If you’re a website owner it can be easy to take site security for granted, especially if you are more of a web user rather than a developer. WordPress Tunbridge Wells hoped to show us why security is so important and steps to take at their most recent meetup.
Every month, Miramedia host WordPress Tunbridge Wells (#WPTW), a free meet up held at The House on Monson Road. The sessions are split into two to three sections aimed at beginners to those with more technical experience.
The first session was aimed at beginners and was all about why security is so important and why your site might be vulnerable. Dominic Johnson, MD of Miramedia, led the talk and focused on simple steps site owners can take to secure their site, such as usernames and passwords, and suggestions for WordPress Plugins.
The second talk was by Spencer Nash of SGN Media, a practical guide which showed us how to secure our sites in under ten minutes. Steps included changing the login URL, creating editors not admins and installing JetPack, which limits login attempts. Further steps included hiding key files (wp-config.php and .htaccess) and using diable file editing.
The final slot was with Andrew Dixon of MSO was a more technical presentation on SSL certificates. These are used to create the https:// on websites, which shows users they are secure; this is especially important for any sites taking money or capturing user data. Andrew explained how they worked, and why they’re important, and the different types available. He then went on to cover other aspects such as which back up plugins are available, server security and how to configure the free version of Wordfence.
The talks always generate lots of discussion amongst the attendees and it was a great informal and friendly atmosphere, helped along by free pizza, beer and soft drinks. Many people are regulars, but there are always several new faces at each meet up.
If you want to learn more, all the talks can be found on the (fully secure!) WordPress Tunbridge Wells website and you can register for future #WPTW meet ups here.