WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. While it’s easy to set up, it’s essential to prioritize security to protect your WordPress installation from potential threats. In this guide, we’ll explore how to secure a WordPress installation on an Ubuntu server. We’ll also discuss how purchasing hosting anonymously, such as through anonymous webhosting and using crypto payments, can affect the security of your WordPress installation.
Initial Server Setup
Before securing your WordPress installation, ensure that your Ubuntu server is properly configured:
Keep Ubuntu Updated
Regularly update your server’s operating system to ensure it’s equipped with the latest security patches and improvements. Run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Create a Non-root User
Avoid using the root user for everyday tasks. Create a non-root user with administrative privileges and disable root login:
sudo adduser yourusername
sudo usermod -aG sudo yourusername
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Inside the SSH configuration file, set PermitRootLogin to no:
PermitRootLogin no
Save the file and restart SSH:
sudo service ssh restart
Secure MySQL Database
WordPress relies on a MySQL database. Secure it properly:
Password Authentication
During the MySQL installation, you should have set a root password. Ensure it’s strong and unique. Additionally, restrict access by only allowing it from localhost.
Database and User Creation
Create a separate database for your WordPress installation and a unique user with access only to that database:
CREATE DATABASE wordpress;
CREATE USER ‘wpuser’@’localhost’ IDENTIFIED BY ‘password’;
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wordpress.* TO ‘wpuser’@’localhost’;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
Configure WordPress Securely
With your server and database prepared, let’s secure the WordPress installation itself:
Choose a Strong Username and Password
It is strongly recommended that you do not use the ‘admin’ account during the installation of WordPress. Choose a user name that is completely unique to you and a password that is robust and difficult. It is advised that you use a combination of uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers, and symbols.
Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
A secure connection between the user’s browser and your server can be established with the help of an SSL certificate. Let’s Encrypt is a program that provides several hosting companies with the ability to issue free SSL certificates. Install SSL on your website and make sure it’s enabled.
Limit Login Attempts
To prevent brute force attacks, limit the number of login attempts by using a plugin like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.” This locks out users after a certain number of failed login attempts.
Disable XML-RPC
XML-RPC can be a target for DDoS attacks. Disable it by adding the following code to your site’s .htaccess file:
<files xmlrpc.php>
order deny,allow
deny from all
</files>
Regular Backups
Frequently backup your WordPress website. This ensures you can restore your site in case of data loss or security issues. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus to automate the process.
Anonymous Webhosting and Cryptocurrency Payments
Now, let’s talk about how the security of your WordPress installation can be affected by anonymous webhosting and cryptocurrency payments:
Anonymous Webhosting
Anonymous webhosting, often referred to as offshore hosting or bulletproof hosting, is a hosting service that allows users to remain completely anonymous. Here’s how it can impact your WordPress security:
- Privacy: Anonymous webhosting providers don’t require your personal information to sign up, providing an extra layer of privacy. This can make it harder for potential attackers to target you.
- Security: The anonymity of these hosting services can be seen as an extra layer of security. Attackers can’t easily trace your identity, making it challenging for them to launch targeted attacks.
- Geo-blocking: Some anonymous webhosting providers offer geo-blocking options, which can prevent access to your website from specific countries or regions. This can be useful in preventing attacks from specific locations.
Having said that, it is necessary to bring to your attention the fact that not all anonymous webhosting companies are made equal. Carry out in-depth research to ensure that the service provider you pick has a solid reputation and can be relied upon.
Cryptocurrency Payments
Many anonymous webhosting providers (hosting prices here) allow you to pay with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other privacy-focused coins. Here’s how this payment method can impact your WordPress security:
- Anonymity: Cryptocurrency payments are highly anonymous, as they don’t require personal information. This can further enhance your privacy and security.
- Financial Privacy: Using cryptocurrencies ensures that your financial information is not linked to your hosting account. This can be valuable if you want to keep your online activities private.
- Reduced Identity Exposure: Since cryptocurrency payments do not involve sharing personal information, there’s less exposure of your identity online. This makes it challenging for malicious actors to target you.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
To maintain a secure WordPress installation, practice ongoing maintenance and monitoring:
Updates
Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with the latest features and improvements.
Security Plugins
Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri Security to monitor your site for threats and perform regular security scans.
Monitoring
Set up security and performance monitoring tools to track your website’s performance and detect any unusual activities or threats.
It is absolutely necessary to secure both your website and the data it contains from any potential dangers by securing a WordPress installation that is hosted on an Ubuntu server. You will be able to dramatically improve the security of your WordPress installation if you follow the procedures provided in this article. Your online presence can also benefit from having an additional layer of anonymity and protection if you use anonymous web hosting and make payments using cryptocurrencies. It is vital, however, to undertake extensive research and select services with a good reputation in order to guarantee that your WordPress installation will maintain both its anonymity and its level of security. For a WordPress website to retain its level of security over time, routine maintenance and monitoring are essential components.
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