How to Safely Share WordPress Access?

When working on a WordPress site with a team or granting access to external collaborators, it is crucial to prioritize security and protect your website from unauthorized access or potential vulnerabilities. Safely sharing WordPress access requires implementing best practices that guarantee the integrity and confidentiality of your website’s content and settings.

Best Practices for Secure Collaboration

To safely share WordPress access with others, follow these steps:

Create a New User Account

Log in as an administrator to the WordPress dashboard. Navigate to “Users” and click on “Add New.” Enter the essential information, such as your username, email address, and password. Make sure to assign the appropriate role to the user, such as Administrator, Editor, Author, or Contributor, depending on their level of access needed.

Set Strong Passwords

Ensure that strong passwords are utilized for every user account. Employ a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. Avoid common phrases or easily guessable passwords.

Limit User Roles and Permissions

Assign user roles based on the level of access required. Avoid granting administrator-level access to everyone, as it provides complete control over the website. Only grant higher-level access to trusted individuals who need it for specific tasks.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To incorporate an extra layer of protection, use a 2FA plugin. It necessitates using a second form of authentication, such as a temporary code delivered to the user’s mobile device and password.

Use Secure File Transfer

Use secure file transfer methods if you need to share files or plugins. These include SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or SSH (Secure Shell) instead of unsecured methods like FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Share Access Privately

Avoid sharing login credentials or sensitive information through insecure channels like email or instant messaging. Instead, use encrypted communication methods such as password managers or secure file-sharing services.

Monitor User Activity

Keep an eye on user activity by installing a security plugin or using WordPress activity logs. It allows you to track user changes and identify suspicious or unauthorized activities.

Regularly Update WordPress and Plugins: Keep your WordPress installation and plugins up to date to patch security vulnerabilities. Periodically check for updates and apply them promptly to maintain a secure website.

Remove Unused User Accounts

Periodically review and remove any user accounts that are no longer needed. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access through inactive or forgotten accounts.