7 Tips To Protect Your Blog From Hackers

As a blogger, you might feel somewhat secure from the threat of a malicious cyber attack. The truth is cyber criminals don’t discriminate data, and their attack methods are evolving all the time.

Most blogs are written via open-source platforms such as WordPress, and their security is always vulnerable. Over 65,000 infected sites scanned in 2021 were targeted via WordPress vulnerabilities.

Fortunately, we have summarized seven defensive steps you can put into action to protect your platform from hackers.

Tips To Steer Clear Of Hackers For Bloggers

Protecting your blog is a big deal regardless of audience size or type of content. Safeguarding requires proactivity and consistency. Let’s look at some of the best tips to keep hackers at bay.

1. Software Patch Updates

Regularly updating the themes and plugins used on your blogging platform is a great first step in defending it. By running a software update, you ensure you have the latest security patch. 

Many bloggers who do not want to change the theme or plugins don’t think to update regularly.

Hackers like to exploit outdated software for access, so most blog attacks are via previously detected weaknesses.

Shockingly 18% of all attacks recorded in 2021 were via known vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic updates can make it easier to keep on top of.

2. Strengthen Authentications

While it sounds simple, the power behind a strong password should never be underestimated. Make sure they are complex and include a mixture of letter cases, numbers, and symbols.

Better still, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). That way, if a password is compromised, there are still barriers to hacker access. This can help protect you against password guessing and attacks of brute force.

3. Security Plugin Detection

Reputable security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security are like an early warning system scanning for malware and monitoring log-in attempts.

With a security plugin helping to detect intrusions and providing a firewall, you can mitigate threats proactively. Configure it to perform regular scans for real-time alerts.

4. Back It Up

One of the results of a security breach is data loss. If you regularly back up, it is easier to restore your blog post-breach.

Automated backup solutions are available to assist bloggers in ensuring a secure remote server or cloud to keep their data safe.

5. Permission Limitations and Role-Assignment

Keeping access to a minimum where possible is another great preventative measure. Assigning specific roles can limit the permissions some users have over others. 

Administrative permissions should be reserved for trusted users only. Remember to check roles and permissions sporadically and revoke permissions from former users.

6. Secure Hosting

Even with security features implemented from your end, you are at risk from the host side.

Choosing a reliable, secure hosting provider with security features like SSL certificates and server-side firewalls is the best practice.

Not all hosting sites handle security solutions as professionally as the next. Look for one who audits as a sign of commitment to security.

7. Consider a Virtual Private Network

A VPN adds another layer of security when you access the backend of your blog. An encrypted internet connection with a masked IP address helps secure data transmission when you work remotely.

When you are accessing public WiFi, you are at risk of eavesdropping; in situations like this, a VPN can be invaluable in preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive information.

Before selecting, it is sensible to have the provided features of the VPNs compared. A quality VPN should offer all or most of the following:

  • Strong encryption protocols such as AES-256 keep things highly secure.
  • A no-logs policy that ensures they do not store online activity records.
  • Wide server network that can bypass geo-restrictions to ensure a secure connection.
  • A kill switch feature to prevent data exposure.
  • Multi-platform support to provide cross-device compatibility.
  • High connection speeds with zero latency.
  • The VPN provider should offer customer support, read reviews, and do a little research. VPN reputation is everything.

Taking all of the above into account should help you choose a great VPN, but remember to keep it updated for the latest security features.

The Key to Blog Protection

Defending your blog against cyber attacks is a continual process; it’s all about staying educated while monitoring to stay ahead of the curve.

Strong authentications and permission reviews are a modern-day necessity. Updating your software and backing everything up on a regular basis is the best practice.

Remember to secure your hosting environments and utilize the tools of the trade, such as security plugins and respected VPNs to keep your platform safe and secure.

Armed with these seven expert tips, you can tackle the task on multiple fronts to ensure security.