Here are some examples of security configurations that can be added to your WordPress website’s wp-config.php file:
Disable file editing
define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );
This configuration will disable the built-in WordPress file editor, which can prevent users from accidentally or intentionally making changes to the core WordPress files.
Change the default database table prefix
$table_prefix = 'wp_';
This configuration will change the default database table prefix from “wp_” to a custom prefix of your choosing. This can help make it more difficult for attackers to guess the names of your database tables and gain access to your website’s data.
Force use of HTTPS for wp-login
define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);
This configuration will force WordPress logins to use SSL, which can improve the security of your website by encrypting the login process.
Disable the ability to ping WordPress
define('NO_WP_THEMES', true);
This configuration will disable the ability to ping WordPress, which can help prevent attackers from using pingbacks or trackbacks to gain access to your website.
Replace WordPress salts
define('AUTH_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('LOGGED_IN_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('NONCE_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('AUTH_SALT', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_SALT', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('LOGGED_IN_SALT', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('NONCE_SALT', 'put your unique phrase here');
This configuration will change the security salts used by WordPress, which can improve the security of your website by making it more difficult for attackers to guess the keys used to encrypt your data.
Here is a simple WordPress Salts and Security Keys Generator Tool
Disabling the ability to update WordPress core, plugins, and themes
define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true );
This configuration will disable the ability to update WordPress core, plugins, and themes from within the WordPress dashboard. This can help prevent users from accidentally or intentionally updating the website in a way that could cause problems.
Enabling automatic updates for WordPress core
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true );
This configuration will enable automatic updates for WordPress core, which can help ensure that your website is always up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.
Disabling plugin and theme installation
define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true );
This configuration will disable the ability to install new plugins and themes from within the WordPress dashboard, which can help prevent users from accidentally or intentionally installing plugins or themes that could cause problems.
Enabling WordPress error logging
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
This configuration will enable WordPress error logging, which can help you identify and troubleshoot issues with your website. It is recommended that you only enable this configuration during development and testing, and disable it in production environments.