How to keep your WordPress website safe and clean from malware or hacks

Keeping your WordPress website safe from malware and hacks requires a combination of proactive security measures and regular maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your website stays secure and clean:

1. Keep Everything Updated

• Update WordPress Core: Always use the latest version.
• Update Themes & Plugins: Outdated plugins and themes are common security vulnerabilities.
• Remove Unused Plugins & Themes: If you don’t use them, delete them.

2. Use Strong Login Credentials

• Avoid common usernames like “admin.”
• Use a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.

3. Install Security Plugins

• Use Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri Security to monitor and protect your site.
• Enable firewall protection and brute force attack prevention.

4. Secure Your Hosting Environment

• Choose a reliable hosting provider with built-in security features.
• Use SSL certificates (HTTPS) to encrypt data.
• Enable server-side security features like ModSecurity.

5. Perform Regular Backups

• Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Jetpack Backup.
• Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, or external storage).
• Automate backups on a daily or weekly basis.

6. Scan and Clean Malware Regularly

• Use MalCare, Sucuri, or Wordfence to scan for malware.
• If hacked, restore from a clean backup and remove infected files.
• Check for unknown admin users in your WordPress dashboard.

7. Restrict Access & Permissions

• Set file permissions (e.g., wp-config.php should be 400 or 440).
• Disable file editing in WordPress by adding this to wp-config.php:
  php

  CopyEdit

  define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

• Limit login attempts with Limit Login Attempts Reloaded plugin.

8. Secure the Database

• Change the default table prefix (wp_ to something unique).
• Regularly optimize and backup your database.
• Use strong database credentials.

9. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

• Services like Cloudflare, Sucuri WAF, or Wordfence WAF can block malicious traffic.
• Prevents DDoS attacks, SQL injections, and XSS attacks.

10. Monitor Activity & Logs

• Enable WordPress audit logs to track changes.
• Use plugins like WP Security Audit Log to monitor suspicious activity.
• Regularly check server logs for unauthorized access attempts.

By following these steps, your WordPress website will remain secure, malware-free, and optimized for performance.