Protect WordPress From Brute Force Attacks

Brute force attacks are a common form of attack on WordPress websites, where hackers use automated methods to try a series of usernames and passwords until they find the right one. This can slow down your site’s performance and even cause serious security issues. In this article, we’ll show you how to protect your WordPress site from brute force attacks.

Step 1: Use Strong Passwords

A strong password is the first step in protecting your WordPress account from brute force attacks. A strong password is at least 12 characters long, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

How to Create Strong Passwords

You can create strong passwords using password management tools like:

• LastPass: A powerful password manager that helps store and generate secure passwords.
• 1Password: Helps generate complex passwords and store them securely.
• Bitwarden: Free tool to manage and generate secure passwords.

Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that helps prevent brute force attacks by requiring users to provide an authentication code in addition to their password when logging in. This ensures that even if a hacker obtains their password, they still cannot access the account without the authentication code.

• Install plugin Google Authenticator or Two Factor Authentication.
• Enable 2FA for your account through the steps in the section Setting -> Two Factor Authentication.

Step 3: Limit Failed Login Attempts

One effective way to prevent brute force attacks is to limit the number of failed login attempts. After a certain number of failed login attempts, the account will be temporarily locked to prevent further attacks.

Install Limit Login Attempts Plugin

You can use plugins Limit Login Attempts Reloaded To limit the number of failed login attempts:

• Access to Plugins -> Add New.
• Search for plugins Limit Login Attempts Reloaded and click Install Now.
• Enable the plugin and configure the number of failed login attempts allowed in the section Settings.

Step 4: Change Login Page URL

The default WordPress login page is /wp-admin or /wp-login.phpand this is often the target of brute force attacks. By changing your login path, you can reduce your risk of being attacked.

Using WPS Hide Login Plugin

Plugin WPS Hide Login allows you to change your WordPress login page URL easily:

• Install and activate the plugin WPS Hide Login.
• Go to Settings -> General and change the login path in the section Login URL.
• Click Save Changes to save.

Additional Security Tips

In addition to the above measures, you can enhance WordPress security with some of the following tips:

• Update WordPress regularly: Make sure you always update to the latest version of WordPress to avoid security vulnerabilities.
• Do not use the default admin account: Create a new username with admin rights and disable the login admin.
• Use comprehensive security plugins: Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri for comprehensive website protection.

WordPress Security

Protecting your WordPress site from brute force attacks is an important part of maintaining your website’s security. By taking steps like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting failed login attempts, and changing your login URL, you can reduce your risk of being hacked. Start taking steps today to ensure your site is safe and secure.