Security is a major concern for any website owner. WordPress powers a large percentage of the internet, making it a prime target for hackers. Fortunately, keeping your site secure doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few essential steps, you can protect your website from threats and ensure it runs smoothly.
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks. Updates often contain patches for vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
- Regularly check for updates in Dashboard > Updates
- Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases
- Use well-maintained themes and plugins from reputable developers
- Delete any unused themes and plugins to reduce potential security gaps
Use strong login credentials
Brute force attacks target weak usernames and passwords. Strengthen your login security with these steps:
- Avoid using “admin” as a username
- Use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) with a plugin like Google Authenticator or Wordfence
- Limit login attempts using a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
Install a security plugin
A good security plugin monitors and protects your site from threats. Some popular options include:
- Wordfence – Provides firewall protection, malware scanning, and login security
- Sucuri Security – Offers real-time monitoring, firewall protection, and malware removal
- iThemes Security – Strengthens login security, detects vulnerabilities, and prevents brute force attacks
These plugins help automate security measures and provide regular reports on potential threats.
Use SSL encryption
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data transmitted between your site and its visitors, protecting sensitive information.
- Check if your hosting provider offers a free SSL certificate
- Install and activate SSL using the Really Simple SSL plugin if needed
- Ensure your site uses HTTPS instead of HTTP
Secure your WordPress database
Your database contains important site data, making it a prime target for attacks. Strengthen its security by:
- Changing the default wp_ table prefix to something unique
- Regularly backing up your database using plugins like UpdraftPlus
- Restricting database access to only trusted users
Limit user access and roles
Not everyone needs full admin privileges. Assign appropriate roles to users to prevent accidental or malicious changes.
- Administrator – Full access (only for trusted users)
- Editor – Can manage and publish content but not change site settings
- Author – Can create and publish their own posts
- Contributor – Can write but not publish posts
- Subscriber – Can only manage their profile
Restrict admin access to only those who truly need it.
Enable automatic backups
If something goes wrong, a backup ensures you can restore your site quickly. Set up automated backups using:
- UpdraftPlus – Backs up to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox
- Jetpack Backup – Provides real-time backups and easy restores
- BlogVault – Offers offsite storage and malware protection
Regular backups are a safety net in case of hacks, server failures, or accidental errors.
Monitor for malware and suspicious activity
Keeping an eye on your site’s security can prevent small issues from turning into major problems.
- Use security plugins to scan for malware regularly
- Monitor login attempts and failed logins for unusual activity
- Set up email alerts for security threats and unauthorised access attempts
Choose a reliable hosting provider
Your hosting provider plays a huge role in your site’s security. Look for:
- Strong server security and regular updates
- Built-in firewalls and malware scanning
- Automatic backups and easy restore options
- SSL certificates and DDoS protection
Quality hosting reduces the risk of cyberattacks and provides a more stable site environment.
Keeping your WordPress site secure is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. By taking these simple steps, you can protect your site from potential threats and keep it running safely. Want more WordPress tips? Follow our WordPress 101 series for expert advice every Monday.