How To Properly Setup A WordPress Firewall

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Firewall WordPress | Firewall Options For WordPress | Website Security

At Web Experts, client security is paramount. One of the many tools we utilize to help protect our clients’ websites is a firewall. A firewall is a critical component of any website’s security infrastructure, and this is especially true for WordPress websites. While WordPress is a powerful and flexible content management system, it is also a popular target for hackers and other malicious actors. However, by implementing a well-designed firewall, a WordPress website can be made just as secure as any enterprise-level content management system.

A firewall is a security system that sits between your website and the internet, and it acts as a gatekeeper for incoming traffic. It is responsible for monitoring and controlling all incoming and outgoing traffic, and it can be configured to block or allow specific types of traffic based on a set of rules. In the context of a WordPress website, a firewall can be used to block malicious traffic, such as hacking attempts, while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.

There are several different types of firewalls available, and the best one for your WordPress website will depend on your specific needs. For example, a hardware firewall is a physical device that sits between your website and the internet, and it is responsible for monitoring and controlling all traffic. A software firewall, on the other hand, is a program that runs on your server and is responsible for monitoring and controlling traffic.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a firewall for your WordPress website is its level of customization. A firewall that allows for a high degree of customization will enable you to create specific rules that match your website’s unique needs. This will allow you to block malicious traffic and allow legitimate traffic to pass through, which will help to protect your website from hacking attempts and other security threats.

Another important factor to consider is the firewall’s level of scalability. As your website grows and traffic increases, you will need a firewall that can handle the increased load. A firewall that is not scalable may become overwhelmed and fail to protect your website effectively.

We also recommend considering what type of traffic your business needs. For local businesses that only operate in a specific geographic area, it can make sense to block international internet traffic to their website. A restaurant or retail store that exclusively serves customers in one city or region likely does not need to allow access from IP addresses outside of their local area or country.

Blocking international traffic could prevent hacking attempts and other malicious activity originating from other parts of the world. For example, a family-owned bakery operating in a small town should consider blocking all non-US traffic, as they likely do not have any legitimate need for their site to be accessed globally. Carefully evaluating and filtering incoming traffic helps minimize security risks. Of course, the specifics depend on the business – some may still want to allow international sales or access. But for local sites, blocking non-essential international access can be a sensible starting point for traffic filtering and website.

One popular firewall solution for WordPress websites is the Wordfence Security plugin. This plugin offers a wide range of features, including malware scanning, brute force protection, and a firewall that can be customized to match your website’s specific needs. Additionally, Wordfence offers a premium version with added features, such as real-time malware signature updates and advanced blocking tools. However, for it to be effective, it must be configured properly.

The following are a few steps you should take with any WordPress website if you are using Wordfence:

1. Start by installing and activating the Wordfence plugin on your WordPress website. Once activated, navigate to the Wordfence settings page.
2. Under the “Firewall” tab, select “Enable firewall rules” and “Enable login security” options. These will help prevent unauthorized access to your website and protect your login page from brute force attacks.
3. Under the “Scan” tab, select “Automatically schedule daily scans” and “Scan core files.” This will help ensure that your website is regularly scanned for vulnerabilities and that your core files are checked for any malicious code.
4. Under the “Live Traffic” tab, enable “Real-time blocking.” This will help prevent malicious traffic from accessing your website in real-time.
5. Under the “Notifications” tab, configure the notification settings to your preference. This will help you stay informed about any security issues on your website.
6. Finally, make sure to keep your Wordfence plugin and your WordPress software up-to-date to ensure that you have the latest security features and patches.

By following these steps, you will have a properly configured Wordfence plugin that will help keep your website safe from hackers and other security threats. Remember to regularly check your Wordfence logs and scan results to make sure that your website is secure.

Another popular solution is the All In One WP Security and Firewall plugin. This plugin offers a variety of security features, including a firewall that can be configured to block specific types of traffic. Additionally, the plugin includes a malware scanner, and it can be used to block brute-force attacks.

A well-thought-out firewall can be a powerful tool for protecting your WordPress website from hacking attempts and other security threats. By choosing a firewall that offers a high degree of customization and scalability, you can ensure that your website is just as secure as any enterprise-level content management system. By implementing a firewall, you can take an important step towards protecting your website and your visitors’ data. If you need help securing your website or installing a firewall on a current site, please contact us. We take internet security seriously.