Hello!
Here are steps to follow not to be hacked.
1.Never use IE web browser for your joomla administration if you intend to visit websites outside your domain.
Why ?
Simple there are tons of script out there that will grab your admin information.
2.Never use any directory set at 777 or files at 666
those setting say please hack me.
If you have problem installing and you need to set it, Here what you should do:
Contact your web host ask that they change the permission of your folder to that of your account
an example
Paul as an account is login is paul_rs1 password qwerte
the folder permission should be own by paul_rs:psacln (if you are on plesk)
this will keep folder at 755 however with no problem with installation
If you own your own server and are the only one on it apache:apache could be use.
for server SUphp or fastCGI is the best practice as it will set all permission right.
Now as you can see Paul did not get a real secure password
So we need to secure this with a much better one like !Sm0$nus&x7M (example)
3. Now that we have secure our web site are we safe?
No we still need to do more hardening of some files
On my site .htaccess is set at 444 same for my index.php
Why give more ways for a hacker to hack my site
4.Now database
Many still use jos_ as there extension. Also many hackers will use jos_ to hack a web site
Smart hackers would use another way.So please think of a original name for your database
like Paul could use pajw_ this help securing it a bit more.
4.extensions the core of our eye candy look on our web site.We all love them however like a child we do not pay much attention to them if they work. Please hack me
That is why you should check joomla docs VEL list to see if your extension is in the list has a security vulnerability. By leaving a vulnerable extension on your site, leaves it wide open to hackers to mess with your website and hosting configuration. So please visit this site every day.
docs.joomla.org/Vulnerable_Extensions_List
Or easier way is to add rss feed to your admin panel.
5 Joomla core there reason why joomla update it version it not to get attention it to resolved security risk,
Well I have joomla 1.5.10 and I did lot of mod to it cannot just upgrade Please hack me
Maintain the most recent release of joomla and it be hard for them to hack you.
6 Backup your site every day morning night that way if any thing happen it easy to get your site back up.
7 Some hackers are like joomla users lazy so they will do a hunt on google to see who running what version of joomla check for exploits and hacked there site.
Here a tip that can fool a hacker and google also other search bot use this line in your templates/index.php <?php $this->setGenerator('Joomla 1.6 - Open Source Content Management'); ?>
ad this in your head section
it will not fool every one however will help you
8.Do not use the same password for ftp and admin login
9 if you own a server
do not use port 21 for ftp use like 6876
do not use port 22 or 20 for ssh use a higher port like ftp
Well this is it for now
Pierre