Google Authenticator – improve your site security

Password Security Risks

  1. Weak Passwords:
    • Using simple passwords like “password123” or “admin” is risky.
    • Hackers can easily guess these and gain access to your site.
  2. Reusing Passwords:
    • Using the same password for multiple sites is dangerous.
    • If one site gets hacked, all your other accounts are at risk.

Brute Force Attacks

  1. What They Are:
    • Hackers use automated software to try many different password combinations quickly.
    • They keep trying until they guess the correct password.
  2. How It Works:
    • The software tries common passwords, combinations of letters and numbers, and even personal information it finds online.
    • This can happen very quickly and without you knowing.

Preventive Measures

  1. Strong Passwords:
    • Use long, complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
    • Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
  2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
    • This adds an extra layer of security.
    • Besides your password, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email.
  3. Limit Login Attempts:
    • Use plugins that limit the number of login attempts.
    • This helps prevent brute force attacks by locking out users after a few failed tries.
  4. Security Plugins:
    • Use security plugins to monitor and protect your site.
    • They can alert you to suspicious activity and block brute force attacks.
By using strong, unique passwords and implementing additional security measures like two-factor authentication and login attempt limits, you can greatly reduce the risk of password and brute force attacks on your WordPress site.

The solution? I recommend Google Authenticator as A good 2FA solution

Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator by Google. It implements multi-factor authentication services using the time-based one-time password and HMAC-based one-time password, for authenticating users of software applications.

Set Up Google Authenticator on Your Phone

  1. Download Google Authenticator:
    • Install the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Scan the QR Code:
    • In the plugin settings on your WordPress dashboard, you’ll see a QR code.
    • Open the Google Authenticator app, tap the plus (+) icon, and select “Scan a QR code.”
    • Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on your WordPress dashboard.
  3. Verify the Code:
    • After scanning, Google Authenticator will display a 6-digit code.
    • Enter this code in the verification field on your WordPress settings page to complete the setup.

First-Time Sign-In with Google Authenticator 2FA

  1. Log Out and Go to the Login Page:
    • Log out of your WordPress dashboard.
    • Go back to your WordPress login page (yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
  2. Enter Your Username and Password:
    • Log in as usual by entering your username and password.
  3. Enter the Google Authenticator Code:
    • After entering your password, you will be prompted to enter a 6-digit code.
    • Open the Google Authenticator app on your phone and find the code for your WordPress site.
    • Enter the 6-digit code displayed in the app.
  4. Access Your Dashboard:
    • After entering the correct code, you will be logged into your WordPress dashboard.
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