Persons who decide to launch a new website are likely to do it by creating a blog. That’s just how the Internet works as there are literally millions of blogging sites already active online. According to the report, one in four websites on the Internet is a blog.
But the abundance of blogs also makes them a popular hacking target. Thousands of malware attacks take place every day and you as a blogger should definitely invest in website security. There are so many ways to do it properly, but here are the 12 most useful tips on how to improve the security of your blog.
Backup your files externally using zip
The first tip is to keep all the documents and files protected using a simple function like zipping. Zip folders can store tons of information and you can also find instructions on how to set up a password to further protect your data. That way, you know that your documents are perfectly safe even outside the Internet.
Schedule automatic backups of the site
External backups are not the only way to preserve your files. On the contrary, all content management systems allow you to schedule automatic backups. This helps you restore an entire website even if malware attacks completely destroy the existing version of the site.
Upgrade login information
WordPress users know that “admin” is the default username for content creators on this platform, which enables scammers to hack a site easily. Our recommendation is to upgrade login information and create a unique username. That way, hackers will have to start from scratch when trying to penetrate your blog.
Limit the number of login attempts
WordPress websites don’t limit the number of login attempts, but you can do it manually in order to block unauthorized access and brute force attacks. There is a simple function called “Limit Login Attempts” where you can set the maximum number of login attempts.
Add a captcha
Another way to prevent brute force attacks is to add a captcha to the login process. A simple question such as 5+2 is enough to confuse malicious bots and eliminate the majority of brute force attempts.
Hide WordPress version data
By default, WordPress blogs display the number representing the version of the platform that is being used to power your website. Hackers know the weaknesses of each WordPress version, so you should keep it hidden by removing the readme.html file from the WordPress installation directory.
Protect a blog from content rip-offs
Hackers are trying to steal useful information from your site, but there are also content thieves who steal the actual content of your blog. You can protect by disabling the copy/paste option. Disabling cut, copy, and paste can be done for a specific section or an entire web page.
Beware of Google Authorship
Do you know that the original content gets much more backlinks from Google? In such circumstances, it is essential to set up Google Authorship and prevent other websites from improving ranking through your own content.
Use reliable themes and plugins only
A lot of hackers target blogs with old and outdated tools. This is why you have to install and use only trustworthy and updated themes and plugins. The latest versions of support tools eliminate vulnerabilities of previous iterations, thus making it difficult for hackers to breach security.
Update your system on a regular basis
Speaking of new versions and upgrades, keep in mind that your content management system should always be up to date. New versions of the system are always faster, more functional, and safer.
Install a security plugin
Another thing you can and should do is install a designated security plugin to monitor the overall safety of your blog. We are talking about tools designed for website protection in particular. Such plugins give you an all-around defense mechanism that prevents almost 100% of malicious attempts.
Read reviews before installing anything
Modern blogs and websites depend on multiple tools and add-ons. It gives hackers a lot of material to work with, while some of them even create malicious platforms emulating regular tools. We encourage you to inspect every platform before installing it because it will help you avoid malicious tools.
The Bottom Line
Content creation is surely the most difficult part of running a blog, but your job does not end when you press the ‘publish’ button. On the contrary, you still have to work hard in order to protect your site and make it safe and sound in the long run.
We analyzed 12 ways to help you improve the security of your blog. If you put these ideas into practice, rest assured your site will be nearly impenetrable. Are you ready to give them a try?
