Optimizing And Securing WordPress Site Hosted On AWS -- 2
I moved my site from shared hosting to Amazon AWS EC2 hosting as I was continually using too many server resources causing the hosting company to disable the site, sometimes for days, a week or more!
A little bit about the site: it is a movie-related site that gets anywhere from 150k to 300k+ visits a month. This is HIGHLY dependent on the box office and the popularity of current films in theaters. We provide specific information for films and are #1 in search results returned from Google and other search engines. It is run solely by me, hence why I am posting this call for help here. I have been in I.
T. for nearly 20 years now and know a thing or two about technology. However, Linux is not my strong suit and I am still somewhat green with AWS. I am running Ubuntu with a LEMP stack.
Everything is up and running on an AWS EC2 instance now. However, as stated previously, I have no experience with AWS and am not confident that I have everything optimized and/or secured properly. The last thing I want is to get outrageous bills from Amazon because something isn't configured right and of course, something not being secured properly causing a breach.
Unfortunately, the site does not generate much income at all, I do have a small (very small) budget from the little advertising dollars I get along with the occasional donation. But most costs come out of my own pocket. And also, unfortunately, I am currently unemployed, so this is why it's listed as a simple project with such a small budget listed. Ideally, I would like this to cost under $300, but if that is not possible, please let me know, and maybe we can work something out.
What I would like to accomplish with this project:
(most important)
* Secure WordPress/SQL/File System/Etc.
* Optimize the AWS instance for speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
* Provide ongoing maintenance instructions for things such as keeping the AWS instance secure and up-to-date such as updating Linux, SQL, and any other modules installed (I know about keeping WP updated, but again, Linux and other server-side items are new to me)
(less important, but nice)
* Optimize WordPress for speed and reliability (less important because I have experience with this already, but not to say there's something that I don't know about or have missed)
* Any advice or observations about how I have put everything together that could be done differently (ie. design, functionality, etc.)
I would prefer you to be based in the U.
S. so there is no lag in communications. I would also like for you to be reputable, reliable, and have a good, provable track record.
Assuming all goes well, I would like to stay in communication for any future needs with this website. This could involve helping with issues that I cannot figure out as time goes by or with any future upgrades or improvements that might occur.