A "403 Forbidden" error in WordPress typically indicates that the server understands the request, but it refuses to authorize access due to insufficient permissions.

Here are steps you can take to address this issue:

1. Check File and Directory Permissions:

   Ensure that the file permissions are set correctly. Directories should typically be set to 755, and files to 644. You can do this through an FTP client or a file manager provided by your hosting provider.

2. Check .htaccess File:

   Similar to the Internal Server Error, a misconfigured .htaccess file can cause a 403 error. Follow the same steps as mentioned before:

   • Access your website files via FTP or a file manager provided by your hosting provider.
   • Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
   • Make a backup of the file.
   • Rename the file (e.g., to .htaccess_old) or delete it. WordPress will generate a new .htaccess file.
   • Check if the error persists.

3. Disable Security Plugins:

   If you have a security plugin installed (such as Wordfence or Sucuri), it might be blocking access. You can try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

4. Check Plugin and Theme Conflicts:

   As with the Internal Server Error, conflicts between plugins or themes can sometimes cause a 403 error. Follow the steps mentioned earlier to deactivate plugins and switch to a default theme.

5. Review Error Logs:

   Look into your server error logs for more specific information about what's causing the 403 error. Contact your hosting provider if you need assistance accessing these logs.

6. Check for IP Whitelisting:

   Some security plugins or server configurations might have an IP whitelisting feature. Make sure your current IP address is not blocked.

7. Contact Hosting Support:

   If none of the above steps work, get in touch with your hosting provider's support team. They can often provide insights into server-level issues that might be causing the 403 error.

8. Check File Ownership:

   In some cases, incorrect ownership of files and directories can lead to a 403 error. Make sure that the files and directories are owned by the correct user.

Remember to create backups before making significant changes to your site. This ensures you have a way to revert if anything goes wrong.