WordPress powers millions of websites. This popularity makes it a target for hackers. Every day, attackers try to break into WordPress sites. They want to steal data, spread malware, or hijack your server.
The good news? You can secure your WordPress site with simple steps. Most attacks target easy vulnerabilities. Basic security measures stop the majority of hacking attempts.
Imagine waking up to find your site hacked. Your reputation damaged. Your data stolen. Recovery can cost thousands of dollars. Prevention costs almost nothing.
Here are seven proven ways to secure your WordPress site.
1. Limit Login Attempts
Brute force attacks are common. Hackers use automated scripts that try thousands of password combinations. Without limits, they can guess forever.
Login limiters stop this attack cold. After a few failed attempts, the system blocks that IP address. Legitimate users rarely fail more than twice. Attackers get locked out immediately.
WordPress doesn’t limit logins by default. You need to add this protection. Security plugins like Wordfence or Login LockDown handle this easily. Set a limit of 3-5 attempts before blocking.
Some plugins also include IP blacklisting. Known attacker addresses get blocked before they even try. This adds another layer of protection.
2. Use Plugins Wisely
Plugins extend WordPress functionality. They’re incredibly useful. They can also create security holes.
Every plugin adds code to your site. More code means more potential vulnerabilities. Poorly coded plugins are easy targets for hackers.
Follow these plugin safety rules:
- Only install plugins you actually need
- Delete plugins you’re not using
- Choose plugins with good reviews and active development
- Keep all plugins updated
- Avoid plugins that haven’t been updated in over a year
Too many plugins also slow your site. Performance and security both improve when you minimize plugin use. If WordPress can do something natively, skip the plugin.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of login security. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t get in without the second factor.
The second factor is usually your phone. After entering your password, you confirm with a code sent to your device. Hackers rarely have access to both.
Common 2FA methods include:
- Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy)
- SMS codes (less secure but better than nothing)
- Email verification codes
- Hardware security keys
Plugins like WP Google Authenticator make setup simple. The extra login step takes seconds. The security improvement is massive.
4. Change Your Admin Login URL
By default, WordPress login pages are at predictable URLs. Everyone knows to try /wp-admin or /wp-login.php. Hackers know this too.
Automated attack scripts target these default URLs. They run 24/7, trying to break into every WordPress site they find.
Changing your login URL stops most automated attacks. The scripts try the default location, find nothing, and move on. Your site becomes invisible to basic attacks.
Change your URL to something unpredictable. Avoid obvious alternatives like /login or /admin. Something like /myoffice2024 works better. Security plugins or hosting settings can make this change.
5. Enable Automatic Updates
Outdated software is vulnerable software. When developers find security holes, they release updates to fix them. Running old versions leaves those holes open.
Keep everything updated:
- WordPress core
- Your theme
- All plugins
Manual updates work but require attention. Automatic updates protect you even when you’re busy. WordPress can update minor releases automatically. Plugins exist for automatic major updates too.
Most theme and plugin updates include security patches. Hackers study these patches to find vulnerabilities in older versions. They specifically target sites running outdated software.
6. Switch to HTTPS with SSL
HTTP sends data in plain text. Anyone monitoring the connection can read everything. Passwords, credit cards, and personal information are all exposed.
HTTPS encrypts the connection. Data travels in scrambled form that only sender and receiver can read. Man-in-the-middle attacks become impossible.
SSL certificates enable HTTPS. They verify your identity and encrypt the connection. Many hosts offer free SSL through Let’s Encrypt. WPlook Hosting includes free SSL with every plan.
Beyond security, HTTPS helps SEO. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor. Secure sites rank higher than insecure ones. Browsers also warn users about sites without SSL.
Learn more: Why You Should Use an HTTPS Encrypted Connection
7. Use Strong Passwords
Weak passwords are the easiest way into your site. Many people use passwords that are trivially easy to guess. Names, birthdays, and common words fall to automated attacks in seconds.
Strong passwords have:
- At least 12 characters (longer is better)
- Mix of upper and lowercase letters
- Numbers and special characters
- No dictionary words or personal information
Don’t try to remember complex passwords. Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password. It generates and stores strong passwords for you.
Enforce strong passwords for all users on your site. WordPress can require complexity. Security plugins add more options. One weak password from any user creates a vulnerability.
Bonus: Choose Secure Hosting
Your host is your foundation. Cheap hosting often means shared security with thousands of other sites. One compromised neighbor can affect you.
Quality WordPress hosting includes:
- Server-level firewalls
- Malware scanning
- Automatic backups
- Free SSL certificates
- WordPress-specific security optimization
WPlook Hosting provides all of this. You get security built into the foundation, not bolted on afterward.
Security Is Ongoing
Securing your WordPress site isn’t a one-time task. Threats evolve constantly. New vulnerabilities appear regularly.
Make security part of your routine:
- Check for updates weekly
- Review your plugins monthly
- Run security scans regularly
- Monitor login attempts
- Keep backups current
The seven tips in this guide stop most common attacks. They’re simple to implement but incredibly effective. Start today and sleep better knowing your site is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my WordPress site has been hacked?
Common signs include unexpected redirects, new admin users you didn’t create, strange content appearing on pages, slow loading times, and warnings from Google or your host. Security plugins can scan for malware and alert you to problems.
Is WordPress secure enough for business websites?
Yes, WordPress is secure when properly maintained. Major companies and government sites use WordPress. The key is keeping everything updated, using strong passwords, and following the security practices in this guide.
Do I need a security plugin for WordPress?
Security plugins help but aren’t mandatory. They add features like login limits, malware scanning, and firewalls. Popular options include Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security. Even without plugins, following basic security practices provides strong protection.
How often should I back up my WordPress site?
Back up at least weekly for most sites. If you publish daily or run an e-commerce store, back up daily. Always back up before making major changes. Store backups off-site, not just on your web server.
What should I do if my WordPress site gets hacked?
First, don’t panic. Change all passwords immediately. Restore from a clean backup if available. If not, scan for malware and remove infected files. Update everything. Consider professional help for serious infections. Then strengthen security to prevent repeat attacks.
Are free WordPress themes safe to use?
Free themes from WordPress.org are generally safe as they’re reviewed. Avoid downloading free themes from random websites. These often contain malware or backdoors. Stick to the official repository or reputable theme developers.
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Hi Diana,
Thanks for finding this great information and sharing it with all of us.
Keep sharing.