WordPress is the leading CMS, powering 43.2 percent of all websites . However, WordPress also requires careful monitoring for security holes. Without proper management, you could leave your business and your customers open to malicious activity and hacking.
A WordPress security consultant helps you monitor and manage your WordPress usage to protect your online experience. But what exactly does that mean? Here’s an overview of what a WordPress security consultant does and why you should consider hiring one.
What does a WordPress security consultant do?
WordPress security experts make sure your WordPress stays up to date and doesn’t use plugins that could leave you vulnerable to hacking and prying eyes. Here’s an overview of some of the key features.
- Managing Usernames and Passwords: Strong usernames and passwords help protect your company from attackers. Complex usernames help prevent brute force attacks. By requiring passwords to include complex characters and restrictions, you provide the best protection.
- Proper admin privileges: Not everyone in your organization needs the same level of access to WordPress. The lower a user’s admin level, the less likely their account will be used as a backdoor into your technology. WordPress security consultants can ensure that administrators only have the privileges they actually need.
- Limiting the number of login attempts: Limiting the number of login attempts to your WordPress account before it is locked will also help prevent brute force attacks, where hackers use algorithms to try different usernames and passwords.
- Move the location of the admin form: Hackers know that most sites place the login form on a common URL plus /admin or /wp-admin. This exposes you to brute force attacks. By moving the form to a different URL, a security consultant makes it a little harder for hackers to get into your site.
- Changes when editing files: By disabling access to edit files, a security consultant can prevent hackers from changing those files.
- Hiding wp-config.php and .htaaccess files: This will help prevent hackers from accessing these important files.
- Allow login only from specific IP addresses: Users can only use specific devices to access the WordPress admin panel. This way, unauthorized users will not be able to log in to the panel even if they have a valid username and password.