Nov 06, 2022
by Humera

Individual blogs, small company websites, and corporate publications all use the content management system WordPress. Because of their versatility, businesses have numerous possibilities to sell their brands and products.

Plugins can improve your small business website in a lot of ways. You may use them to speed up the loading of your WordPress site, make your content shareable, gather email addresses from visitors for your mailing list, and perform better in search results. The majority of the top WordPress plugins that can improve your website and business blog are free, which is even better.

What is a Plugin?

A plugin is a software tool that is added to a program to increase its functionality. For example, a plugin might be required if you wished to stream a video on a website. Your browser won't be able to play the video if you haven't installed the plugin.

Where can I find browser plugins?

Plugins (also known as "add-ons" or "extensions") can be downloaded and set up from the official website of any online browser. Before the plugins are ready for download, the web browser's publisher (such as Google, Mozilla, Apple, etc.) ensures they are safe.

Only three vulnerabilities in the core WordPress program were discovered by researchers between January and July 2021; the majority of these were patched. Security experts regard the plugin directory on WordPress.org as the safest place to get plugins.

Does my web host handle security for me?

Many security-related tasks are handled by your web host, including both physical and digital security for the server that hosts your website. Your individual hosting plan might also offer security safeguards for your website.

These levels of security free up your time so you can concentrate on specific website security requirements like updating your WordPress version, your themes, and your plugins while making sure the upgrades don't destroy your website (another reason why daily backups are so important).

Check if it is compatible with the newest WordPress version

You must be aware of the WordPress version you are using at the time to make sure your plugins are compatible. By clicking Updates on your WordPress dashboard, you can discover it. An alert that includes the version number and informs you whether you're using the most recent version will appear.

Additionally, you must ensure that the desired plugin is the latest. The majority of plugin authors do a great job of keeping their products updated. However, occasionally updates are slow to arrive or plugins are abandoned. Any yellow-box alerts that may show up at the top of the plugin's page on WordPress.org should be noted.

It might also contain security holes that criminals could use. Hackers are also aware of publisher announcements about security patches. In reality, attackers frequently attempt to take over websites for their own nefarious projects.

Setting WordPress and some plugins to update automatically is a smart idea. You have a few options for remaining current with the remainder of the situation.

1- Create a schedule for manual updating

If you are unsure of whether your website is in need of a manual update, you may wish to take a backup of it. By visiting your dashboard and choosing Updates in the left column of your WordPress dashboard, you can see the status of your site's updates.

2- Provide a security plugin

A security plugin offers an additional layer of security to your website. They check it and notify you through email whenever an update is required.

A security service like SiteLock's scans your site for security holes and sends you email notices when they find them. A daily virus scan, protection against bot attacks, and a fundamental content delivery network are all included in the basic package. Firewalls for your web apps and DDoS defense are other additional security measures.

3- Enable plugin updates on an automatic basis

Consider using the Easy Updates Manager plugin if any of your plugins lack an auto-update feature. Yes, Pluginception is a plugin that allows you to update your plugins. It is the most effective strategy if you manage more websites with lots of plugins.

 

Why Is a WordPress Security Plugin Necessary for Site Security?

 

The main pros of adding a security plugin are:

  • Protect your business

A security lapse could harm the website's reputation. If your website has security problems, such as spam in the comment section, visitors won't take it seriously.

  • Protect personal information

Sensitive data about website owners and users is frequently stored on them. Protecting your company against hackers is crucial, especially if you operate an e-commerce website.

  • Increase in SEO ranking

Security breaches frequently have an impact on a website's functionality and search engine positioning. Utilizing a security plugin to protect your website raises its SEO rating.

  • Receive security alerts and updates

The majority of WordPress security plugins deliver alerts in the case of potential risks.

  • Login security

Brute-force attacks are one of the ways hackers get access to your website. To protect a website and its users, the majority of WordPress security plugins include the option to restrict login attempts and enable two-factor authentication.

  • Restore corrupt files

WordPress offers all of its core files on its download page. WordPress security plugins compare them to the files on your website to look for any information that has been corrupted.

  • Confidential communication

By blocking spam messages and accounts from accessing your website, you may build credibility and improve communication with customers.

  • Enhance your level of website control

The WordPress security plugins provide tools for gaining more control and defending areas of your website that are frequently left unprotected.

  • Instant-fix

It has various tools and features that will assist you in resolving security alerts and preventing more significant website alerts immediately.

Make sure to only keep the WordPress security plugins that are the best fit for the requirements of your website. Multiple plugins will slow down and possibly even crash your WordPress site.

The 7 Best WordPress Plugins to Retain the Security of Your Website

A list of the top seven WordPress security plugins is provided in this article to keep your website safe. For various kinds of websites, each plugin includes security measures.

  • Wordfence Security
  • WP Cerber Security
  • iThemes Security
  • All-in-one WP Security & Firewall
  • Security Ninja
  • BulletProof Security
  • Sucuri Security

Is it possible to secure a WordPress website without security plugins?

Using a reliable theme and upgrading WordPress frequently are other ways to secure WordPress websites. Here are some additional steps you may take to secure your website if you have decided not to install a security plugin:

  • Reliable web hosting offers additional protection against cyberattacks and ongoing server security monitoring.
  • Password management and security: create secure passwords and store them properly, eliminating the need to memorize them. The finest password managers and generators are 1Password, LastPass, and NordPass.
  • A certificate for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) will encrypt your data. If you use SSL, it will make it more challenging for attackers to interpret the information.

Note

Plugin installation should always be done through the browser's official website.