Tips for Bloggers to Protect their WordPress Website and Work

Internet security is a concern for webmasters, due-diligence is a must

For many, blogging is either out of passion or for financial benefits.

Blogs have become a huge part of the online world where people share their ideas or discuss business tactics. It covers all subjects and aspects of life that we don’t even realize that blogs have become so natural for us to read!

In many parts of the world, it's a serious business because of the revenue it can generate to support the livelihood, so in all essence, it should be considered an asset.

One day you find out that your blog content is stolen and your left wondering how to respond to scraped content?

As a blogger myself, I put several hours and sometimes days into creating original content. I would feel devastated if my work is stolen!

We are living in a digital age, therefore you might have heard or read upon cases of a security breach on the web. Businesses can lose millions of dollars, information leaked and websites hacked.

What would you do?

Invest your time and money in protecting it? If that’s what you are thinking, then you are definitely thinking in the right direction!

I have chosen WordPress as an example to give tips to bloggers, given the sheer number of users it has and the fact that its open source. Stats show that approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month.

However, this doesn’t mean that platforms like Squarespace, Posthaven, Ghost, Kirby, Medium, or others are not targeted by cybercriminals. The following are a few steps you can take to ensure maximum security for your WordPress website.

1. Backups

I am sure you might have heard about an Insurance policy. Consider backups as your Insurance policy!

Not only does backup defend you against hacking but if you accidentally delete a post or a content, it can prove to be a lifesaver in this kind of situation.

I know it can be annoying and frustrating but in the end, you will be glad that you made a backup.

I would suggest creating and maintaining a regular backup schedule for your blog’s database. There are two ways to go about it, either you do it on your own or get a web hosting package that does it for you, I recommend the latter.

Secondly, always make sure to have a backup, if you are planning to make significant changes to your site or installing a new plugin. The iThemes Security plugin can schedule your backup and enhance security for your blog.  

2.  Safe Passwords

The cybercriminals are always looking for loopholes and if they get hold of your password, they can lock you out of your own blog, delete it or redirect it.

password

So, set strong passwords to protect your web hosting control panel, administrator account, and any other apps that are connected to your blog and online services.

You might be using the same password for multiple accounts but then you are seriously asking for trouble! Please stop doing that. You can even use password generators, as they have the tendency to generate secure passwords.

If possible, use two-factor authentication and update your password regularly.

3.  Internet security

As the internet is for all, so is the security.” However, we still have to face attacks from cybercriminals and hackers. This is why internet security is such a hot topic.

The more internet users, the more blogs we see and the more attackers we face! This is the point where we should start thinking of investing our money in Internet security.

Does VPN ring any bell?

It lets you first connect to one of its servers before being routed into the internet properly.

Why VPN?

A person comes across your website who knows a thing or two about computers and internet connections but strongly differs from your viewpoint. These guys can create havoc by either taking your site down or trace your location.

Using a VPN will take care of this issue because a VPN acts as a proxy and your address becomes the VPN’s server location. As an extra layer of security, VPNs also encrypt data being sent and received which will stop the hackers from intercepting data being sent to or from you. 

4.  Secure Web Hosting

Own a self-hosted blog? Do not go for the cheapest hosting option!

Web Hosting services are essential to keep the data safe and your blog running well. Reliable hosting not only provides technical support but also informs you of any cyber attack.

So, before moving all your blog database to any web hosting service, make sure to research well on their security measures.

5.  Install Trusted Plugins

The easiest way for any hacker to hack or access your blog is through third-party plugins you install. Be cautious when installing a plugin.

Ensure these steps before you install a plugin:

  1.       Always check the rating.
  2.       How many times has that plugin been downloaded?
  3.       Read the reviews.

Conclusion

Be smart, stay vigilant!

Help the blogger community in any capacity you can. Always discuss the shortcomings relating to security and strategize accordingly.

Follow the above tips to protect your blog and site against cybercriminals.