Essential Joomla Security Settings for Beginners

Keeping your Joomla website secure starts with the right configuration. Many attacks happen because of weak default settings, outdated software, or exposed admin panels. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential Joomla security settings every beginner should enable to protect their website from hackers and malware.

1. Keep Joomla Core Updated

Updates are your first line of defense. Joomla regularly releases patches to fix vulnerabilities found in older versions.

1. Go to System → Update → Joomla.
2. Click Check for Updates.
3. If available, select Install the Update.

Set Joomla to automatically notify you of new updates under System → Global Configuration → Server.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection to your admin account, preventing unauthorized logins even if your password is stolen.

1. Go to Users → Manage → Your Profile.
2. Click the Two Factor Authentication tab.
3. Choose Google Authenticator and scan the QR code with your phone.
4. Enter the 6-digit code to confirm setup.

Now your Joomla admin account is protected by 2FA.

3. Change the Default Admin Username

Never use “admin” as your default username — it’s the first thing hackers try. Instead:

1. Log in as Super User.
2. Create a new administrator account with a strong, unique username.
3. Assign Super User privileges to it.
4. Delete or unpublish the default admin account.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Limit Login Attempts

Always use complex passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.

• ✅ Use a password manager (Bitwarden, LastPass, 1Password).
• ✅ Avoid reusing passwords from other accounts.
• ✅ Limit failed login attempts using extensions like Admin Tools Pro.

5. Set Proper File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can let attackers inject malicious scripts. Joomla recommends:

• 📁 Directories: 755
• 📄 Files: 644
• 🚫 Never set files or folders to 777

Use your hosting control panel or FTP client to check permissions and correct them if needed.

6. Enable Search Engine Friendly (SEF) URLs with Care

While SEF URLs help with SEO, they can also reveal your site structure if not configured properly. Always use the .htaccess file to hide sensitive paths and disable directory browsing:

Options -Indexes
RewriteEngine On

7. Configure Global Metadata and Error Reporting

Go to System → Global Configuration → Server:

• Set Error Reporting to “None” (avoid exposing system info).
• Turn off Debug System when your site is live.
• Enable Force HTTPS if you have an SSL certificate.

8. Protect the Administrator Folder

Hackers often target the /administrator folder. To secure it:

• Use a custom admin URL (with extensions like Admin Tools).
• Password-protect the folder via your hosting panel (using .htpasswd).
• Restrict access by IP address if possible.

9. Install a Basic Firewall Plugin

Even with Joomla’s core security features, an application firewall provides extra protection against brute-force and injection attacks.

• Recommended: Admin Tools Pro (from Akeeba).
• Alternative: SecurityCheck Pro.

10. Regularly Backup Your Site

Backups are your best insurance policy. Use Akeeba Backup to schedule automatic backups and store them offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Conclusion

These basic Joomla security settings protect your site from 90% of common attacks. Once configured, make sure to regularly update and monitor your website for changes or suspicious activity.

Next step: Learn how to Protect Your Joomla Admin Area (Login & Backend) to block unauthorized access attempts.