How to Boost WordPress Security and Protect Your SEO Ranking

This article details crucial WordPress security measures to safeguard your website and SEO rankings from cyberattacks. The recent Balada Injector malware attack, affecting over 17,000 WordPress sites in September 2023, underscores the critical need for robust website security. Such breaches lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and plummeting search engine rankings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Urgent Need for WordPress Security: The scale of the September 2023 malware attack highlights the vulnerability of WordPress sites and the importance of proactive security measures.
2. SEO and Business Impact: Cyberattacks inflict significant damage on SEO performance and business reputation, making recovery a difficult process.
3. Proactive Security Strategies: This article provides a step-by-step guide to enhance WordPress security, improving SEO and overall website health.

Website Security and SEO: An Inseparable Link

Online shopping continues to grow, with consumers increasingly relying on search engines for product research. This necessitates not only high-quality content and SEO best practices but also a secure and positive user experience.

Survey responses to the question, “In general, where do you typically research the items/products you intend to buy?” Source: PwC’s June 2023 Global Consumer Insights Survey

Source: eMarketer

Consumers expect secure online experiences across all websites, including search engines. Strong SEO requires a secure website.

How Security Breaches Harm SEO

Cyberattacks can be devastating, leading to irreversible financial and reputational damage. Search engines prioritize website security as a key factor in page experience ranking.

Google’s Page Experience Documentation includes a question focusing on website security.

Security breaches result in:

• Website Blocklisting: Search engines and browsers may block access to compromised websites.
• Toxic Backlinks: Backlinks from compromised sites are flagged as malicious, impacting your domain authority.
• Traffic Loss: A security breach can dramatically reduce website traffic.
• Reputational Harm: Negative reviews and word-of-mouth can further damage your online presence.

Securing Your WordPress Site: A Practical Guide

These steps will help protect your website and customers:

Step 1: Secure SSL Certificate: An appropriate SSL certificate encrypts data, safeguarding sensitive information. Choose a certificate type (e.g., OV SSL) that aligns with your business needs.

Step 2: Update WordPress Plugins: Regularly update plugins to patch vulnerabilities. Always back up your site before updating. Remove outdated plugins.

Step 3: Implement a Cybersecurity Policy: Establish clear guidelines and best practices for all employees to prevent breaches through insecure connections and devices.

Step 4: Invest in Security Plugins: Utilize security plugins (e.g., Sucuri, Wordfence) for firewall protection, login restrictions, malware scanning, and alerts.

Screenshot of an email alert notification sent out by Wordfence Security to its users

Step 5: Maintain Vigilance: Regularly monitor your website for security issues using tools like Ahrefs. Be wary of phishing emails and test data integrity.

Boosting Domain Rating (DR) Through Security

A high Domain Rating (DR) correlates with better search rankings. Maintaining website security is crucial for a healthy DR. Regularly audit backlinks and disavow those from low-quality or compromised sites using tools like Ahrefs.

Screenshot from Google Search’s How Results are Automatically Generated document.

Conclusion

Website security is paramount for online success. A secure website builds trust with customers and improves search engine rankings. The steps outlined here provide a foundation for robust website security, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and maximizing your online presence. Remember, proactive security measures are key to long-term success.

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