Hardening WordPress Configuration Files for Enhanced Security

To harden WordPress configuration files, especially wp-config.php, for enhanced security, implement the following key measures:

1. Move wp-config.php outside the web root directory (one level above the WordPress root) to prevent direct web access. WordPress will still detect it there, but it won't be accessible via URL.

2. Restrict access via server rules: For Apache servers, add .htaccess rules to deny all access to wp-config.php, e.g.,

   <Files "wp-config.php">
   Require all denied
   </Files>
   

   This blocks any HTTP requests to the file.

3. Set strict file permissions: Change wp-config.php permissions to 400 or 440 so only the file owner and web server can read it, preventing other users on the server from accessing it.

4. Use strong security keys and salts: Update the authentication keys (AUTH_KEY, SECURE_AUTH_KEY, etc.) in wp-config.php regularly using the WordPress secret-key generator to encrypt cookies and sessions securely.

5. Disable file editing from the WordPress dashboard by adding:

   define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
   

   This prevents attackers who gain admin access from modifying theme or plugin files via the dashboard.

6. Disable debug logging on production sites to avoid exposing sensitive information. Ensure WP_DEBUG is set to false or not defined, or if logging is needed, log outside the web root.

7. Enable automatic WordPress core updates by adding:

   define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);
   

   This keeps your site patched against known vulnerabilities.

Additional recommendations include enforcing SSL, using HTTP authentication for sensitive paths, and regularly backing up your site to recover from any issues caused by updates or attacks.

These steps collectively reduce the risk of unauthorized access to critical configuration data and improve overall WordPress security posture.