If you are running a content-driven website, then it is highly likely that you are using WordPress. A WordPress-based site is not only easy to set up and use but is also great for SEO. It is no wonder that at least 30% of websites globally are powered by WordPress. It is utmost important to keep WordPress login details secure
With this level of usage, hackers are investing more in identifying loopholes on sites based on this content management platform. Studies show that at least three in four hacked websites are running on WordPress. The most common WordPress vulnerabilities include weak passwords and unpatched themes and plugins. In this post, you will learn the top three tips to help keep your WordPress login secure.
Keep it in mind that this content management system keeps changing and it is therefore paramount that you keep updating yourself on emerging security issues.
Use strong passwords
The number one most popular attack with WordPress websites is the Brute Force Attack. This form of attack involves hackers using powerful algorithms to try thousands of password combinations until they find the right one. Brute Force attacks are likely to succeed if your password is a dictionary name or is commonly used.
The best way to protect your WordPress login details from a Brute Force Attack is by using long and complex passwords. A complex password should be between 8 and 28 characters long and should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. It should also be changed at least every 180 days.
Additionally, a single password should not be re-used for different sites. Reusing the same password for multiple platforms means that all your platforms are in danger if a hacker accesses the password.
Another way to prevent a Brute Force attack is by limiting the number of times a user can unsuccessfully try to log in.
As previously mentioned, Brute Force attacks are based on trial and error and therefore won’t succeed if the algorithms used can’t continue trying to log in after a specified number of failed attempts.
By default, WordPress allows users to attempt different passwords as many times as possible. However, you can add a plugin that allows you to set the maximum login attempts at a click of a button. Such a plugin also defines how long the user will have to wait to try again after a failed attempt
Use Password Managers
If you have multiple WordPress platforms that require logins, you may be finding it hard to remember all of them. Remember that you should not use the same password for multiple sites, and your passwords should be long and complex. While writing them down in a notebook is an option, it is tedious not the safest way either. We recommend the use of password managers.
A password manager is a tool that stores all your passwords and allows you to manage them using one master password. Even better, this tool also helps you generate strong passwords when creating new accounts and store them in the cloud.
Password managers come with a password autofill feature meaning that you do not have to enter them manually. Also, the majority of password managers come with a mobile app to enable users to access their accounts using their smartphones safely.
Use a VPN
Another important way to protect your WordPress login details is by use of a VPN. This tool helps you stay anonymous while surfing the internet. Cybersecurity experts warn that there is a high likelihood of hackers stealing your login credentials when you sign in an account using public Wi-Fi.
The traffic between your device and public WI-FI router is usually unencrypted making it easy for anyone with packet sniffing software to intercept and steal login credentials. Also, there is a high likelihood of hackers creating fake rogue public Wi-Fi hotspots to trick you into connecting to their data harvesting schemes.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots can also be manipulated to launch a man-in-the-middle attack whereby the attacker redirects your traffic to a fake server designed to capture your login details.
A VPN encrypts your traffic on any network meaning that third parties cannot identify its source. This tool is a must have if you are regularly using public Wi-Fi to access your WordPress account. If you are looking for an affordable and yet high-quality VPN, we recommend that you choose NordVPN provider. This VPN provider is among the most popular in the industry.
Final Word on WordPress login details secure
With hackers targeting WordPress-based sites than ever before, it is paramount to ensure that your login credentials are fully secure. The most important steps to securing your WordPress account include setting strong passwords and using a password manager and a VPN. It is also essential to ensure that your WordPress theme and plugins are regularly patched. Also, keep tabs on the latest industry developments in areas relating to cybersecurity.
