At the root of the recent hacking phenomenon that wreaked havoc among many WordPress users was just a simple, hidden code for PHP backdoor access. Hidden in the source code for a false anti spam plugin called “X-WP-SPAM-SHIELD-PRO,” this allowed a hacker to create an admin account, upload files, disable plugins, amongst other threatening acts on unsuspecting WordPress users’ site.

It’s almost unbelievable that something as simple as a line of code caused a massive security breach – and that’s why a growing number of users are eager to know what can be done to prevent attacks on their own sites.

As a WordPress user, there are some precautions you can take to protect your site from becoming vulnerable to threats like those reflected in recent events.

Our website audit service provides the support you need when developing a site that is as secure as possible, and we do it by walking you through preventative measures like the ones below:

1.Watch What You Install

Any plugin you install should always come from the official WordPress storehouse. Checking the origin protects you from plugins similar to the one which caused the recent hack.

This plugin was never part of the WordPress plugin repository, but was accessible from another source. You can never be sure if a plugin like this has been properly examined, since this one was far from secure. So, inspection is one aspect of wordpress shops that allow you to know your plugin is secure. Themes are similar in that they too allow backdoor access to your site. Always install from WordPress shops or well known authoritative shops to keep your site secure.

2. Keep Your Site Up to Date

Keeping your site, plugins, and themes up to date is crucial for staying protected from faulty security bugs. As your WordPress version gets older, you increase your site’s risk of security holes that hackers easily access. Update your:

• WordPress Version: by always responding to the update available banner
• Plugin and Themes: as security holes leave open access to admin authorities

3. Delete Unused Plugins and Themes

Having plugins and themes lingering when they are not being used is another way for you to have unupdated features behind your site. This increases the likeliness of getting hacked, making the proper deletion of these plugins and themes the most important part of this process.

When getting rid of plugins, they are first deactivated. Though, they must be deleted to be completely clear from your site, so don’t forget this step.

4. Routinely Improve Your Password Strength

The more random your password appears, the better. Often times it can be difficult to come up with an unrelated password for your site, so using a password generator might come in handy. Just because your password has capital letters and numbers does not mean it’s necessarily secure. If the number you use obviously relates to your business, it can be easy to hack. Strings of letters and numbers are your best bet for high security.

Is your WordPress site secure? Our website auditing consultants monitor the aspects of your site that you may overlook. Contact us today at (416) 250-1040 to protect your site from a future security breach.

Quality SEO search by professional marketing consultants can identify your target group of online audiences, things they are looking for on your website,  and the format they may prefer. These methods can often lead to more successful searches and longer time spent on your site as well as conversions. MIT Solutions is your experienced online marketing consultant in Toronto.

We suggest that you treat SEO as the foundation of your website or project to get the most benefit out of it. Here are some reasons why:

Keywords are your Key to Success

Consumers all around the world based their online experiences off a specific group of keywords on items they are looking, and this should be a priority of focus. SEO content must include the needs and questions asked by the consumers and the most effective to deliver this information is through google. Good content strategies  should always begin with a relevant keyword search. Nowadays, keywords provide a broad view of consumers’ needs and wants. This process allows the marketing consultants to identify the consumer needs and find solutions to fulfill their needs.

Keywords should show a Clear Main Point

Keyword research should give a definite idea for content creation. Searches should answer following important information:

• Required Information– If the search results for your target offers basic information only, which means you need to understand general concept of your target. Whereas if the results include customer reviews and brand landing pages, then the idea behind the keyword is to create a realistic purchasing decision.
• Target Audiences- For example, if you encounter highly technical search results, the audience is very likely to be an individual contributor. User intent researches provides the idea on who might possibly be searching for such keywords, which allows online marketing consultants to create their content revolving around the possible audiences.
• Consumer Experience- Keywords that result in basic and general content are commonly accessed by consumers who are most likely still in their beginning stages, while keywords that offer detailed product contents suggest that these consumers are almost ready for the purchasing stage.  

A thorough keyword search enables marketing ideas to be creative and expanded. Written content will include accurate information and directed to the perfect group of audiences, avoiding the waste caused by realizing these information at the end of the project.

Looking for professional online marketing consultants in Toronto? Call us at (416) 250-1040 for more information.