Why WordPress? The power and security behind the most used CMS of today

WordPress remains one of the most popular CMS platforms today. In 2023, WordPress was used by 45.8% of all websites on the internet. And, as of 2024, more than 835 million websites are using WordPress around the globe, with over 500 new WordPress sites being built every day.

Those are big numbers, and for good reason.

WordPress can be used by larger corporations to host high-traffic websites and e-commerce, or by solopreneurs who may host a small blog or portfolio site. Its versatility is reflected in its sheer reach.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the many benefits of WordPress, while discussing security, plugins, and API development.

So, let’s start with what makes it such a popular choice…

Why WordPress?

It’s safe to say that since its launch back in 2003, WordPress is certainly not outdated.

As time has gone on, the platform has developed in line with customer expectations, improving functionality and capability. By June 2010, WordPress had introduced version 3.0 which gave users the ability to manage multiple sites.

This ultimately established WordPress as the dominant CMS (Content Management System) software on the market due to its ease-of-use and capabilities.

As time has gone on, many WordPress plugins have been introduced into the market and sophisticated coders have been able to customise these plugins to enhance their websites and the user experience.

Alongside WordPress website development, we also offer WordPress hosting services for our customers. As a hosting provider, we strive to offer our customers the best service possible.

Extensive customisation

One of WordPress’s unique strengths lies in its ability to cater to diverse business needs through extensive customisation.  No two WordPress websites are the same, since the CMS platform allows you to completely adapt each aspect of the site.

However, some reservations stem from fears that customisation may compromise security.

Thankfully, with Interdirect’s expertise, you can harness the power of WordPress’s customisation features without compromising on security. We work diligently to strike the right balance, tailoring your WordPress website to meet your specific objectives while adhering to industry-leading security standards. Our team is also on hand to support you throughout the website build and into the future, taking care of any updates or changes that reflect your business’s growth. During the onboarding process, we will discuss and create a WordPress theme to suit the requirements of your business. Using the WordPress software, we will fully customise your new website.

[You might also like: Unleash the power of conversations: 3 tips for building a successful website]

Is WordPress secure?

Perhaps the amount of focus on WordPress security was born from the fact it is such a prolific platform. It is only natural that with the significant number of websites hosted on the platform, there would be more security misconceptions. But you will be relieved to know that most of these are unfounded.

The WordPress Security Team, in collaboration with the WordPress Core Leadership Team, and backed by the WordPress global community, all work to identify and resolve security issues in the core software.

In doing so, they are recommending and documenting security best practices for third-party plugin and theme authors. They also often collaborate with other security teams to address issues in common dependencies, such as resolving the vulnerability in the PHP XML parser. This vulnerability resolution was a result of a joint effort by both WordPress and Drupal security teams and highlights the collaborative work done behind the scenes creating a global front to cyber security. These security fixes will be used in other CMS systems, such as Umbraco or Drupal as they are all developed within the same language, PHP.

How secure are WordPress plugins?

One common source of apprehension surrounding WordPress often centres around plugins. While it’s true that plugins contribute significantly to the platform’s flexibility, it’s crucial to distinguish between issues arising from poorly coded or outdated plugins and those inherent to the WordPress core. Our agency takes a proactive approach, curating a carefully vetted selection of plugins that align with security best practices. By doing so, we ensure that the plugins employed in your WordPress website enhance functionality without compromising security.

There may well be outdated approaches to coding that some agencies or developers still employ, but at Interdirect, our team’s knowledge ensures all plugins are met with the most stringent security practices that prevent interception or breakdowns in security.

Application Programming Interface (APIs) and WordPress integration

What is an API?

An Application Programming Interface (API) refers to a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other.

This may be part of your WordPress site if you extend the functionality, create custom plugins, or integrate third-party services seamlessly.

Securing APIs, preventing unauthorised access, and protecting sensitive information are crucial considerations for API integration. WordPress excels in this thanks to its robust security features, secure coding standards, and extensible API functionality. Its commitment to security, coupled with a user-friendly interface, makes WordPress an excellent choice for secure API developments.

Sitewide Security Considerations

Whichever platform you use, you are always at risk of vulnerabilities if you do not follow the right security protocols.

While we work hard to ensure you are protected, there are a few things we recommend to enhance security:

Use strong passwords

Enforce password complexity rules that use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in passwords.

Regular password updates

Consider setting up automated reminders for users to update their passwords at specified intervals.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Require users to verify their identity through an additional factor, such as a code sent to their mobile device or email.

Implement SSL/TLS certificates

This will establish a secure connection between clients and the WordPress server, preventing eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

By incorporating these strong password practices and security measures, you can bolster the integrity of your WordPress site, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential security breaches.

The Interdirect technical team is on hand with ongoing support and training, to ensure your online presence is as secure, optimised, and functional as it can be.

Your partner in WordPress excellence

As a Milton Keynes-based PR and digital marketing agency, we not only advocate for the unparalleled benefits of WordPress but also serve as your dedicated partner in navigating any concerns you may have.

Our team is committed to offering transparency, addressing misconceptions, and empowering your brand with a secure and highly effective online presence. Don’t let unfounded claims deter you from exploring the vast potential of WordPress. Instead, take the first step toward a dynamic and secure website by reaching out to us for a personalised consultation.

Let’s build your online success story together. Get in touch with the Interdirect team today.

Let’s talk… hi@interdirect.co.uk or call 01908 422242.