SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 36
How to HackProof Your WordPress Site WordPress Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
South FloridaWordPress MeetUp ,[object Object]
SEO Manager at MediaWhiz    www.MediaWhiz.comCo-Host of SEO101w             www.WebmasterRadio.fm/SEO-101/                       Mondays 5PM EST or listen on APPLE iTunes anytime ,[object Object],Tons of this presentation was stolen from Brad Williams who gave a great Presentation at WordCamp NYC
Tonight Link Injections Basic WordPress Security Security Based Plug-ins South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
“Hackproof” This is impossible. Seriously… it’s IMPOSSIBLE! Hackers are Lazy. Make yourself a hard target. They will move on to someone else. South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Link Injection Hacker bots look for known exploits (SQL Injection, folder perms, etc).  This allows them to insert spam files/links Your WordPress Themes, plugins, and core files are the target South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Link Injection Hosting account contains two separate sites South FloridaWordPress MeetUp WordPress WordPress MU
Link Injection Hacker puts a file on WPMU install South FloridaWordPress MeetUp WordPress WordPress MU
Link Injection WPMU file hacks WordPress install Installs spam links into files South FloridaWordPress MeetUp WordPress WordPress MU
Link Injection WPMU Shows No Spam, Appears Clean Cleaning WP Results in Recurring Injections South FloridaWordPress MeetUp WordPress MU WordPress
Link Injection South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Link Injection What does this do to your site? Part of a “Link Farm” Loss of Trust and Authority Reduced Page Rank Lost Rankings Showing up for non-relevant terms (Viagra) South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp Are you using the default “Admin” account?
Basic WP Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security DON’T USE “ADMIN” Create a Unique User Account Assign it the Administrator Role Log Out, Log Back in with new Administrator Account Delete Original “Admin” Account South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Use of “Permissions” Permissions tell the server who is allowed to access a file and what they can do with the file once they access it. Owner, Group, Public Read, Write, Execute South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Use of “Permissions” Good Rule of Thumb:  Files should be set to 644  Folders should be set to 755 Permission levels vary depending on server configuration South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Move the wp-config.php file WordPress 2.6 added the ability to move the wp-config.php file one directory above your WordPress root WordPress automatically checks the parent directory if a wp-config.php file is not found in your root directory South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Move the wp-config.php file This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to access your wp-config.php  South FloridaWordPress MeetUp If WordPress is located here: public_html/wordpress/wp-config.php You can move your wp-config.php file to here	 public_html/wp-config.php
Basic WP Security Move the wp-content Directory WordPress 2.6 added the ability to move the wp-content Directory to the location of your choice If hackers can’t find your wp-content folder, they can’t hack it. South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp Move the wp-content Directory 1. Move your wp-content directory 2. Make two additions to wp-config.php define( 'WP_CONTENT_DIR', $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . '/blog/wp-content' ); define( 'WP_CONTENT_URL', 'http://domain.com/blog/wp-content'); If you have compatibility issues with plugins there are two optional settings define( 'WP_PLUGIN_DIR', $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . '/blog/wp-content/plugins' ); define( 'WP_PLUGIN_URL', 'http://domain.com/blog/wp-content/plugins');
Basic WP Security RemoveWordPress Version fromthe Header South FloridaWordPress MeetUp Viewing source on most WP sites will reveal the version they are running <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 2.8" /> <!-- leave this for stats --> This helps hackers find vulnerable WP blogs running older versions To remove find the code below in your header.php file of your theme and remove it <meta name="generator" content="WordPress <?phpbloginfo('version'); ?>" /> <!-- leave this for stats please -->
Basic WP Security RemoveWordPress Version fromthe Header South FloridaWordPress MeetUp The wp_head function also includes the WP version in your header To remove drop this line of code in your themes functions.php file remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator'); Themes and plugins might also display versions in your header.
Basic WP Security Use Secure Passwords Use strong passwords to protect your website from dictionary attacks Not just for WordPress, but also FTP, MySQL, etc South FloridaWordPress MeetUp BAD PASSWORD: johnrocks GOOD PASSWORD: S-gnop2D[6@8 WordPress will tell you when you have it right
Basic WP Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp Are you using the same password in multiple places?
Basic WP Security South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Change  WordPress Table Prefix Edit wp-config.php before installing WordPress Change the prefix wp_ to something unique South FloridaWordPress MeetUp /**  * WordPress Database Table prefix.  *  * You can have multiple installations in one database if you give each a unique  * prefix. Only numbers, letters, and underscores please!  */ $table_prefix  = ‘zztop_'; All database tables will now have a unique prefix (iezztop_posts)
Basic WP Security Other Advanced Security Techniques Force SSL Login for Administrators Lockdown Admin via .htaccess Use Secret Keys with Passwords South FloridaWordPress MeetUp
Basic WP Security Recommended Security Plugins WP Security Scan South FloridaWordPress MeetUp http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-security-scan/
Basic WP Security Recommended Security Plugins WP Exploit Scanner South FloridaWordPress MeetUp http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/exploit-scanner/
Basic WP Security Recommended Security Plugins WP Exploit Scanner South FloridaWordPress MeetUp http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/exploit-scanner/
Basic WP Security Recommended Security Plugins WordPress File Monitor South FloridaWordPress MeetUp http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-file-monitor/
Basic WP Security Recommended Security Plugins Login Lockdown South FloridaWordPress MeetUp http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/login-lockdown/
Basic WP Security WordPress Security Resources South FloridaWordPress MeetUp ,[object Object]
http://codex.wordpress.org/Hardening_WordPress

