5 February 2025

WordPress Security – Hosting

When selecting a hosting environment without a managed host like our hosting services, consider these key security practices

When selecting a hosting environment without a managed host like our services, consider these key security practices:

Web Server Updates

  • Regular Updates: Keep server software up-to-date to fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates if supported, and be aware that some updates may need a server reboot.

Why it matters: Updates fix security gaps. Automatic updates reduce human error. Consider use web panel like RunCloud or GridPane for easy server management.

Firewall Configuration

  • Layer 3 Network (IP Filtering): Blocks or allows traffic based on IP addresses to protect against attacks like IP spoofing and DoS. Consider use services like Cloudflare or Bitninja.
  • Layer 4 (Port/Protocol Rules): Filters traffic based on TCP/UDP ports and connection states, protecting against threats like SYN flood attacks. Consider use services like Cloudflare or Bitninja.
  • Layer 7 (Code-Level Protection): Provides application-level security using plugins to guard against SQL injection and XSS attacks. Consider use plugins like Malcare or PatckStack.

SSL / TLS Certificate

  • Install SSL / TLS: Secures internet communication, SSL / TLS certificates encrypt data between users and your server, protecting sensitive information from interception. Use SSL / TLS certificates to address security flaws.
  • Auto Renewal Certificate: Renew certificates before expiration.
  • TLS 1.3: Consider use TLS 1.3 for strongest encryption.

Why it matters: SSL / TLS Certificate encrypts data between users and your site, protecting passwords and payments.

Database Security

  • Passwords & Access: Use strong passwords, limit database access, and perform regular backups.
  • Privileges: Assign minimum privileges necessary for MySQL user accounts.
  • Encryption: Encrypt data both at rest and in transit to secure sensitive information.
  • Change prefixes: Change default database prefixes (e.g., from wp_ to site123_).
  • Backup: Daily offsite backup is a must.

Server Monitoring

  • Activity Monitoring: Regularly check for unusual activities.
  • Malware Scans: Daily malware scanning with vulnerabilities detection.

Up to date PHP

  • Latest PHP: By default, always use an up-to-date version of PHP.

Web Applicatin Security

  • Website Isolation: Assign unique system users to each website to prevent cross-infection if one is compromised.

Aviod having multiple websites under an shared hosting account.

Secure wp-config.php

  • Hide wp-config.php: Store the wp-config.php file outside the htdocs directory to keep it hidden and protected.

Secure Connection

  • Secure Server Connection: Mandate the use of SFTP and SSH exclusively for secure server connections.

Review Process

  • Ongoing Security: Implement regular monitoring and updates to maintain a secure environment.
  • Backup: Test backups quarterly.
  • Firewall: Revalidate firewall rules annually.

For WordPress security in an enterprise setting, you may want to check out Implementing Robust Security Measures for WordPress Websites

Secure Your WordPress Site with Expert

Managing WordPress disasters can be challenging, but having a solid recovery plan ensures your site stays operational. For those seeking peace of mind and preferring to focus on growing their online presence rather than technical recovery, consider professional WordPress maintenance and support services. Our expert team offers comprehensive solutions, keeping your WordPress site secure, efficient, and resilient against data loss, so you can concentrate on what truly matters—expanding your reach online.