WordPress security holds immense significance for all website owners. Each day, Google blacklists over 10,000 websites due to malware and approximately 50,000 websites per week for phishing attempts.

If you prioritize the security of your website, it’s crucial to focus on adhering to the best practices in WordPress security. Within this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with the top tips for WordPress security to empower you in safeguarding your website from hackers and malware.

While the WordPress core software boasts a high level of security and undergoes regular audits by numerous developers, there are still numerous measures you can take to bolster your site’s security.

At WPBeginner, we firmly believe that security isn’t solely about eliminating risk; it’s also about minimizing it. As a website owner, you have ample opportunities to enhance your WordPress security, even if you lack technical expertise.

We’ve compiled a series of actionable steps designed to fortify your website against potential security vulnerabilities. To simplify your journey, a thoughtfully organized table of contents awaits, enabling you to effortlessly navigate through the comprehensive WordPress security guide.

WordPress Security Essentials

The Significance of Website Security

Ensuring the security of your website is a matter of paramount importance. A compromised WordPress site can wreak havoc on your business’s revenue and reputation. Hackers have the ability to pilfer user data, passwords, implant malicious software, and even distribute malware to your unsuspecting users.

In the worst-case scenario, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re forced to pay a ransom to hackers just to regain access to your own website.

To put things into perspective, consider Google’s report from March 2016, which revealed that over 50 million website users received warnings about potentially malicious websites that could either contain malware or engage in information theft.

Furthermore, on a weekly basis, Google takes action against approximately 20,000 websites due to malware concerns and another 50,000 for phishing-related issues.

If your website serves as the digital face of your business, it becomes imperative to prioritize and devote extra attention to your WordPress security. Just as a business owner takes measures to safeguard their physical store, as an online business proprietor, it falls upon you to protect the virtual storefront of your business.

Maintaining WordPress: The Importance of Updates

WordPress, an open-source software, undergoes regular maintenance and updates. Minor updates are automatically installed by default, while major releases require manual initiation.

Additionally, WordPress offers an extensive library of plugins and themes, often developed and maintained by third-party creators who release updates regularly.

These updates are paramount for your WordPress site’s security and stability. It’s imperative to ensure that your WordPress core, plugins, and theme are always kept up to date.

Enhancing Security: Passwords and User Access

The most common method employed by hackers to compromise WordPress sites involves the use of pilfered passwords. You can enhance your website’s security by adopting robust and unique passwords, not only for your WordPress admin area but also for FTP accounts, databases, your WordPress hosting account, and custom email addresses associated with your site’s domain.

While many beginners may find strong passwords challenging to remember, the good news is that you no longer need to rely on memory alone. The solution lies in using a password manager.

Another effective strategy for mitigating risk is to exercise caution when granting access to your WordPress admin account. Only provide access when absolutely necessary, particularly if you have a sizable team or guest authors contributing to your WordPress site. It’s crucial to have a solid understanding of user roles and capabilities in WordPress before adding new user accounts or authors to your website.

Web Hosting’s Impact: A Key Website Element

The security of your WordPress site is heavily dependent on your choice of hosting service. Reputable shared hosting providers such as Hostinger, Bluehost, or Siteground go to great lengths to fortify their servers against common threats.

Here’s an overview of how a reliable web hosting company operates behind the scenes to safeguard your websites and data:

• Continuous Monitoring: They maintain vigilant oversight of their network, actively identifying and addressing any suspicious activities;
• DDOS Attack Prevention: Robust hosting companies implement tools to thwart large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks effectively;
• Regular Software Updates: Keeping server software, PHP versions, and hardware up to date is a standard practice, preventing hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated software;
• Disaster Recovery Plans: A solid hosting provider maintains well-prepared disaster recovery and accident response plans to safeguard your data in case of major mishaps.

On shared hosting plans, you share server resources with numerous other users, which does pose the risk of cross-site contamination, where a hacker can potentially use a neighboring site to target yours.

To bolster security further, opting for managed WordPress hosting services offers a safer platform for your website. Managed WordPress hosts typically include automatic backups, automated WordPress updates, and advanced security configurations to fortify your website’s defenses.

