10 easy ways to increase your WordPress security

By Clook Internet

18 Apr 2017

By Jamie Hoyles, Clook Internet Accounts Manager

I’ve recently encountered a number of people who have had their WordPress websites compromised due to the security of their install not being adequate. Lets have a look at 10 simple steps to take that will minimise WordPress vulnerabilities.

Use strong passwords

This is the starting point. No Password1, don’t use your name either! Ideally you should be using a mix of upper and lower case, numbers and special characters. Keep separate passwords for each of your log-ins and perhaps use a password manager such as LastPass or Keepass to keep them stored.

Don’t share your password with others

Sounds simple but one that is often overlooked. It’s easy to create a new WordPress user, do this and keep on top of those with access to your site.

Always implement WordPress updates as they are released

Notifications can be set so that you are informed of a WordPress update. Use these notifications to remember to implement updates and your site will be best protected against hacks and vulnerabilities.

Update your plug-ins too

From the dashboard you will be reminded of any plugins that have an update available. It only takes a minute or so to update so make sure this happens.

Activate theme updates when available

Similarly, an update to a theme is quick and easy to download. Do remember however that any changes you may have made to your theme’s template will be lost when doing so. If you do want to customise your theme then remember to create a Child Theme first.

Disable and remove unused plugins

By removing unwanted plugins you will save yourself from attack and also free up space and resources on your server. If you have a plugin installed that’s not being used then get rid!

Use managed WordPress hosting

Managed WordPress hosting may use scripts to automatically update your WordPress core. You will benefit from better speed and performance too.

Restrict cPanel & FTP Access

Another route for attacks could be via FTP or cPanel – as you would keep your passwords and users secure you should implement this practice here too. By default, here at Clook we will only allow FTP connections from whitelisted IPs.

Keep your local machine and software up to date

It seems common sense but remember to download important updates for your operating system and do not click on those emails that seem too be good to be true!

Encrypt your internet connection

Make sure your home and office networks are encrypted. Data sent over an unencrypted connection may be intercepted and your details could then become public. Similarly, try to avoid connecting to your WordPress website using public wifi – you don’t know who’s ‘listening’.

At Clook we recognise that attacks will happen and sometimes data can become compromised. We always work with the user to rectify any such attack with backups taken daily, weekly and monthly as standard across our hosting platforms.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Clook Internet

Latest news

1

VARS Technology team up with debt resolution specialists to fight fuel theft David Nichol John Garnett Aydan Jones and Laura Tilley

VARS Technology team up with debt resolution specialists to fight fuel theft

12 Sep 2025

2

University of Lancashire unveils Preston campus installation to celebrate name change University of Lancashire new feature

University of Lancashire unveils Preston campus installation to celebrate name change

12 Sep 2025

3

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake Lucy Field, Kate Walsh, Ellie Fisher, Zainab Aswat, Reece Jones, Aisha Bibi Patel, Finley Vila, Uzair Zariwala, Richard Prest, and Charlie Harrison

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake

11 Sep 2025

4

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment Andrew Grove

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment

11 Sep 2025

5

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November Gary McEwan managing director of Interfloor

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November

10 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin