CMS Security Best Practices Checklist
IntermediateQuick Answer
TL;DR
Essential CMS security best practices include: enforce strong passwords and 2FA for all users, keep CMS software and plugins updated, use HTTPS everywhere, implement RBAC with least-privilege access, configure security headers (CSP, HSTS, X-Frame-Options), regularly back up content and databases, monitor for suspicious activity, use a WAF, disable unused features and APIs, and conduct regular security audits. For self-hosted CMS, also harden the server OS, use SSH keys, and keep the hosting stack patched.
Key Takeaways
- Authentication: strong passwords, 2FA, SSO, limit login attempts
- Access control: RBAC, least privilege, regular permission audits
- Infrastructure: HTTPS, security headers, WAF, regular updates
- Monitoring: audit logs, anomaly detection, regular security assessments