The examples link to demonstrations of Wordpress in use for everything from a Twitter page to a Wiki to an e-commerce store. And while we’re on the subject of WordPress, here’s some trivia about the software:

• Version names come from famous jazz musicians.
• It was forked from an original project called ‘b2.’ The original b2 team also continued with a new project called ‘b2evolution.’ Though it is said to be in active development, its usage is a tiny niche and development seems stalled.
• In 2008, they released a WordPress app for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
• Some controversy surrounded the themes directory in 2007. WordPress ditched themes that use sponsored links, and have since stressed that all themes have to be GPL licensed (the way Wordpress is itself).

So here’s a little link list for getting your WordPress blog in shape. At least if you put all of this information to use, you’ll be as secure as anybody who uses WordPress.

First, here’s the official WordPress Security Whitepaper. This is as recent as April of 2008, and it’s also translated into Chinese, Italian, German, and Spanish, as well as English. You’ll probably find it dense reading, but at least it’s good to have on hand for a reference.

This plug-in hosted at WordPress.org is a WP security scanner. It can automatically check for common problems.

A list of quick WordPress security tips. These are all easy and quick to implement.

Finally, the WordPress development blog. If any news about security vulnerabilities and updates comes up, it will come up here first.

Remember, when you secure your site, you make the Internet safer for all of us as well.

Peter Brittain

Need a professional website hosting company?