Are you unknowingly making password mistakes that could get your site hacked? Many site owners still overlook simple steps that can tighten security and prevent those nightmare scenarios of hacks and unauthorized access.
So, let’s break down three common password missteps and fix them together.
1. Stop Sharing Passwords. Use Temporary Logins Instead
It’s tempting to just hand over your password when someone needs access to your site, right?
However, this can seriously compromise your security. By allowing someone else to use your credentials, you’re effectively giving them authority to act as you on that account.
This can lead to unauthorized actions and decisions made in your name.
A better alternative when you have to share access with someone on your WordPress site is to use the Temporary Logins feature from Hide My WP Ghost (included in the PRO version).
This feature helps you create a temporary login URL with any user role which grants access to the website dashboard without requiring a username and password.
It’s the perfect solution for times when you need to give access to the admin area of your site for a limited amount of time.
2. Regularly Monitor and Audit Your Passwords
Here’s something many people still overlook: regularly checking if your passwords have been exposed in a data breach.
Websites like Have I Been Pwned? offer a quick way to check if your passwords have been compromised.
Regular audits and immediate action can drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Make it a routine to check and update your passwords—your site’s safety depends on it!
3. Promptly Remove Ex-Employee Access
An active account of a former team member can pose a significant security threat to your WordPress site. These accounts can be gateways for unauthorized entries, especially if the departure terms were unfavorable.
Make it a standard practice to compile an access list for each new employee from the moment they start. This list should track what permissions they have and any credentials they use. Having this documented from day one simplifies the process when it’s time to revoke access, ensuring no critical steps are missed.
It’s like keeping a key log; you’ll know exactly which keys to reclaim to secure your site when someone leaves.
Alright, that wraps up our little tour of password best practices!
Implementing these won’t just improve your site’s security—it will also give you peace of mind, and isn’t that just priceless?
