A standard WordPress installation can be quite vulnerable, often targeted by bots attempting to post spam or gain unauthorized access, which can significantly slow down content delivery.
To fortify my sites, particularly when I’m the sole user logging in, I implement several security measures. Firstly, I install a caching plugin; my choice is LiteSpeed Cache. This not only speeds up the website but also reduces the load on the server. Next, I alter the default WordPress login URL to obscure it from automated attacks. I also employ the ‘Limit Login Attempts Reloaded’ plugin to fend off brute force attacks.
In addition to these, I utilize Cloudflare’s services, including Cloudflare Turnstile, to further secure the site and optimize performance. I disable the standard WordPress login mechanism and instead use Google for authentication, adding an extra layer of security through its robust infrastructure.
Moreover, I’ve developed a custom plugin designed to filter out specific words in WP-Form inputs, primarily to block Russian spam by restricting the use of Russian vowels, and to catch other common spam indicators like the terms ‘SEO’ and ‘Xevil.’
Since implementing these strategies, the results have been remarkable. I’ve eliminated comment spam, WP Form contact spam, and the ‘Limit Login Attempts’ plugin reports no unauthorized login attempts.
Thanks to these measures, all my websites are operating smoothly, providing a seamless experience without the headache of dealing with spam or security breaches. It’s been a game-changer, and I’m enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a secure and efficient online presence.
I might discontinue using Limit Login Attempts Reloaded as it seems redundant at the moment. I’ll leave it active for a bit longer to observe the outcomes.