Shielding Your WordPress Database: Tips for Enhanced Security

Protecting your WordPress database is essential for safeguarding your website’s integrity and security. Since the database stores critical information such as posts, pages, user details, and site settings, it becomes a primary target for cyber threats. By implementing strong security measures, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and prevent potential data breaches.

1. Modify the Default Administrator Username

WordPress assigns ‘admin’ as the default administrator username, which is widely known and often targeted by attackers. Changing this default username adds an extra layer of security. To do this:

Access your website’s database using phpMyAdmin.

Execute the following SQL query to update the username:

UPDATE wp_users SET user_login=’new_username’ WHERE user_login=’admin’;

Replace ‘new_username’ with your desired username. For multisite installations, utilize the grant_super_admin() function to assign super admin privileges appropriately.

2. Change the Administrator User ID

By default, the administrator account in WordPress is assigned a user ID of 1, commonly exploited in SQL injection attacks. Altering this ID can enhance security:

In phpMyAdmin, run the following queries:

UPDATE wp_users SET ID = 2807 WHERE ID = 1;

UPDATE wp_posts SET post_author = 2807 WHERE post_author = 1;

UPDATE wp_comments SET user_id = 2807 WHERE user_id = 1;

UPDATE wp_usermeta SET user_id = 2807 WHERE user_id = 1;

ALTER TABLE wp_users AUTO_INCREMENT = 2808;

Ensure you back up your database before making these changes and verify the website’s functionality afterward. For multisite networks, adjust the queries accordingly for each site.

3. Change the Database Table Prefix

The default table prefix in WordPress is ‘wp_’, which is predictable and can be targeted by attackers. Changing this prefix can help obscure your database structure:

Access your website via an FTP client and locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory if you have a control panel available they they normally come with an integrated file manager.

Open the file and find the line:

$table_prefix = ‘wp_’;

Change ‘wp_’ to a unique prefix, such as ‘wp_ga2807_’.

Rename all existing database tables to match the new prefix. For example:

RENAME TABLE wp_comments TO wp_ga2807_comments;

RENAME TABLE wp_commentmeta TO wp_ga2807_commentmeta;

This process can be automated using plugins or done manually through SQL queries.

4. Enforce Strict Database User Privileges

Limiting database user privileges minimizes potential damage if credentials are compromised. After the initial WordPress installation, the database user requires only SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE privileges. Revoking unnecessary privileges such as DROP, ALTER, and CREATE can prevent unauthorized modifications.

5. Secure the wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file contains sensitive information, including database credentials. Protecting this file is essential:

Through .htaccess: Add the following lines to your .htaccess file:

<files wp-config.php>

order allow,deny

deny from all

</files>

Extra Security Step Move the File: Place the wp-config.php file one directory above the root. This would usually be one level up from the public_html folder. WordPress will still recognize and use it from this location.

6. Regularly Update WordPress and Its Components

Updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched. Regular updates reduce the risk of exploitation through outdated components.

7. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF monitors and filters incoming traffic to your website, blocking malicious requests and preventing common attacks such as SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS). Implementing a reputable WAF adds a robust layer of security to your WordPress site.

8. Regularly Back Up Your Database

Regular backups ensure that you can restore your website to a previous state in case of a security breach or data loss. Utilize reliable backup solutions and store backups securely, preferably offsite.

9. Conduct Routine Security Audits

Performing regular security audits helps identify vulnerabilities and address them proactively. Tools like Sucuri or WPScan integrated into the Jetpack Protect plugin can scan your WordPress site for known issues, while comprehensive security plugins can offer real-time monitoring and alerts.

Making these changes to your WordPress site’s database along with keeping your WordPress core version, plugins, and themes active all go together with keeping your site secure.

Useful Links

https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wp-config-php-outside-the-web-root

https://wordpress.org/support/topic/htaccess-file-and-wp-config-php