5 WordPress Website Security Steps to Limit The Effectiveness of Brute Force Attacks

By Christopher Bradley

Maintain Website Security

Have you harbored concern about possible WordPress website damage due to brute force attacks? Business site administrators today can rely on some helpful WordPress website security tricks to lessen risks from this type of online threat. Learning about these strategies assists online marketing firms that rely upon WordPress websites.

About “Brute Force” Attacks

Today, cyber criminals sometimes launch sophisticated brute force attacks using software that repeatedly enters random characters in login screens. They seek to successfully guess a password. In some cases, these programs employ “reverse brute force” attacks against websites with multiple accounts. The software utilizes a popular password and enters it in multiple websites, until striking a hit that supplies unauthorized access to an account. These malicious attacks sometimes enable thieves to hijack accounts in Cyberspace.

Five Precautions Against Brute Force Attacks

Websites created with the assistance of WordPress remain vulnerable to brute force and reverse brute force attacks, unless website administrators implement precautions against these programs. Consider using five helpful tips to thwart this type of costly hacking attack:

Maintain Server Security

First, search for a website hosting company that implements security measures (including a firewall) to help protect its servers. The use of security software assists WordPress website administrators and law enforcement in tracking the sources of Internet traffic, and ultimately, in identifying possible hacking. Hosting services should implement measures to update the security software protecting their servers.

Enable Two Factor Authentication for Better WordPress Website Security

Second, ask website visitors to register for accounts in order to access secure areas of your WordPress website. Implement two-factor authentication to insert an extra layer of security into the account authentication process. It requires an account holder to input both a password and a temporary unique code in order to gain access to the account. This process prevents a software program from conducting a successful brute force attack (unless the cyber criminal controls either a customer’s phone or email address while seeking to log into the account).

Use Secure Passwords

Third, require account holders to enter more secure passwords. Using passwords with a minimum of eight to ten characters significantly increases the difficulty of launching a brute force attack. Requiring combinations of unique numbers, letters, and symbols also holds value.

Limit Account Login Attempts Can Improve WordPress Website Security

Fourth, take steps to automatically lock down an account after a specified number of inaccurate login attempts. Taking this step helps prevent automated software programs from repetitively guessing passwords. Adding this extra level of security won’t significantly inconvenience your customers, but it might prevent the hijacking of accounts and the loss of secure data.

Notify Law Enforcement About Apparent Hacking Attacks

Fifth, if your WordPress website administrator and website hosting service suspect a brute force hacking attack occurred (after reviewing website traffic logs), consider contacting law enforcement promptly. Reporting this type of cyber crime may assist authorities in eventually tracing the identities of hackers employing brute force (or reverse brute force) software. During recent years, data breaches have cost some businesses literally millions of dollars in losses. Taking steps to prevent this problem promotes E-commerce security.

Implement WordPress Website Security Measures

WordPress website administrators concerned about issues like brute force attacks appreciate the availability of WordPress support plans to enhance security. A knowledgeable website hosting company can offer valuable assistance in this area. Taking steps to harden your commercial site against hacking helps reduce opportunities for expensive data breaches.