Advanced WordPress Security And Hardening Techniques
Hardening WordPress Sites Against Attacks
WordPress powers over 30% of all websites, making it an attractive target for hackers looking to carry out malicious attacks. Implementing proper hardening techniques is critical for protecting WordPress sites against common threat vectors like brute force attacks, cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and DDoS attacks.
Identifying Common Threat Vectors
Brute force attacks
Brute force attacks involve hackers using automated tools to guess usernames and passwords. They try millions of combinations until they gain admin access. To defend against brute force attacks:
- Enforce strong passwords
- Limit login attempts
- Use two-factor authentication
- Monitor login activity for suspicious behavior
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
XSS attacks inject malicious JavaScript code into vulnerable sites to hijack user sessions. Prevent XSS attacks by:
- Validating and escaping all submitted data
- Using nonces with forms
- Staying updated on latest security patches
SQL injection
SQL injection involves inserting malicious SQL queries into application inputs to gain access to the backend database. Protect against SQLi by:
- Using prepared SQL statements
- Validating user input
- Limiting database user account privileges
Distributed denial of service (DDoS)
DDoS attacks overwhelm sites with junk traffic, crashing servers. Implement safeguards such as:
- Web application firewall
- Load balancing
- Blacklisting IP ranges
Strengthening User Accounts
User accounts with weak passwords and excessive privileges can easily be compromised. Use these techniques to enhance user security.
Enforcing strong passwords
Enforce password complexity and regeneration requirements through plugins like iThemes Security. Set minimum password lengths, require special characters, expire passwords after a duration.
Limiting login attempts
Plug-ins like Limit Login Attempts will lock out IP addresses after a specified number of failed logins, preventing brute force attacks. Alert admins when lockouts occur.
Two-factor authentication
Use 2FA plugins like Duo to require users to enter a code from their mobile device during login. This secures accounts even if passwords get compromised.
Restricting user roles
Limit users through roles and permissions. Give contributors access to upload media only, restrict author permissions based on needs. Review roles routinely.
Securing the Server
Hardening the web server housing WordPress blocks vulnerabilities at the source before they reach the application level.
Keeping software up-to-date
Run regular updates for WordPress, themes, plugins and the web server software. New releases patch security issues. Disable outdated plugins.
Firewall configuration
Configure server and application firewall rules to only allow legitimate traffic. Block bad IPs, limit incoming ports, filter application traffic.
Disable file editing in wp-admin
Hackers exploit the wp-admin file editor to insert backdoors. Disable the file editor with add_filter( ‘ DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, ‘__return_true’ );
Disallow direct access to sensitive files
Upgrade to sFTP and use .htaccess techniques to block direct web access to wp-config.php, backups and other sensitive data.
Sanitizing Input and Output
Validating and cleaning all user-supplied input and output prevents hackers from injecting attacks into the application data flow.
Validating and escaping data
Server-side validation filters input and escapes output, blocking XSS/SQLi insertion points. Use libraries like PHP Data Filtering to simplify implementation.
Using nonces and authentication
WordPress nonces tokens ensure forms originate from your site domain. Use nonces and input caps to block unauthorized submissions.
Removing unused themes/plugins
Minimize attack surface by deleting inactive plugins/themes. Hackers exploit plugin vulnerabilities even on unused ones.
Disabling XML-RPC
XML-RPC allows remote posting without a login, enabling brute force amplification attacks. Disable XML-RPC if not explicitly required.
Monitoring and Responding
Proactive monitoring paired with incident response planning limits damage from successful attacks.
Integrating intrusion detection
IDS tools like Wordfence scan traffic, files and systems for attack payloads. Alert admins of recon scans, backdoors and malware.
Backup and recovery procedures
Regular offsite cloud backups facilitate quick restoration after data corruption. Test recovery monthly.
Emergency access planning
Document an emergency response plan for security events like hacks or defacements. Include communication protocols, failover methods, staging procedures.
