WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet—making it a popular target for hackers and malicious bots. Whether you run a blog, business site, or online store, securing your WordPress site is essential to protect your data, users, and reputation.In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to improve your WordPress security and stay ahead of potential threats.
1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes & Plugins Updated
Outdated software is one of the most common vulnerabilities. Developers frequently release security patches, so:
- Enable automatic updates for minor releases.
- Regularly check for updates to plugins and themes.
- Remove unused plugins and themes.
2. Use Strong Login Credentials
Brute force attacks are a common method hackers use to guess your login credentials.
- Avoid using "admin" as your username.
- Use strong, unique passwords (consider a password manager).
- Limit login attempts using a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or Wordfence.
3. Install a WordPress Security Plugin
Security plugins help monitor and defend your site against malware, spam, and brute force attacks.
Recommended plugins:
- Wordfence Security
- iThemes Security
- Sucuri Security
These plugins offer firewall protection, file scanning, login security, and more.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding 2FA adds a second layer of protection during login. Users enter their password and a code from an app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
Most security plugins support easy 2FA integration.
5. Secure Your Site with SSL (HTTPS)
SSL encrypts the data sent between your site and your users. It’s essential for security and SEO.
- Get a free SSL from Let's Encrypt (many hosts offer this).
- Force HTTPS in your WordPress settings or via your hosting control panel.
6. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider
Your hosting plays a big role in your site’s security. Look for hosts that offer:
- Regular backups
- Malware scanning
- Firewall protection
- Server-side security measures
Managed WordPress hosts like Kinsta, WP Engine, or SiteGround are great options.
7. Regular Backups Are a Must
Backups are your safety net. If anything goes wrong, you can restore your site quickly.
Backup plugins:
- UpdraftPlus
- BlogVault
- Jetpack
Store backups offsite (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) and automate them if possible.
8. Disable XML-RPC
Unless required for specific features (like Jetpack), XML-RPC should be disabled to reduce attack vectors.
You can do this via a plugin or add this code to your .htaccess file:
apache
CopyEdit
<Files xmlrpc.php>
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</Files>
9. Monitor User Activity
If you run a multi-user site, it’s important to keep track of what users are doing.
Plugins like WP Activity Log let you see logins, post edits, plugin changes, and more.
10. Hide Your WordPress Version
Hackers often target known vulnerabilities in specific WordPress versions.
Add this to your functions.php to remove the version number:
php
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remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
Final Thoughts
Security isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. By implementing these best practices, you’ll greatly reduce your site’s exposure to common threats.
Take action now. Your website, your data, and your reputation depend on it.