WordPress is one of the most popular platforms used by anyone from amateur bloggers to business owners who have a large-scale business. There are many reasons why this website builder becomes the most favorite content management system. Not only is it free and open-source, but it also supports various plugins and themes to expand a website. However, just like all websites on the internet, WordPress is not completely free from security threats and breaches. Therefore, you should follow these steps to secure a WordPress login.
Use Strong Password
The easiest way for hackers to access your WordPress is by attacking its login page. They use particular software to guess your login and password repetitively, and this method almost always works. It means your password must be strong and unique enough that no bots can guess it. These are what you can do with your password.
Avoid Obvious Password
Some people pick an obvious password such as their pet’s name, birthdays, or favorite sportsperson so that it is easily remembered. In fact, a WordPress account with such obvious passwords is prone to brute force attacks. A brute force is an old attack method where hackers try to guess a password correctly through trial-and-error attempts. They force their way into your encryption keys and login info. The shorter and less complex your password is, the faster they can get to your private account.
Ideally, a password should use a combination of letters and numbers. It is also suggested using both upper and lower case, along with certain symbols are ‘@’, or ‘!’. The more complicated your password is, the less likely bots can crack it. If necessary, you can make sure that your password is strong using a password generator.
Change Password Regularly
It’s highly likely that a hacker will try to breach your account more than once over a period of time. An effective way to prevent the risk of having your WordPress hacked is to change your password on a regular basis. Even, if necessary, you can use a one-time password that is only valid once.
Create Custom Login Links
Hackers find it easy to hack your website if you used the same password in several locations. It is because what they need to do is just typing the URL site with /wp-login.php. In order to prevent other users from accessing the URL directly, you can create customs URLs using a plugin called Stealth Login. It does mean that this method can fully protect your site, but at least it will make it difficult for anyone who wants to crack your password as they won’t tell where to actually log in.
Force SSL on Login Pages
Sometimes, you may log in to your WordPress via a public network that increases the risk of an eavesdropping attack popularly known as ‘man-in-the middle attacks’. The hackers crack your account through interrupting an existing data transfer as they can listen to the traffic and have access to your HTTP request. Eventually, they can see your account credentials in plain text. Fortunately, you can prevent it by using SSL Login.
With an SSL login, your WordPress website can be accessed over HTTPS. Check your subscription whether the hosting services already provide SSL login or not. If not, you have to purchase an SSL certificate and set it on the website server.
Limit Login Attempts
WordPress does not for forbid any users from attempting to log in into an account even when it is unsuccessful so many times. Therefore, one of the ways to secure your account is by limiting the login to your admin area. In this way, you can ban any logins made by other users otherwise they will keep trying guessing your password and username endlessly until they can get into your account.
There are many plugins available for limiting login attempts. Among the popular ones are Login LockDown, WP Limit Login Attempts, and Wordfence Security. If users make too many failed login attempts, they should wait for some time before being allowed to attempt the login again. It is true that can take the attempt again in the future, but they may feel reluctant to do that again as they need to wait for some time.
Use Encrypted Password
How if you don’t have SSL enabled? The solution is to use a plugin called Semisecure Login Reimagined. This plugin uses the oldest RSA public key cryptosystem to secure data transmission. It works by encrypting the password when a user logs in. Then, using a private key, the website server decrypts the encrypted password. In order to enable encryption, you should activate your JavaScript.
Use CAPTCHA on the Login Page
Using a CAPTCHA prevents the occurrence of brute forces and other automated attacks on your login page. To activate the CAPTCHA, directly go to your dashboard. Next, go to ‘Plugins’, then ‘Add New’. After that, type ‘CAPTCHA’. There are numerous plugins you can choose to enable CAPTCHA in your login page. One of the recommended plugins is the one by BestWebSoft. It has a good rating, and it has been installed more than 300,000 times.
When a CAPTCHA plugin is activated, no one will be able to log in even when they know your password and username. In this way, your login page will be protected from any automated scripted brute force attacks. In other words, CAPTCHA blocks robot software from submitting a nefarious online request. Eventually, it helps prevent any abusing online service. That is why your site definitely needs a CAPTCHA.
Use the Latest Version of WordPress
Last but not least, always update your WordPress version whenever the latest version is released. There are new features, improved performance, and more importantly, they fix bugs with each new release. If you don’t keep it updated, it means you run the risk of having an insecure website. Besides, you will miss the opportunity to enjoy more features and experience a faster site.
So, those are some steps you can do to protect your WordPress login page. By following the steps above, you can secure your website from malware spread, data and valuables theft, and other malicious activities that cause disruptions.
