WordPress is the most popular CMS platform in the world, powering 45.8% of all websites on the internet in 2023. However, as it’s used so often, it’s regularly a target for hackers who attempt to exploit security weaknesses that they identify.
For instance, a report from Sucuri and PublicWWW claimed that over 3,000 WordPress websites were compromised after failing to fix a security vulnerability in good time.
Additional insights from Sucuri reveal that threat actors regularly carry out brute-force attacks against WordPress websites with brute force attacks, targeting WordPress sites from browsers of innocent, unsuspecting website visitors.
With the threat of attacks ever-present, WordPress site owners must adopt security measures that protect their websites. An effective method of enhancing WordPress security is two-factor authentication (2FA).
So, what is two factor authentication and how does it work?
In short, two factor authentication involves using an extra verification step, instead of solely a username and password. Two-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if login credentials are compromised.
Let’s explore the role of two factor authentication in WordPress security.
What Is Two Factor Authentication and How Does It Work?
Two-factor authentication is a security method that can be applied to user accounts. 2FA on WordPress helps keep the administration interface secure by adding an extra protection layer to password authentication.
Users who use a WordPress CMS will need to provide two pieces of evidence to access the website. This might be something you have, like your smartphone, and something you know, like a PIN.
Two-factor authentication works by sending a code to an email address or smartphone, which you will need to enter to obtain access. 2FA services will create and send out this code, which may be through text messages, authentication apps, or push notifications.
Two-factor authentication makes it more difficult for hackers to access your website, even if they have your password.
Do I Need Two-factor Authentication On My WordPress Website?
Two-factor authentication does make the login process slightly longer, but this extra step has a huge benefit – it safeguards your administration interface.
A popular trick with hackers is known as brute force attacks. A brute force attack uses self-regulating scripts that attempt to guess the right password and username, so they can access your site’s administration area.
If successful, a brute force attack allows hackers to steal confidential data, install malware, or delete all the content on your site.
Using two factor authentication reduces the chance of brute-force attacks occurring. Even if a hacker successfully obtains your username and password combination, dual authentication will lock them out, so they cannot access your WordPress admin page.
As two-factor authentication reduces the chance of hacking, it’s a good idea if you handle confidential information, like customer banking information, personal details, or other sensitive content on your website.
For membership sites, e-commerce sites, or other platforms where users’ private information is stored, two-factor authentication isn’t just a good idea – it’s a critical security feature.
If you’re concerned about brute force attacks or protecting your site from common threats, we can help.
At LunarWP, we’re skilled in implementing strong security measures to keep your WordPress website safe from hackers.
We can help you add two factor authentication to your site, add security plugins to prevent malware, and block malicious IP addresses so they won’t have access to your website.
Contact us to talk about your concerns in more detail, or check out our support page to find out more about what we do.
How To Add Two-Factor Authentication In WordPress
WordPress two factor authentication supports a few authentication methods, like sending codes through email, text message, or app.
A simple and fast way of doing this is with a plugin, as these provide several setup and personalisation options.
Here’s a guide on how to use plugins to enable two factor authentication in WordPress CMS.
Step 1: Select A Two Factor Authentication Plugin
There are many plugins available which provide two factor authentication functionality. Popular authentication plugins include:
We’ll use the ‘Google Authenticator’ plugin as an example here, but the steps are typically similar for most plugins.
Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin
Use an administrator account to log in to your WordPress website. Find the Dashboard in the left sidebar, then press Plugins.
Press Add New, then search for ‘Google Authenticator’ (or whatever 2FA plugin you prefer). Select Install, then Activate to start the plugin.
Step 3: Configure The Plugin
You’ll need to access WordPress plugin settings after you’ve activated the plugin. Find the admin user profile in the Dashboard, then select Edit to set up Google Authenticator for your website.
Scroll below to the Google Authenticator Settings on the page and choose your desired 2FA settings. This will be one of the following:
- Active: This box will trigger the Google Authenticator 2FA for your website.
- Relaxed mode: Google Authenticator codes typically expire after a minute, but relaxed mode will let you use a single code for a maximum of 4 minutes.
- Description: This relates to your account name in the Google Authentication App.
- Secret: A secret key which will be required if you don’t use a QR code.
- Enable App password: This option is for WordPress websites which use remote publishing (XML-RPC)
Select the Active box, fill in the description, then save the settings by pressing Update User.
Step 4: Download the Authentication App
Download an authenticator app to your mobile device, in this case, Google Authenticator. Press the + icon to add a new account.
Scan the QR code or enter your secret key from your Google Authentication Settings in the WordPress administrator profile.
The app will display the WordPress description once the code or secret code is provided. You should see a random sequence of 6 digits with a one-minute counter beside it.
Step 5: Test the Two Factor Authentication Setup
It’s a good idea to test your two factor authentication setup after you’ve installed it. To do this, log out of your WordPress account after you’ve set up 2FA, then try logging back in.
Once you’ve entered your username and password, you should be prompted to enter the authentication code your authentication app generated. Enter the code to finish the login process.
Some plugins offer backup codes which you can use if you lose access to your 2FA device. If this is the case, make sure you save these codes and place them in a secure location.
There we go! We hope this post helped explain more about two factor authentication in WordPress security, and how to add two factor authentication in WordPress websites.
How We Can Help
Adding two factor authentication to your WordPress website is crucial to establish a sufficient level of security for your content and sensitive data.
Whether you go for a QR code or a text message, adding a 2FA step to your login process can greatly improve the safety and security of your website.
At Lunar WP, we simplify WordPress support and maintenance, so your website performs at a consistent, exceptional level.
With several years of experience supporting WordPress websites, you can relax knowing that we take site maintenance seriously, allowing you to concentrate on what matters the most.
Ready to get started? Book a free website audit or start your free trial today.
Check out our pricing or book a call with a member of our team to find out more.