More Related Content

What's hot

Lockdown WordPress
Lockdown WordPressLockdown WordPress
Lockdown WordPress
Dre Armeda
 
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for JoomlaTour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
vdrover
 

What's hot (20)

WordPress End-User Security
WordPress End-User SecurityWordPress End-User Security
WordPress End-User Security
 
Protect Your WordPress From The Inside Out
Protect Your WordPress From The Inside OutProtect Your WordPress From The Inside Out
Protect Your WordPress From The Inside Out
 
WordPress Security Presentation
WordPress Security PresentationWordPress Security Presentation
WordPress Security Presentation
 
WordPress Security - WordCamp Boston 2010
WordPress Security - WordCamp Boston 2010WordPress Security - WordCamp Boston 2010
WordPress Security - WordCamp Boston 2010
 
Lockdown WordPress
Lockdown WordPressLockdown WordPress
Lockdown WordPress
 
WordPress Security - WordCamp NYC 2009
WordPress Security - WordCamp NYC 2009WordPress Security - WordCamp NYC 2009
WordPress Security - WordCamp NYC 2009
 
WordCamp Mid-Atlantic WordPress Security
WordCamp Mid-Atlantic WordPress SecurityWordCamp Mid-Atlantic WordPress Security
WordCamp Mid-Atlantic WordPress Security
 
WordCamp RI 2015 - Beginner WordPress Workshop
WordCamp RI 2015 - Beginner WordPress Workshop   WordCamp RI 2015 - Beginner WordPress Workshop
WordCamp RI 2015 - Beginner WordPress Workshop
 
Secure All The Things!
Secure All The Things!Secure All The Things!
Secure All The Things!
 
