An author’s online presence and reputation are among the most important assets of the digital age, which is why it’s important to build a secure author brand protected from cyber threats. The WordPress ecosystem provides an incredible tool for putting your brand out there, but it’s not 100% secure without the necessary configuration. This article will take you through the steps to protect your online identity and ensure your brand remains secure.
Securing Your WordPress Site
Keeping your WordPress site secure is essential for protecting your author brand. Start with the basics and set a unique and strong password for the admin account and any email addresses associated with the site. Switch on two-factor authentication (2FA), requiring anyone who inputs the correct password to verify their identity through your email address or phone number. You should also regularly update WordPress plugins and themes to ensure you’re protected against the latest security threats. Further, you can install plugins like Sucuri or Wordfence to defend your site against external threats.
The Importance of Using a VPN
Being an author means protecting your privacy online, which is why it’s recommended to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for cybercriminals to steal your information. When choosing a VPN, consider reliability and affordability. Luckily, plenty of cheap monthly VPN services offer solid protection without costing a fortune, allowing you to continue managing your digital brand securely while keeping your outgoings low.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Mindfulness of the personal information you share online is essential as an author. Avoid using your email address for any public-facing communications; use an author email from your hosting provider. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information on social media and make sure you implement the correct privacy settings to control access. Additionally, we recommend regularly checking all of your online profiles and search results for peace of mind that no private information has been shared mistakenly.
Regular Updates and Backups
Backing up your WordPress site regularly is an essential security ingredient. If a cyber attack strikes your website or you lose important data, a recent backup helps you get back online quickly. You can back up your site manually or use a reliable plugin like BackupBuddy or UpdraftPlus. Some hosting platforms will manage and store backups for you.
WordPress is open source, meaning there are thousands of plugins and themes. However, they’re not all built equally and only remain effective when updated. New threats appear constantly and updates patch security against these. If your plugin or theme isn’t being maintained, consider switching to a more active provider.
Building an author brand using the WordPress ecosystem requires proactive measures to remain secure. You can protect your personal information and online identity by using a VPN, setting strong passwords, using 2FA, backing up your site, and updating your plugins regularly. Following these steps protects your brand and allows you to focus on creating content without worrying about cyber threats.
