download them for free via various file hosting or torrent files. What they don’t know is that most of them are malicious or contain links from black search engine optimization methods.

Avoid using nulled plugins and templates. This is not only unethical but also harmful to your WordPress security. You may end up shelling out on a developer to clean your site.

Update the WordPress Plugins and Themes Regularly

Lack of themes and plugin updates is an easy way for hackers to access your site. Each moment developers notice a weakness in theme or plugin; they should update it with immediate effect.

Failure to such updates weakens your site and this places the site at risk.

Note: You can only update themes and plugins with an active file editor. This implies that you can enable the file editor once you need to update themes and plugins then, later on, deactivate it for the security of your site purposes.

Activate Two-Step Authentication

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your login page. After confirming the username, there is one more step that must be completed. You are probably already using two-step authentication to access email, an online bank and some accounts containing confidential information. Why not use it in WordPress?

Although it may seem tricky, enabling a two-step authentication in WordPress is very easy. All you need to do is to install the two-step authentication mobile app and configure it for your WordPress.

Transfer the Website to a More Secure Hosting

Perhaps this bit of advice may seem strange, but statistics show that more than 40% of WordPress sites were hacked due to security holes in the web hosting account. The number should encourage you to consider migrating WordPress to more secure hosting. A few key facts to keep in mind when choosing a new hosting:

If this is shared hosting, make sure your account is isolated from other users and there is no risk of infection from other sites on the server
Hosting has a function of automatic backup (backup)
The server has a third-party firewall and a scanning tool

Back Up Data As Frequently As Possible

Even the largest sites are hacked, despite the fact that their owners spend thousands on improving WordPress security.

If you follow best practices and have used our tips, you still need to backup your site regularly. There are several ways to create a backup. For example, you can manually download the site files and export the database, or use the tools offered by your hosting company. Another way is to use WordPress plugins. The most popular are: