Wordpress Security - How To Stop Hackers from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Know why hackers hack, and some of the common ways they do this
Understand the main threats that cause security problems with wordpress websites
Understand that wordpress is actually a secure platform, but it can easily be made insecure by the actions of those that run and administer the site

Secure a wordpress website from hackers using a variety or common sense and technical tweaks to the site
"copy" the security measures that have been set up on one site, and "import" them into other wordpress websites they own, meaning security can be set up on subsequent sites in seconds
Find out more information about those trying to hack their site

Know why hackers hack, and some of the common ways they do this
Understand the main threats that cause security problems with wordpress websites
Understand that wordpress is actually a secure platform, but it can easily be made insecure by the actions of those that run and administer the site
Secure a wordpress website from hackers using a variety or common sense and technical tweaks to the site
"copy" the security measures that have been set up on one site, and "import" them into other wordpress websites they own, meaning security can be set up on subsequent sites in seconds
Find out more information about those trying to hack their site

Syllabus

This section introduces the course and instructor to the students. We'll also take a brief look at Wordpress and the hackers that are trying to break your website.

This lecture introduces the Wordpress Security course and your instructor. There are a couple of ways you can use this course, and this lecture will cover those.

This lecture looks at whether or not Wordpress is a secure platform. Can you trust Wordpress with your website?

Why do hackers hack? There are a lot of reasons, none of them good. This lecture looks at a few of the reasons, but also reassures you that your website will be very secure after following this course.

There are a lot of common hacks on Wordpress sites. This lecture introduces a few and also points you to an authority web page if you want more details.

Everyone should backup their Wordpress website. This lecture explains what you need to backup, and offers suggestions for tools that will allow you to do that.

There are a number of security plugins for Wordpress. We will install and setup a good one later in this course, but for now, let me just introduce a few of the more popular plugins.

Passwords need to be strong and random. Weak passwords are one of the main ways hackers gain access to a website. You'd be surprised how many people use the word "password" as their password.

Usernames are another weak area for many Wordpress users. Pick a username that cannot be guessed.

Know the URL that you use for signing into your website. A simple hacker trick could get your username and password without you realising you've been tricked.

PHP error reporting can give hackers some sensitive information. You can easily disable this though.

The file editor built into the Dashboard is one of the first ports of calls if a hacker gains access to your site. It's therefore a good idea to disable it.

You need to be careful about code embedded into Wordpress posts or pages. If you don't trust the code 100%, leave it out.

Wordpress security is only as strong as it's weakest link, and users may be that weak link. This lecture looks at correctly assigning roles to users, to give them just enough security clearance to perform their job.

Plugins can be another source of security holes. This lecture looks at some common sense measure to ensure your website is secure.

Themes can also provide backdoors to hackers, so make sure you use themes from reputable sources, and that those themes are regularly maintained and updated.

A good measure to take is to stop someone repeatedly trying to log into your site on the login page. If a user fails to login a couple of times, they are probably not authorised to access the site, so block them.

You may already be familiar with 2-Factor authentication. Your Google account may use this, or your online banking. You can add this layer of security to your Wordpress site if you wish.

The login page is the gateway to your Wordpress Dashboard, so protect it!

A simple security measure you can take is to change the default Wordpress table prefix. This is typically done when you install Wordpress, but you can change it at a later date as well.

Wordpress security keys are an extra layer of protection for your site. If you install Wordpress using a one-click installer, you don't need to do anything as these will be created for you at the time of the installation.

XML-RPC is a programming interface that developers can use to "talk" to Wordpress. It's also a potential security threat.

A good web host can help increase the security of your website.

This is an important configuration file that contains sensitive information about your site. You may want to protect it.

The files and folders on your server are given permissions, which basically control who can read and write to those files and folders. There are specific permissions required within your Wordpress installation.

Find and install the plugin in the Wordpress repository.

Before you begin, we need to backup important Wordpress files. If anything goes wrong with the configuration of the plugin, you can always use these to restore access to your Dashboard and site.

As you secure your site, you should keep taking backups of important files as mentioned above. However, it is possible you will get locked out. This tutorial shows you what to do if that happens.

If you want to just play it safe, you can only enable the security features that are safe to implement and not cause your site problems. If you are more adventurous, you can try activating all measures. This lecture explains how to identify the safe from the "adventurous".

Optional exercise.

The Dashboard gives you a birds eye view of your security setup on the site. Check out how secure your website is.

The settings screen gives you quick access to a couple of useful tools. We've already used two of the tools to backup files, but let's see what else is here.

This video looks at the User Security settings.

This video shows how to set up 2-factor authentication on your site.

Remember we talked about the table prefix and how Wordpress liked to use a default of wp_ ?? This lecture shows you how you can change your prefix if you need to, or just want to. Don't forget to backup the database first (instructions included in this video).

Files and folders need the correct permissions set, to keep them secure. This lecture shows you how to make sure everything is correct, and also how to disable the PHP editor if you didn't do that earlier in the course.

Setup a firewall on your Wordpress website, to add an extra layer of security.

The plugin has some great tools to help prevent brute force attacks. This lecture shows you how to set these up.

This section of the plugin helps to deal with spam comments by adding a math captcha to the comment form. It's not the greatest spam eliminator, but it is quick to implement and will help a little. A more useful feature is the auto-blocking of repeat spam commenters.

One way of detecting whether your site has been hacked is to monitor the Wordpress files on your server and compare them to the original Wordpress files from Wordpress.org. This is a built in feature of the plugin.

This video shows the options in the Tools section.

I have created a Checklist for you to follow as you secure your Wordpress websites. I've made it available as a PDF file which you can download as the resource for this lecture.

What is your Security Strength after completing the security settings?

This video shows where to find more information about the premium version of this plugin.

If you are new to Udemy, please watch this lecture that shows you around the Udemy interface, and how to get the most out of your Udemy experience as you take this, and other, courses.

A final lecture with some information and resources you may find useful.

Career center

Learners who complete Wordpress Security - How To Stop Hackers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Website Administrator

The Website Administrator is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and security of web properties. This role involves managing website content, monitoring performance, and, critically, safeguarding against threats. This WordPress Security course provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel as a Website Administrator. You will learn to understand hacker motivations, identify common vulnerabilities specific to WordPress, and implement robust security measures. The practical, step-by-step approach to configuring security plugins and hardening your WordPress installation ensures you can make informed administrative decisions, securing your site effectively and proactively against potential attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Website Administrator

Freelance Web Security Consultant

As a Freelance Web Security Consultant, you advise clients on best practices for securing their websites and implement protective measures. With WordPress being incredibly popular, the ability to secure these sites is a high-demand skill. This WordPress Security course is exceptionally well-suited for a Freelance Web Security Consultant. It provides both the foundational knowledge to understand threats and the practical, step-by-step skills to implement comprehensive security solutions using a plugin. You will learn to make websites hackerproof, identify vulnerabilities, and provide specialized consulting services to clients, building trust and a strong portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Web Security Consultant

Managed Hosting Specialist

A Managed Hosting Specialist works for hosting providers, often managing and supporting numerous client websites, many of which are built on WordPress. Ensuring the security of these hosted sites is a primary responsibility. This WordPress Security course is an excellent fit for a Managed Hosting Specialist, providing direct, actionable knowledge. It covers everything from understanding hacker tactics to implementing specific security plugin configurations and hardening techniques, such as file permissions and brute force protection. This comprehensive training enables you to proactively protect client sites, resolve security incidents efficiently, and offer expert advice on WordPress security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Managed Hosting Specialist

WordPress Developer

As a WordPress Developer, you build, customize, and maintain websites using the WordPress platform. Ensuring the security of your creations is paramount, as vulnerabilities can arise from plugins, themes, or custom code. This course is ideal for a WordPress Developer, equipping you with a deep understanding of WordPress security principles. It teaches how administrative actions impact site security, how to identify and prevent common hacks, and provides a step-by-step solution for implementing security best practices using a plugin. This foundation makes you adept at developing secure WordPress solutions and protecting client sites.

See salaries and explore the career path for WordPress Developer

Web Security Analyst

A Web Security Analyst specializes in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security threats targeting web applications and infrastructure. Given that WordPress powers a vast portion of the internet, expertise in securing this platform is highly valuable. This WordPress Security course provides a focused and practical foundation for an aspiring Web Security Analyst. You will gain insight into hacker methodologies, understand common WordPress vulnerabilities, and learn concrete steps to harden web installations. The course's emphasis on both knowledge and hands-on plugin configuration directly supports developing the skill set needed to assess and enhance web security, making your sites hackerproof.

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Cybersecurity Specialist

A Cybersecurity Specialist protects computer systems and networks from threats, which inherently includes web applications. While the field is broad, understanding specific platforms like WordPress, which is frequently targeted, is invaluable. This WordPress Security course can significantly help a Cybersecurity Specialist seeking to deepen their expertise in web application security. It provides crucial knowledge on why hackers attack WordPress sites, common vulnerabilities, and practical, step-by-step methods to secure them. This specialized focus on a prevalent web platform contributes to a well-rounded cybersecurity skill set, enabling the professional to address a major attack surface.

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Vulnerability Management Specialist

A Vulnerability Management Specialist systematically identifies, assesses, and remediates security weaknesses within an organization's systems. Given the widespread use of WordPress, understanding its specific vulnerabilities is a key aspect of this role. This WordPress Security course is exceptionally well-suited for a Vulnerability Management Specialist. It teaches precisely where the main threats come from regarding WordPress and how to implement a step-by-step solution to make websites hackerproof. This specialized knowledge enables you to effectively prioritize and address WordPress-related vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture.

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IT Support Professional

An IT Support Professional assists users with technical issues, which often includes problems related to websites or online services. When a WordPress site encounters a security breach or unusual behavior, knowledge of WordPress security becomes critical for diagnosis and resolution. This WordPress Security course is highly relevant for an IT Support Professional. It explains the common ways hackers exploit WordPress sites and provides practical solutions for protecting them. By understanding the main threats and step-by-step security configurations, you will be better equipped to troubleshoot security-related incidents and guide users on maintaining secure websites.

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Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides in-depth technical assistance for products or platforms, frequently including web hosting environments and content management systems like WordPress. When clients face security challenges or need guidance on hardening their websites, this expertise is vital. This WordPress Security course offers a clear advantage for a Technical Support Engineer. It outlines specific WordPress vulnerabilities and provides actionable, step-by-step methods to implement security measures, including plugin configuration. This detailed understanding enables you to effectively diagnose, resolve, and prevent security issues for WordPress users, enhancing client satisfaction and website integrity.

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Backend Web Developer

A Backend Web Developer builds the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web applications. If working with WordPress, or building custom applications that interact with it, understanding its security model is critical for creating resilient systems. This WordPress Security course is highly relevant for a Backend Web Developer. It provides detailed insight into WordPress's core security features and vulnerabilities, from database prefixes to file permissions and XML RPC. The course empowers you to make informed architectural and coding decisions, ensuring the backend components you develop or interact with are secure against common exploitation methods.

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Digital Marketing Manager

A Digital Marketing Manager oversees online marketing strategies, often relying heavily on the company's website. A hacked website can devastate marketing campaigns, SEO rankings, and brand reputation. Therefore, understanding website security is a defensive, yet crucial, skill. This WordPress Security course helps a Digital Marketing Manager understand the critical importance of website integrity. While not a hands-on security professional, grasping the main threats and how administrative actions affect security, as taught in this course, empowers you to make informed decisions and ensure your marketing efforts are not undermined by security failures.

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Application Security Engineer

An Application Security Engineer focuses on integrating security practices throughout the software development lifecycle for applications. WordPress, as a major web application platform, requires dedicated security considerations. This WordPress Security course is helpful for an Application Security Engineer looking to specialize in common web application platforms. It provides practical knowledge on WordPress-specific vulnerabilities, such as insecure plugins and themes, and teaches how to implement robust security measures. This understanding can inform security reviews, threat modeling for WordPress deployments, and guide the development of secure configuration guidelines.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages the infrastructure that hosts applications, including web servers running WordPress sites. While focusing on the broader system, understanding application-level security, especially for a widely used platform, may be useful. This WordPress Security course may be helpful for a Systems Administrator. It provides insight into the specific vulnerabilities of WordPress and teaches practical methods for hardening installations. This knowledge allows for better overall system hardening decisions, ensuring the underlying infrastructure is robustly protected against threats that might originate from common web application exploits.

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Information Security Auditor

An Information Security Auditor assesses an organization's security posture, identifying weaknesses and ensuring compliance. While this role typically requires a broader understanding and often an advanced degree, specific knowledge of common platforms is beneficial. This WordPress Security course may be useful for an Information Security Auditor. It provides practical insight into how WordPress sites are secured and the common vulnerabilities they face. Understanding these practical aspects allows an auditor to more effectively evaluate the security controls in place for web applications and recommend targeted improvements.

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Security Operations Center Analyst

A Security Operations Center Analyst monitors, detects, and responds to cybersecurity incidents. Understanding the context of alerts generated by web applications, especially a prevalent one like WordPress, may be helpful. This WordPress Security course may be helpful for a Security Operations Center Analyst. It introduces why hackers target WordPress, common attack vectors, and how sites are secured. This foundational knowledge can aid in recognizing suspicious activities, differentiating legitimate traffic from malicious attempts, and understanding the context of alerts related to WordPress websites, thereby improving incident response capabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst