Website Security Checklist: Protect Your WordPress and Laravel Applications

Secure the perimeter

Use HTTPS everywhere, keep DNS and hosting accounts protected with MFA, and limit administrative access. Remove unused accounts and review permissions regularly.

Harden the application

• Keep WordPress, Laravel, PHP, themes, packages, and plugins updated.
• Validate input and escape output in every user-facing workflow.
• Use CSRF protection, secure cookies, rate limits, and strong password hashing.
• Store secrets in environment configuration, never in source control.

Backups and response

Maintain encrypted, tested backups in a separate location and document restore steps. Monitor authentication failures, file changes, errors, and unusual traffic. A tested response plan turns a stressful incident into a controlled recovery.