Mobile apps and sites are leveling the playing field for a wide range of businesses. The WordPress platform is no different. While WordPress is a wonderful platform for a number of reasons, any web development company or web developer is quick to let their clients know about its level of vulnerability. A web development company or web developer must make sure that their clientele is not at risk.

By taking the time to follow the best practices for keeping a WordPress site or app safe, the most common security issues can be avoided entirely. Keeping sites and apps safe from malicious attacks is one of the most important steps that need to be taken.

1. Delete Unnecessary Plugins

If a plugin is not currently in use and there is no plan to use it in the immediate future, that means that it is time to delete it. There is almost no good that can come from keeping plugins that are not actually being used. They leave sites and apps open to hackers and other forms of malware.

When plugins are kept in this manner, the site runner is also likely to ignore the importance of updates. By reducing the number of inactive plugins in existence on the web page, the site runner is doing everything in their power to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

2. Update Plugins Frequently

The plugins that are used are essentially doors to the most personal information that a site has to offer. When plugins are not updated frequently, this leaves the site far more open to hackers and intruders. It is the digital equivalent of leaving the windows and doors open and expecting not to be robbed.

Hackers are always on the prowl for WordPress sites that have not updated their plugins. These plugins are highly prone to attacks and must be protected accordingly. Take a closer look at the admin dashboard to find out more about the plugins that are most in need of updating.

3. Update The WordPress Environment

Security issues will tend to take place, no matter how hard the site runner tries to avoid them. A web development company or web developer may be able to provide a proper environment during the early going but regular updates are an absolute essential.

Those who run their sites on the oldest versions of WordPress are needlessly increasing their vulnerability level. Hackers always remain up to date about the security flaws that are associated with older versions of WordPress.

4. Switch Up The Admin Username

Many admins will make the mistake of simply keeping the default ‘admin’ username, never realizing that they are placing their WordPress site in danger. These names are a part of the most commonly used strings and they are the names that a hacker will be sure to try first when they are compromising a site or app.

That’s why a web development company or WordPress web developer is always going to recommend switching up the username. By the law of averages, a WordPress site is immediately much safer as soon as they are willing to take this step.

5. Failure To Schedule Backups

No security strategy is ever going to be truly effective when backups are not being scheduled. Crisis management is all about remaining prepared at all times. If anything should happen to go wrong, the site runner needs to be able to access their backup files in a timely manner.

Those who do not back up their information are leaving themselves open to any number of common issues. If damages take place, those who have prepared themselves with the proper backups have the chance to avoid difficulties. Be sure to take a closer look at the necessary plugins.

6. Selecting The Best Hosting Provider

This is where so many plans go awry. A web development company or WordPress web developer can provide some helpful tips but they cannot hold anyone’s hand. The latest security hacks but they are no good when the site runner has not taken the time to select the best hosting provider.

Does the hosting provider actually specialize in WordPress? This is a question that must be answered. Malware scanning, WP firewalls and a fully up to date PHP must also be included for best results.

7. Place a Limit on Potential Login Attempts

In many instances, hackers are not going to know the password or have even the slightest inkling. That is why placing a limit on potential login attempts is of the utmost importance. The more attempts that hackers have, the more likely they are to compromise the security systems that have been put into place.

For example, there are a number of hackers who will simply use tools that are designed to crack the code. Those who are responsible for multiple websites should always take the time to create strong passwords for each of them, to avoid widespread panic later on.

These are just a few of the strategies that are designed to keep a site of this nature safe. By taking the time to implement each of them, a more complete security solution is created. A web development company or WordPress web developer will always advise their clients to take as many precautions as possible. It is a continuous process and it is important to remain proactive at all times.