Securing Your WordPress Website - WordCamp GC 2011
Securing Your WordPress Website - WordCamp GC 2011Securing Your WordPress Website - WordCamp GC 2011
Securing Your WordPress Website - WordCamp GC 2011
 
WordPress Security Best Practices 2019 Update
WordPress Security Best Practices 2019 UpdateWordPress Security Best Practices 2019 Update
WordPress Security Best Practices 2019 Update
 
Top Ten WordPress Security Tips for 2012
Top Ten WordPress Security Tips for 2012Top Ten WordPress Security Tips for 2012
Top Ten WordPress Security Tips for 2012
 
Higher Order WordPress Security
Higher Order WordPress SecurityHigher Order WordPress Security
Higher Order WordPress Security
 
20 tips to Improving Your WordPress Site...for Beginners
20 tips to Improving Your WordPress Site...for Beginners20 tips to Improving Your WordPress Site...for Beginners
20 tips to Improving Your WordPress Site...for Beginners
 
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for JoomlaTour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
Tour of sh404SEF - SEO and security for Joomla
 
Advanced Thesis Techniques and Tricks
Advanced Thesis Techniques and TricksAdvanced Thesis Techniques and Tricks
Advanced Thesis Techniques and Tricks
 
WordCamp Chicago 2011 - WordPress End User Security - Dre Armeda
WordCamp Chicago 2011 - WordPress End User Security - Dre ArmedaWordCamp Chicago 2011 - WordPress End User Security - Dre Armeda
WordCamp Chicago 2011 - WordPress End User Security - Dre Armeda
 
Complete Wordpress Security By CHETAN SONI - Cyber Security Expert
Complete Wordpress Security By CHETAN SONI - Cyber Security ExpertComplete Wordpress Security By CHETAN SONI - Cyber Security Expert
Complete Wordpress Security By CHETAN SONI - Cyber Security Expert
 
WordPress 2.5 Overview - Rich Media Institute
WordPress 2.5 Overview - Rich Media InstituteWordPress 2.5 Overview - Rich Media Institute
WordPress 2.5 Overview - Rich Media Institute
 
8 Ways to Hack a WordPress website
8 Ways to Hack a WordPress website8 Ways to Hack a WordPress website
8 Ways to Hack a WordPress website
 

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (7)

WordPress security 101 - WP Turku Meetup 2.2.2017
WordPress security 101 - WP Turku Meetup 2.2.2017WordPress security 101 - WP Turku Meetup 2.2.2017
WordPress security 101 - WP Turku Meetup 2.2.2017
 
WordPress Security 101 – WordCamp Finland 2016 presentation by Otto Kekäläine...
WordPress Security 101 – WordCamp Finland 2016 presentation by Otto Kekäläine...WordPress Security 101 – WordCamp Finland 2016 presentation by Otto Kekäläine...
WordPress Security 101 – WordCamp Finland 2016 presentation by Otto Kekäläine...
 
WordPress Security: Defend yourself against digital invaders
WordPress Security:Defend yourself against digital invadersWordPress Security:Defend yourself against digital invaders
WordPress Security: Defend yourself against digital invaders
 
WCBham Beginner WordPress Security
WCBham Beginner WordPress SecurityWCBham Beginner WordPress Security
WCBham Beginner WordPress Security
 
Wordpress security best practices - WordCamp Waukesha 2017
Wordpress security best practices - WordCamp Waukesha 2017Wordpress security best practices - WordCamp Waukesha 2017
Wordpress security best practices - WordCamp Waukesha 2017
 
WordPress SEO & Optimisation
WordPress SEO & OptimisationWordPress SEO & Optimisation
WordPress SEO & Optimisation
 
Seravo.com: WordPress Security 101
Seravo.com: WordPress Security 101Seravo.com: WordPress Security 101
Seravo.com: WordPress Security 101
 

Similar to WordPress Security Presentation from South Florida WordPress Meetup

Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
Think Media Inc.
 
