Back to Basics: 3 Steps to Secure Your Site
It’s back to school time in the States, and in a couple weeks it will be here too (Canada). This time of year is exciting and fresh – I feel as if I can start over; sit up straight; get more done.
In honor of back to school time, let’s get back to site basics: security.
It’s not the most fun topic, but without it bad things happen! So let’s make this easy-peasy.
Step 1: Remove unused code
One of the first things we do during a review of someone’s site is to look at the plugins. How many are there? Are they up-to-date? Are they commonly used (less likely to contain malware)?
If any plugins are unused, remove them.
If any plugins duplicate the function of another, remove one of them.
For example, if you have 301 Redirects and Redirection plugins, you can add the redirects to one plugin and remove the other.
If possible remove any plugins you can so that you have less than 15.
Step 2: Backup
I know. So un-fun! But it really is just a click of a button and it will save you tears!!
If you’re not sure which plugin to use, try updraft plus. It’s been our favorite backup plugin for years. And here’s why:
- back up to dropbox (or another place)
- automatic backups
- backup incrementally (so it doesn’t fail)
- super easy to restore
Updraft Plus is super easy to use. You install it, you set up how often to backup and then get out of its way!
Step 3: Update
Then you just hit the update button in this order:
- plugins
- theme frameworks
- WordPress
Conclusion
It is a really good idea to go through your site weekly. If step 1 and 2 are already done automatically, then keep everything up to date on a regular basis. If you need help to get through the plugins or to get it up to date after a long while of neglect, get a Pro Upgrade and we’ll take care of you!
