Have you ever had that uneasy feeling that your website isn’t as secure as it could be? You’re not alone! WordPress powers over 40% of the web, which makes it a big target for hackers. One common vulnerability? Displaying your WordPress version number for everyone to see. Believe me, I learned this the hard way when my first blog got hit. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll dive into simple, practical ways to hide your WordPress version number and keep your site safe. Let’s get into it!
Why Hiding Your WordPress Version Matters
When I first started with WordPress, I thought it was perfect out of the box. Big mistake. Hackers can exploit outdated versions of WordPress like kids raiding a cookie jar—it’s just too easy. That’s why hiding your version number is step one in website security. Did you know that almost 40% of WordPress hacks are due to vulnerabilities in old software? Yep, that’s scary.
By hiding your version, you’re essentially taking away a huge clue that hackers rely on. Trust me, you’ll sleep better at night knowing your site is just a little bit harder to crack.
Step-by-Step: How to Hide WordPress Version Number
Using a Security Plugin
Let me start with the easiest method—using a plugin. If coding isn’t your thing, security plugins like Sucuri Security or Wordfence can handle this for you. Install one, go to the settings, and enable the option to hide your WordPress version. Boom, done. I remember doing this for a client and seeing their relieved smile.
Editing Your Theme’s Functions File
Feeling adventurous? You can manually hide the version by editing your theme’s functions.php file. Just add this code snippet:
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
Easy, right? But fair warning—always use a child theme. I once made this change in the main theme, only to lose it all after an update. Lesson learned.
Removing Meta Generator Tag
That sneaky meta tag in your site’s header gives away your WordPress version. To remove it, locate your header.php file and delete this line:
<meta name="generator" content="WordPress 5.9" />
No more breadcrumbs for hackers to follow!
Content Delivery Network (CDN) Settings
If you’re using a CDN like Cloudflare, tweak the settings to mask server headers that might reveal WordPress details. It’s like putting your website in a hacker-proof vault.
Advanced Security Tips
Think of hiding your version as locking the door. Now, let’s bolt it shut. Always keep WordPress updated—old versions are hacker goldmines. And if you’re editing code, use a child theme. I’ve had projects crash from direct theme edits. Trust me, it’s not fun explaining that to a client.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to mess up here—I’ve been there. Skipping backups before edits? A disaster waiting to happen. Over-relying on plugins without understanding what they do? That’s like driving blindfolded. Stay proactive and double-check everything.
Conclusion
Hiding your WordPress version is a simple but powerful way to secure your site. It’s like locking your doors before going to bed—just common sense. Start small, pick a method, and make your site safer today. Got your own security tips or horror stories? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
