Adding HTTP security headers is a straightforward but crucial step in protecting your WordPress site from various online threats. These headers help control how browsers handle your site’s content, boosting its security against attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS) and clickjacking. This guide will explain what these headers do, how to add them using the .htaccess file, and highlight some plugins that can simplify the process.
What Are HTTP Security Headers?
HTTP security headers are directives sent by your server to the browser. They instruct the browser on how to handle your site’s content and enforce security policies. Here’s a simple breakdown of some important headers and their roles:
Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS)
- Purpose: Forces browsers to connect to your site only using HTTPS. This prevents users from accessing your site over an unencrypted HTTP connection.
- Why it Matters: Ensures all communications between your users and your site are encrypted, protecting sensitive data from being intercepted.
X-XSS-Protection
- Purpose: Activates the browser’s built-in XSS filter, which blocks pages containing potentially malicious scripts.
- Why it Matters: Helps protect users from attacks where malicious code is injected into your site to steal data or perform harmful actions.
X-Content-Type-Options
- Purpose: Tells browsers to respect the MIME type declared by the server and not to try to infer the type of content.
- Why it Matters: Prevents attackers from tricking the browser into executing malicious files as legitimate content.
X-Frame-Options
- Purpose: Prevents your site from being embedded in iframes on other websites.
- Why it Matters: Protects against clickjacking attacks, where users might be tricked into clicking on something other than what they intended.
Referrer-Policy
- Purpose: Controls how much referrer information (the URL of the previous page) is sent with requests.
- Why it Matters: Enhances user privacy by limiting the data sent to other sites.
Permissions-Policy
- Purpose: Specifies which features or APIs (like geolocation, microphone, and camera) can be used by your site.
- Why it Matters: Restricts access to sensitive features, protecting user privacy.
Adding Security Headers Using the .htaccess File
You can add these headers to your WordPress site by editing the .htaccess file. Here’s how:
Access Your .htaccess File:
- Log in to your WordPress site via FTP or your hosting control panel.
- Find the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
Edit the File:
- Open the .htaccess file with a text editor.
- Add the following snippet to the file:
<IfModule mod_headers.c>
Header set Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000" env=HTTPS
Header set X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block"
Header set X-Content-Type-Options nosniff
Header set X-Frame-Options DENY
Header set Referrer-Policy no-referrer-when-downgrade
Header set Permissions-Policy "geolocation=(), microphone=(), camera=()"
</IfModule>Save Changes:
- Save the file and upload it back to your server.
Alternative Methods for Adding Security Headers
If editing the .htaccess file isn’t for you, consider using plugins:
All in One SEO Plugin
- Although primarily an SEO tool, it includes a feature to add security headers, making it a convenient option if you’re already using it.
Headers Security Advanced & HSTS WP Plugin
This plugin offers a comprehensive suite of security headers, including:
- Content-Security-Policy
- X-Content-Type-Options
- Strict-Transport-Security
- Cross-Origin Resource Policy
- And more.
It’s ideal if you want an easy way to manage a wide range of headers without manual configuration.
Need Help with Security Headers?
If you need assistance with adding or configuring security headers, contact our team. We can help ensure your WordPress site is secure and well-protected against online threats.