Wordpress security issues
Wordpress security issuesWordpress security issues
Wordpress security issues
Deepu Thomas
 
Installation of wordpress
Installation of wordpressInstallation of wordpress
Installation of wordpress
HAINIRMALRAJ
 
Neo word press meetup ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
Neo word press meetup   ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012Neo word press meetup   ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
Neo word press meetup ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
Brian Layman
 
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
Angela Bowman
 

Similar to WordPress Security Presentation from South Florida WordPress Meetup (20)

WordPress Security Best Practices
WordPress Security Best PracticesWordPress Security Best Practices
WordPress Security Best Practices
 
WordPress Optimization & Security - LAC 2013, London
WordPress Optimization & Security - LAC 2013, LondonWordPress Optimization & Security - LAC 2013, London
WordPress Optimization & Security - LAC 2013, London
 
Securing Your WordPress Website by Vlad Lasky
Securing Your WordPress Website by Vlad LaskySecuring Your WordPress Website by Vlad Lasky
Securing Your WordPress Website by Vlad Lasky
 
Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
Presentation to SAIT Students - Dec 2013
 
Wordpress security issues
Wordpress security issuesWordpress security issues
Wordpress security issues
 
WordPress Security Best Practices
WordPress Security Best PracticesWordPress Security Best Practices
WordPress Security Best Practices
 
Locking down word press
Locking down word pressLocking down word press
Locking down word press
 
Installation of wordpress
Installation of wordpressInstallation of wordpress
Installation of wordpress
 
WordPress Optimization & Security - ThinkVisibility 2012, Leeds
WordPress Optimization & Security - ThinkVisibility 2012, LeedsWordPress Optimization & Security - ThinkVisibility 2012, Leeds
WordPress Optimization & Security - ThinkVisibility 2012, Leeds
 
Neo word press meetup ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
Neo word press meetup   ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012Neo word press meetup   ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
Neo word press meetup ehermits - how to keep your blog from being hacked 2012
 
Website security
Website securityWebsite security
Website security
 
WordPress Plugin Development- Rich Media Institute Workshop
WordPress Plugin Development- Rich Media Institute WorkshopWordPress Plugin Development- Rich Media Institute Workshop
WordPress Plugin Development- Rich Media Institute Workshop
 
40 WordPress Tips: Security, Engagement, SEO & Performance - SMX Sydney 2013
40 WordPress Tips: Security, Engagement, SEO & Performance - SMX Sydney 201340 WordPress Tips: Security, Engagement, SEO & Performance - SMX Sydney 2013
40 WordPress Tips: Security, Engagement, SEO & Performance - SMX Sydney 2013
 
WORDPRESS SECURITY: HOW TO AVOID BEING HACKED
WORDPRESS SECURITY: HOW TO AVOID BEING HACKEDWORDPRESS SECURITY: HOW TO AVOID BEING HACKED
WORDPRESS SECURITY: HOW TO AVOID BEING HACKED
 
Wordpress best practices
Wordpress best practicesWordpress best practices
Wordpress best practices
 
Owning word press all you need to know as a wordpress developer by lutaaya ...
Owning word press   all you need to know as a wordpress developer by lutaaya ...Owning word press   all you need to know as a wordpress developer by lutaaya ...
Owning word press all you need to know as a wordpress developer by lutaaya ...
 
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
WordPress Security Essentials WordCamp Denver 2012
 
Installation of wordpress
Installation of wordpressInstallation of wordpress
Installation of wordpress
 
Word Press Security
Word Press SecurityWord Press Security
Word Press Security
 
Installing WordPress The Right Way
Installing WordPress The Right WayInstalling WordPress The Right Way
Installing WordPress The Right Way
 

More from John Carcutt (6)

Content is NOT king WordCamp Miami 2014
Content is NOT king   WordCamp Miami 2014Content is NOT king   WordCamp Miami 2014
Content is NOT king WordCamp Miami 2014
 
Authorship Deep Dive SMX Advanced 2013
Authorship Deep Dive   SMX Advanced 2013Authorship Deep Dive   SMX Advanced 2013
Authorship Deep Dive SMX Advanced 2013
 
Maximizing Enterprise SEO from SMX East 2012
Maximizing Enterprise SEO from SMX East 2012Maximizing Enterprise SEO from SMX East 2012
Maximizing Enterprise SEO from SMX East 2012
 
