Here are 4 tips for maintaining professional-level security on your blog

0

Cyber-attacks are a growing problem around the world. Between ransomware attacks, malware and data breaches, cybercrime continues to grow year after year. Since most blogging software is not properly protected, hackers will target anyone, including bloggers.

The scary thing is that it doesn’t take long for data to be compromised. For example, one Abandoned WordPress Plugin Can cause huge destruction. While WordPress has the potential to be secure, it requires effort from multiple angles, including the user. Older, unsupported plugins are the main target of hackers because vulnerabilities are not patched.

Even if you don’t use WordPress to run your blog, security is partly your responsibility. Want to keep your blog secure? There are several ways to avoid cyber attacks.

1. Keep all software updates and patches

Do you install software updates immediately? If not, you should. As long as hackers are aware of a vulnerability, they will hack the Internet in search of websites with a weaker version installed. If you do not update your software, hackers will eventually find it and exploit its vulnerabilities.

In general, there are two types of software releases: updates and upgrades. Updates are in the category Features Updates and Patch Update Features Updates are usually installed when installing upgrade features or additional features Install patch update fix For bugs and vulnerabilities.

Upgrades are major changes that are usually only provided for free to licensed users. While sometimes it’s okay to skip upgrades (for a while), it’s never okay to skip patch updates. Avoiding patch updates will leave your blog vulnerable to hackers.

Practice installing all your blogging software updates, including your original files, themes, and add-ons / plugins.

2. Create new login certificates for all contractors

If you ever need to hire a contractor to work on your blog, make sure you create a separate user account for each contractor. Never give someone a certificate of your main account and don’t forget to delete their account as soon as the work is done.

Most blogs should have the option of creating additional user accounts with limited administrative benefits. WordPress has this feature, which is great if you need someone to load draft content into your system. However, if you need development work, you need to give your contractors full admin access. In this case, create a unique user account for them and back up your entire website and all databases before giving them access.

For development purposes, you may also need to provide FTP access. Create a separate FTP account that only gives your contractor access to the maximum directory they need to operate. Don’t give anyone more access than they really need.

3. Avoid installing plugins

It’s a tough one, but it’s extremely important. Avoid installing plugins whenever possible. Try to go through as little as possible because each plugin is a potential point of weakness.

There is a reason 90% of all hacked websites run on WordPress. It’s not that WordPress is a security risk, it’s that most users do not secure their sites. Unsafe plugins can be one of the biggest security risks in the neighborhood, so it’s best to avoid plugins whenever possible.

Instead of installing a new plugin every time you want to add a feature to your website, ask yourself if you really need that feature. Will it directly support your goal? Will it generate sales? Email signup? If it’s just a fun feature, skip it. If this is vital to the functionality of your website, install it.

4. Research theme weakness

Before committing to using any theme regardless of your platform, research the vulnerabilities to make sure there are no known issues. Since you can buy themes anywhere online, you never know what you’re going to get In general, it is wise to get your themes from well-known, reputable distribution websites, such as Themeforest. Both the website and the user will blame the developers for the big problem and if a theme becomes a security risk, it will be removed from the platform.

You can buy themes directly from the developer, but before you do that, research the reputation of that developer. Make sure they have a happy customer base on other platforms like Template Monster and ThemeForest.

Prioritize safety first

Maintaining a secure blog is mostly a matter of practicing good cyber security practices. No software is inherently secure, and you are always responsible for taking the last step to protect your blog. Start with the tips described in this article and then contact a cyber security professional if you need further assistance.