Securing your Joomla website is crucial to protect your data and visitors. In this guide, we share essential security tips and best practices.

Why Security Matters

  • Data protection: Customer and business data
  • Reputation: Hacked sites damage trust
  • SEO: Google penalizes hacked sites
  • Legal: GDPR and compliance
  • Financial: Recovery costs money

Tip 1: Keep Joomla Updated

Core Updates

  1. Go to System > Update > Joomla
  2. Check for updates regularly
  3. Install updates promptly
  4. Read changelogs for security fixes

Why Updates Matter

  • Security patches
  • Bug fixes
  • New features
  • Compatibility improvements

Tip 2: Update Extensions

Regular Checks

  1. Go to System > Update > Extensions
  2. Click Find Updates
  3. Update all available
  4. Remove unused extensions

Extension Security

  • Only use trusted sources
  • Check update frequency
  • Remove abandoned extensions

Tip 3: Strong Passwords

Password Requirements

  • Minimum 12 characters
  • Mix of uppercase and lowercase
  • Numbers and special characters
  • Unique per account

Admin Accounts

  • Do not use admin as username
  • Limit Super User accounts
  • Regular password changes
  • Do not share credentials

Tip 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Setup 2FA

  1. Go to Users > Manage
  2. Select user
  3. Click Two Factor Authentication
  4. Choose method:
    • Google Authenticator
    • YubiKey
    • Web Authentication

Benefits

  • Extra security layer
  • Protects even if password stolen
  • Industry best practice

Tip 5: Secure Administrator Access

Change Admin URL

Use security extensions to:

  • Add secret key to admin URL
  • Block direct /administrator access
  • IP whitelist for admin

Admin Protection

  • Strong .htaccess rules
  • Limit login attempts
  • Block by IP after failures

Tip 6: Use SSL Certificate

Enable HTTPS

  1. Install SSL certificate
  2. Go to Global Configuration > Server
  3. Force HTTPS: Entire Site
  4. Update internal links

Benefits

  • Encrypted data transmission
  • Better SEO ranking
  • Visitor trust (padlock icon)

Tip 7: File Permissions

Correct Permissions

  • Folders: 755
  • Files: 644
  • configuration.php: 444

Check Permissions

  1. Via FTP client
  2. Via hosting file manager
  3. Command line if SSH available

Never Use

  • 777 permissions
  • World-writable files
  • Executable in upload folders

Tip 8: Regular Backups

Backup Strategy

  • Daily database backups
  • Weekly full backups
  • Off-site storage
  • Test restore process

Backup Solutions

  • Akeeba Backup (recommended)
  • Hosting backup tools
  • Manual database export

Before Updates

Always backup before:

  • Joomla updates
  • Extension updates
  • Major changes

Tip 9: Security Extensions

Admin Tools Pro:

  • .htaccess optimization
  • Admin protection
  • Security scanner
  • File change monitoring

RSFirewall:

  • Firewall protection
  • System scanning
  • File integrity check

Akeeba Backup:

  • Automated backups
  • Encrypted backups
  • Cloud storage

Free Options

  • Admin Tools (free version)
  • SecurityCheck
  • jHackGuard

Tip 10: Monitor and Audit

Regular Checks

  • Review user accounts
  • Check file modifications
  • Monitor login attempts
  • Review error logs

Security Scanning

  • Regular malware scans
  • File integrity checks
  • Vulnerability assessments

Response Plan

If hacked:

  1. Take site offline
  2. Restore from clean backup
  3. Change all passwords
  4. Update everything
  5. Scan for remaining issues

Additional Security Measures

.htaccess Protection

Protect sensitive files:

  • Block direct access to includes
  • Disable directory listing
  • Prevent execution in uploads

Database Security

  • Strong database password
  • Change table prefix
  • Regular backups
  • Limit database user permissions

Hosting Security

  • Choose secure hosting
  • Keep PHP updated
  • Enable ModSecurity
  • Use firewall protection

Common Attack Vectors

SQL Injection

  • Keep extensions updated
  • Use parameterized queries
  • Input validation

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

  • Enable content filters
  • Validate user input
  • Escape output

Brute Force

  • Limit login attempts
  • Use strong passwords
  • Enable 2FA
  • CAPTCHA on login

Security Checklist

Daily:

  • Check for suspicious activity
  • Review admin access logs

Weekly:

  • Check for updates
  • Review user accounts
  • Verify backups

Monthly:

  • Full security scan
  • Review extension necessity
  • Password audit

Need Help?

We are here for you! If you run into any issues or have questions, our support team is happy to help you personally. Send us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to assist you.