WordPress is an excellent platform for bloggers and businesses, but many users unknowingly risk their website’s security by using their admin account as the visible author on posts. This small oversight could make your admin account a target for hackers as they will get once peice of the puzzle 🧩… your user name. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix: create a dedicated author account and assign it to your posts. Here’s why it’s essential and how to do it step by step.
Why Exposing Your Admin Account is Risky:
Target for Hackers
Displaying your admin account gives attackers 1/2 peices of the puzzle to get into your WordPress website and hack it.
Potential for Brute Force Attacks
Hackers only need the password once they know your admin username.
Reduced Security Layers
Using your admin account publicly weakens your overall security strategy.
Benefits of a Dedicated Author Account
Enhanced Security
Protect your admin username, therefore reducing the risk of a hacker successfully guessing your administrator username and password; Keep them private.
Professional Appearance
Assigning a generic author name (e.g., “Editorial Team”) can enhance brand credibility.
Better Workflow Management
If you collaborate with others, separate accounts simplify post ownership and permissions.
DIY Guide: How to Set Up a WordPress Author Account:
- Create a New User Account:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Users > Add New.
- Fill in the details and assign the role of “Author” to the new account.
- Assign Existing Posts to the New Author:
- Edit each post and change the author to your newly created account.
- Bulk edit posts by selecting them from the Posts section, choosing “Edit” under Bulk Actions, and updating the author.
- Update Your Admin Practices:
- Use the admin account only for backend management tasks.
- Regularly update your admin credentials and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Additional Security Tips:
- Use a strong, unique password for all accounts.
- Install a security plugin like Wordfence to monitor login attempts.
- Regularly back up your website to prevent data loss in case of an attack.
Conclusion:
By creating a dedicated author account, you can safeguard your WordPress site while maintaining a professional look. This simple step is an effective way to protect your content, your brand, and your hard work from unnecessary security risks. Don’t wait—take action today and ensure your website is secure.
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