Okay, you got me: WordPress security isn't the sexiest way to spend your time, but it could end up being one of the most profitable! Nothing is more caustic to the lining of your stomach than having your site go down, and wondering whether or not you've lost it all.
It helped me although my first step is. I had a fantastic old style pity party. I cried and railed against the evil hackers (that where probably 13 and smarter then me.) And I did before I started my site, what I should have done. And here is where I want you to start as well. Learn how to protect yourself before you get hacked. The beautiful thing about secure your wordpress site and why so many people recommend because it is really easy to learn, it is. Unfortunately, that can also be a detriment to the health of our sites. We have to learn how to add a safety fence.
The one I recommend, and the stronger approach, is to use one of the generation and storage plugins available on your browser. Many people like RoboForm, but I think after a free trial period, you need to pay for it. I use the free version of Lastpass, and I recommend it for those of you who use Firefox or Internet Explorer. That will generate passwords for you.
There's a section of config-sample.php that's headed"Authentication Unique Keys." There are. There's a hyperlink within that section of code. You want to enter that link in your browser, copy the link contents which you get back, and replace the keys you have with the unique, pseudo-random keys provided by the website. This makes it harder for attackers to automatically generate a"logged-in" cookie for your website.
It is really sexy to fan the flames of fear. That's what bloggers and journalists and politicians and public figures do. It's terrific for readership and it brings money into the war chests. Balderdash.
But realize that security is something you must start thinking about. Do not just be the type that is reactive, take action to start today protecting yourself. Don't let Joe the Hacker make your life miserable and turn everything that you've worked hard.