Simplified WordPress Security: No Coding Required

Boosting WordPress security may seem daunting, especially if you’re new to it, but rest assured, you’re not on your own. Countless WordPress users have effectively bolstered their website security using the guidance provided. This guide will lead you through the process of enhancing your WordPress security with straightforward, point-and-click actions that don’t demand any coding expertise. You’ve got this!

Implementing a WordPress Backup Strategy

Installing a WordPress backup solution is a crucial step in safeguarding your website. Remember, no system is entirely immune to threats. If even government websites can fall victim to hacks, your site can be vulnerable as well.

Backups serve as your initial line of defense, offering the means to swiftly restore your WordPress site in the event of an unforeseen incident.

Numerous free and premium WordPress backup plugins are available for your use. The key takeaway regarding backups is the importance of consistently archiving full-site backups in a remote location, rather than your hosting account.

We highly recommend utilizing cloud services like Amazon, Dropbox, or private clouds such as Stash to store your backups securely.

The frequency of your backups should align with how often you update your website. Optimal settings may range from daily backups to real-time backups.

Fortunately, this task is easily accomplished with user-friendly plugins like Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, or BlogVault. These tools are not only reliable but also require no coding expertise, making them accessible for all users.

Optimal WordPress Security Plugin

Following the establishment of backups, the next essential step is to implement an auditing and monitoring system that diligently tracks every activity on your website. This includes monitoring file integrity, logging failed login attempts, and conducting malware scans, among other functions.

The good news is that all these critical tasks can be efficiently managed with the assistance of the top-notch, free WordPress security plugin, Sucuri Scanner.

• To begin, you should install and activate the free Sucuri Security plugin;
• Once activated, navigate to the Sucuri menu within your WordPress admin dashboard. Your first task will be to generate a free API key, which unlocks essential features such as audit logging, integrity checks, email alerts, and more;
• Next, proceed to the ‘Hardening’ tab under the settings menu. Go through each option and click the “Apply Hardening” button. These options serve to secure vulnerable areas that hackers often target. Please note that the only hardening option requiring a paid upgrade is the Web Application Firewall, which we’ll cover in the next step. For now, you can skip it.

For those who prefer a plugin-free approach or wish to undertake additional steps like “Database Prefix change” or “Changing the Admin Username,” many of these ‘Hardening’ options are covered later in this article.

After the hardening process, the default plugin settings generally suffice for most websites and do not necessitate adjustments. The only recommendation is to customize ‘Email Alerts.’

The default alert settings may inundate your inbox with unnecessary emails. It is advised to configure alerts for key actions such as plugin changes or new user registrations. You can manage these alerts by navigating to Sucuri Settings » Alerts.

This WordPress security plugin boasts a wide range of powerful features. Take some time to explore all the tabs and settings to fully comprehend its capabilities, including malware scanning, audit logs, tracking failed login attempts, and much more.

Activate a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

One of the simplest and most effective methods to bolster your website’s security and gain peace of mind is by implementing a web application firewall (WAF).

A web application firewall functions as a protective barrier, intercepting and thwarting malicious traffic long before it reaches your website.

There are two primary types of website firewalls:

DNS Level Website Firewall: These firewalls reroute your website’s traffic through their cloud proxy servers, allowing them to filter out only legitimate traffic before it reaches your web server.

Application Level Firewall: These firewall plugins inspect the incoming traffic as it reaches your server but before it loads most WordPress scripts. While effective, this method is not as efficient as the DNS level firewall in terms of reducing server load.

What sets Sucuri’s firewall apart is its comprehensive coverage, which includes a malware cleanup and blacklist removal guarantee. Essentially, if your website were to be compromised while under their protection, they pledge to restore it, regardless of the number of pages affected.

This warranty carries significant value, as rectifying hacked websites can incur substantial expenses. Security experts often charge around $250 per hour for such services, whereas you can secure the entire Sucuri security suite for just $199 per year.

Transition Your WordPress Site to SSL/HTTPS

Moving your WordPress site to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or HTTPS is a crucial step in enhancing the security of your website. SSL is a protocol that encrypts the data transferred between your website and a user’s web browser, making it significantly more challenging for malicious actors to intercept and steal information.

