Last Updated: May 23, 2012

June 17, 2011

Enhancing Security for WordPress

WordPress is a robust and increasingly popular blogging platform used by many in the blogosphere.  Although a widely distributed blogging tool with exclusive security controls and immediate downloadable security patches and updates, it’s not uncommon for hackers to wreak havoc on targeted blogs.   Administrators, however, can make a conscious effort to take proactive steps to ensure security measures to protect blogging ventures from such nuisances.

Protecting Your WordPress Blog

Regardless of the blogging platform that you ultimately decide to utilize, it’s imperative to protect sensitive information, specifically passwords.   While it may seem as common sense to many, others are tempted to use passwords that are too easy to guess.  Passwords and usernames such as “admin” or “password” are simply asking to be hacked.  Avoid the temptation of choosing an obvious password.   Instead use a strong password containing at least eight characters that includes both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and at least one symbol.

It’s also important that passwords be changed frequently.  Not only should passwords be changed, but also so should usernames.  It’s recommended to change such sensitive login information at least once a month.  Mark it on your calendar.  It’s easy to remember to accomplish the task if it’s scheduled for the first or last day of the month.

View your blogs on a regular basis.  Although you may know what content is available for viewing on your blog, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s actually visible online.  Often web hosting providers change the default setting on their servers.  If this happens, it’s not impossible for current content to be replaced with static index.html files.  By not checking blogs regularly could mean the difference in a month of lucrative advertising profits or a harsh month’s lost in ad revenues.

To quickly manage viewing multiple blogs, try creating a clickable list of respective URLs.  Google Spreadsheet is an efficient solution by creating clickable cells for every individual URL that’s added.  It’s a quick and easy way to view blogs to ensure functionality.

Anti-Spam Software and WordPress Plug-ins

Mind mapping is another efficient option for managing multiple blogs.   Consider free mind mapping programs such as FreeMind and XMind.  MindManager, a paid desktop software version, is also a popular choice offering users a 30-day free trial.

Finally, anti-spam software is the lifeline of many blogging ventures.  The software not only combats spam comments, but also moderates your comments on a regular basis.  Options include manual moderation and automated moderation.

For bloggers using WordPress, the following anti-spam plug-ins are essential tools for managing blogs and preventing spam attacks:

  • Akismet
  • Spam Karma 2
  • Anti Spam Bee
  • Trollguard
  • Bad Behavior

Conclusion

Securing blogs from unauthorized access to accounts and spam sprees is essential to maintain a reputable blog.  Anti-spam software and WordPress plug-ins free of charge are readily available to further enhance security measures.  By taking some simple proactive measures to ensure security means the difference between ultimate success and failure of a blogging venture.

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