How to secure the wp-config.php file and protect sensitive data on a WordPress website?

One of the most important files in any WordPress installation is the wp-config.php file. It holds sensitive information like database passwords and authentication keys. If disclosed, it could lead to serious security Issues, including unauthorized access to the website and database.

To protect this one, it’s better to move it out of the publicly accessible web root directory. You should also set strict file permissions so that only the server can read it. Disabling directory browsing prevents attackers from seeing file lists. Hiding WordPress version details reduce the risk of vulnerabilities. Disabling error messages on live sites prevents sensitive information from being leaked.

You can further protect wp-config.php by limiting direct access through server-level measures such as .htaccess rules. You can also restrict backend access by IP address. These combined steps greatly reduce the risk of data breaches and help safeguard sensitive site data, even during attacks.