Whether you are hosting your WordPress site (or blog) on a shared, virtual private or especially a dedicated server where you are fully responsible for your own security settings, you should always engage in effective security practices and plugins that ensure the highest degree of security when using WordPress.

Security is a vital step to take because data on your server can be surely be exploited if hackers can easily tap into the loopholes found in your code. The following practices and plugins will provide you with the sense of security you need for your site’s safety and your server’s continuity.

Security Practices

WordPress 3.1 fixes a lot of errors and bugs that may cause your site to crash if hackers manage to get access to your files.  Through covering these holes in security, you should understand how to keep your site secure enough in order for it to run smoothly and safely without any errors.

1.  Security of Your Password
Make sure to set a password that will be hard to crack because obviously, if it’s easy to guess then you might as well say goodbye to your site.  Never use the surprisingly common “123456″ type of passwords.  If you are in doubt on how strong your password is, you can use sites such as  Password Meter to test its strength.  Also, never store your password anywhere else where other people can have access to it.
2.  WordPress and Plugins Updated
Make sure that you are using the latest version WordPress  (3.1 to this date).  The newest versions have the most recent updates to help ensure that your site is free from any bugs or loopholes in the code that allow hackers in.  Also, make sure you back up your site, check for updates, download them and then install them to secure your site better.

3.  File Permission Setting
If you leave your file permissions at 777, then anyone can access your files.  Although some plugins may require this change, make sure to bring back your files to 755 (for directories) or 644 (for files) to secure your site.

Plugins to Consider

1.  WordPress Database Backup
This database plugin will keep your blog secure as you are able to back up your files periodically.  This is especially needed if your site files become compromised.  It is always safe to keep a copy around so you can surely restore your site in a matter of minutes.

2.  WordPress AntiVirus
Like your computer, you may need the right preventive measures for your site just the same. With this anti-virus program, you can protect your files from hackers and provide yourself with the convenience of a safe server at that.

3.  WP Security Scan
This security scan, compatible for WordPress versions 2.5 and up, checks your WordPress site for any vulnerability that may compromise it’s security.  This includes password management, file permission checking and database security.

4.   Secure WordPress
This plugin performs tasks such as error information removal from the login page along with other security measures to prevent any trails to be left while you surf.  With compatibility for WordPress versions 2.6 up to the recent version, you can surely protect your site from hackers by clearing sensitive directories and other files prone to hackers.

5.  Admin SSL

Encrypting your site’s code by secure measures is important in your data’s safety.  Admin SSL is an effective plugin that makes sure your site’s code is safe with Private or Shared SSL encryption.  This will make your admin area, log in page, posts and whatever you desire secured free from external tampering.

With these practices and plugins to consider, it’s a must to develop your WordPress site’s security, especially if you are hosted on a dedicated server where security measures are in your hands.  With the growing issue of hackers and other security problems, you should be aware on the means of making sure your site is safe, especially when you use the WordPress platform.

With your plans on securing effective server management, always engage in proper security practices and plugin updates.  This will not only keep your site fully functional, but it will also prevent it from any external exploits that can happen.  After all, being secure should always be kept as a high priority for any site.

Is there any special measure you take when it comes to your blogs’ security?

Brian Flores is a copywriter for InMotion Hosting, one of the top dedicated server providers in the United States. He is part of an awesome team of writers that regularly posts useful web design and web development tutorials on WebHostingHelpGuy. You can follow him on Twitter @WHHG_InMotion or @BrianAFlores