WordPress Features and Security

WordPress Logo in black-white

Here at Savvy Search Marketing, we believe strongly in WordPress and its benefits. We use it for our own website, and almost exclusively for client websites as well. From time to time we get asked about it, so this post is a way for us to provide some basic information and links to further reading to those who are interested.

1. WordPress Features

Did you know that WordPress powers over 24% of websites? This impressive statistic, as well as a long list of features and details are available on the WordPress “About” page here:

https://wordpress.org/about/features/

Here are a couple of key points that we believe are most important to our clients:

2. Simplicity & Flexibility

Using WordPress allows us to get clients on the web faster and with a smaller budget. It also has the flexibility to do almost anything you can think of. Themes can be customized, plugins added for custom functionality, and content can be changed easily and quickly.

3. You Own Your Data

Since WordPress is stand-alone software, you do not need to rely on a third party who can control the functionality on your site, or in other ways affect your content.

4. Full Standards Compliance

WordPress is built to conform to all recent web standards, and to display well on all of the common browsers. Furthermore, if you choose a theme that is mobile friendly, your website will display nicely on cell phones and tablets which are a huge and growing source of web searches.

WordPress Security

A big question clients ask us is whether or not WordPress is secure. The answer to this question is not merely a “Yes” or “No”. WordPress itself is designed to be as secure as possible, and they release frequent updates to improve its robustness, and patch security issues when they are found.

And yet, we still hear about WordPress sites being attacked and sometimes compromised. The key is understanding what is necessary to make WordPress more secure, and reducing the chances of being hacked. Many times, sites are compromised because very simple security precautions are not followed, even as basic as keeping the WordPress software up to date.

WordPress has a lengthy page documenting some basic Security principles, as well as suggestions on how to improve security in a number of areas. Please review this page for the full list:

http://codex.wordpress.org/Hardening_WordPress

Here are some of the key items we want to direct our readers and clients to:

1. Keep Software Up To Date

One of the most important things to do with a WordPress site is keeping the core software up to date, as well as keeping any Plugins you use up to date. Be sure to keep backups of your site, especially when doing an upgrade, and if you’re not sure, consult with the person managing your site.

2. Passwords

One of the easiest ways to gain access to a site is via login. Make sure your passwords are more secure. Also, do not use usernames that come by default or are common (ie. “admin”).

3. File Permissions

There are some sections of WordPress that can have file permissions set in order to make access more difficult.

4. Database Security

Databases also have usernames and passwords, and these should be secure and updated if necessary. Furthermore, the database tables should not be left with the default prefix, which allows automated attacks to more easily guess at the password and gain access.

Summary

WordPress is an excellent choice to run your website, but precautions and special attention need to be taken in order to reduce the risk of a successful attack.

If you have any questions regarding this topic, or if we manage your website and you want us to give you some direction or advice with your WordPress site, please send us an email at support@savvyk.com, or use our Support Form.

Savvas Kyriakides is a passionate entrepreneur and Digital Marketing Strategist. His ability to quickly grasp and understand many different business models and verticals combined with his passion for digital marketing and strategy, enables him and his team to execute sharp, focused and measurable action plans for Savvy clients.

Savvas is a keen chess player, having played chess at international level as a student and young adult. This included participation in three World Chess Olympiads and a World Chess Junior Championship. Savvas has applied his chess skills involving strategy, focus, concentration and understanding of the competition to digital marketing. Every move is connected and measurable.