SEO Metrics from Word Camp Miami
SEO Metrics from Word Camp MiamiSEO Metrics from Word Camp Miami
SEO Metrics from Word Camp Miami
 
Real Time Search Presentation
Real Time Search PresentationReal Time Search Presentation
Real Time Search Presentation
 
ORM Project Management Presentation Pubcon 2009
ORM Project Management Presentation Pubcon 2009ORM Project Management Presentation Pubcon 2009
ORM Project Management Presentation Pubcon 2009
 

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Connector Corner: Accelerate revenue generation using UiPath API-centric busi...
Connector Corner: Accelerate revenue generation using UiPath API-centric busi...Connector Corner: Accelerate revenue generation using UiPath API-centric busi...
Connector Corner: Accelerate revenue generation using UiPath API-centric busi...
 
Repurposing LNG terminals for Hydrogen Ammonia: Feasibility and Cost Saving
Repurposing LNG terminals for Hydrogen Ammonia: Feasibility and Cost SavingRepurposing LNG terminals for Hydrogen Ammonia: Feasibility and Cost Saving
Repurposing LNG terminals for Hydrogen Ammonia: Feasibility and Cost Saving
 
Powerful Google developer tools for immediate impact! (2023-24 C)
Powerful Google developer tools for immediate impact! (2023-24 C)Powerful Google developer tools for immediate impact! (2023-24 C)
Powerful Google developer tools for immediate impact! (2023-24 C)
 
Axa Assurance Maroc - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Axa Assurance Maroc - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Axa Assurance Maroc - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Axa Assurance Maroc - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
 
AWS Community Day CPH - Three problems of Terraform
AWS Community Day CPH - Three problems of TerraformAWS Community Day CPH - Three problems of Terraform
AWS Community Day CPH - Three problems of Terraform
 
Understanding Discord NSFW Servers A Guide for Responsible Users.pdf
Understanding Discord NSFW Servers A Guide for Responsible Users.pdfUnderstanding Discord NSFW Servers A Guide for Responsible Users.pdf
Understanding Discord NSFW Servers A Guide for Responsible Users.pdf
 
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live StreamsTop 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
 
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
Strategies for Landing an Oracle DBA Job as a Fresher
Strategies for Landing an Oracle DBA Job as a FresherStrategies for Landing an Oracle DBA Job as a Fresher
Strategies for Landing an Oracle DBA Job as a Fresher
 
GenAI Risks & Security Meetup 01052024.pdf
GenAI Risks & Security Meetup 01052024.pdfGenAI Risks & Security Meetup 01052024.pdf
GenAI Risks & Security Meetup 01052024.pdf
 
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
 
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
 
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt RobisonData Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
 
Apidays New York 2024 - Scaling API-first by Ian Reasor and Radu Cotescu, Adobe
Apidays New York 2024 - Scaling API-first by Ian Reasor and Radu Cotescu, AdobeApidays New York 2024 - Scaling API-first by Ian Reasor and Radu Cotescu, Adobe
Apidays New York 2024 - Scaling API-first by Ian Reasor and Radu Cotescu, Adobe
 
Mastering MySQL Database Architecture: Deep Dive into MySQL Shell and MySQL R...
Mastering MySQL Database Architecture: Deep Dive into MySQL Shell and MySQL R...Mastering MySQL Database Architecture: Deep Dive into MySQL Shell and MySQL R...
Mastering MySQL Database Architecture: Deep Dive into MySQL Shell and MySQL R...
 
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
 
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time AutomationFrom Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
 
Polkadot JAM Slides - Token2049 - By Dr. Gavin Wood
Polkadot JAM Slides - Token2049 - By Dr. Gavin WoodPolkadot JAM Slides - Token2049 - By Dr. Gavin Wood
Polkadot JAM Slides - Token2049 - By Dr. Gavin Wood
 

WordPress Security Presentation from South Florida WordPress Meetup