Once SSL is enabled, your website will use HTTPS instead of HTTP, and you’ll notice a padlock icon next to your website address in the browser, indicating a secure connection.

Traditionally, SSL certificates were issued by certificate authorities, with prices ranging from $80 to hundreds of dollars annually. This cost deterred many website owners from adopting secure protocols, leaving their websites vulnerable.

To address this issue, a non-profit organization known as Let’s Encrypt stepped in to provide free SSL certificates to website owners. Let’s Encrypt is backed by industry giants like Google Chrome, Facebook, Mozilla, and numerous other companies.

Today, it’s easier than ever to implement SSL for all your WordPress websites. Many hosting companies now offer free SSL certificates for your WordPress site as part of their services.

If your hosting provider doesn’t offer a free SSL certificate, you can consider purchasing one from Domain.com. They offer one of the best and most reliable SSL deals on the market, complete with a $10,000 security warranty and a TrustLogo security seal for added peace of mind.

Empowering Your WordPress Security as a DIY User

By following all the steps we’ve discussed so far, you’ve already taken significant strides towards bolstering your WordPress security.

However, as is often the case, there are additional measures you can implement to further fortify your WordPress security.

Please be aware that some of these advanced steps may necessitate coding expertise, but they offer valuable enhancements to your site’s protection.

Changing the Default ‘admin’ Username in WordPress

In the past, the default username for the WordPress admin account was simply “admin.” This created a vulnerability as usernames constitute a significant portion of login credentials, making it easier for hackers to execute brute-force attacks.

Fortunately, WordPress has evolved, and now it prompts you to choose a custom username during the installation process, eliminating the ‘admin’ default.

However, it’s worth noting that some 1-click WordPress installers may still employ the ‘admin’ default username. If you discover this to be the case, it’s advisable to consider changing your web hosting provider.

As WordPress doesn’t offer a built-in option to change usernames, there are three methods you can use to accomplish this task:

• Create a New Admin Username and Delete the Old One: This involves setting up a new admin username and removing the old ‘admin’ account;
• Use the Username Changer Plugin: You can employ the Username Changer plugin to streamline the process of updating your username;
• Update Username from phpMyAdmin: For those comfortable with database management, you can modify the username directly through phpMyAdmin.

Please note that in this context, we are referring to the username named “admin,” not the administrator role.

Disabling File Editing in WordPress

WordPress provides a convenient built-in code editor that enables users to edit theme and plugin files directly from the WordPress admin area. However, in the wrong hands, this feature can pose a security risk. To mitigate this risk, we strongly recommend disabling it.

You can accomplish this by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

12	// Disallow file editdefine( ‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true );

Alternatively, you can achieve this with a single click by utilizing the “Hardening” feature available in the free Sucuri plugin mentioned earlier.

Enhancing WordPress Security: Disabling PHP File Execution

To bolster the security of your WordPress website, consider deactivating PHP file execution in directories where it serves no purpose, such as the /wp-content/uploads/ directory.

Begin by launching a text editor like Notepad and inserting the following code:

123	<Files *.php>deny from all</Files>

Afterward, save this file as .htaccess and upload it to the /wp-content/uploads/ folders on your website using an FTP client.

For a more comprehensive explanation of this process, consult our guide on disabling PHP execution in specific WordPress directories.

Alternatively, you can achieve this with a single click using the Hardening feature provided by the free Sucuri plugin mentioned earlier.

Securing Your Site: Restricting Login Attempts in WordPress

By default, WordPress permits users to make an unlimited number of login attempts, which can leave your WordPress site susceptible to brute force attacks. Hackers often attempt to crack passwords by repeatedly trying different combinations.

Fortunately, you can address this vulnerability by limiting the number of failed login attempts a user can make. If you’ve already set up the web application firewall mentioned earlier, this safeguard is automatically in place.

However, if you haven’t configured the firewall, you can follow these steps:

• Begin by installing and activating the Login LockDown plugin. For detailed instructions, please consult our comprehensive guide on how to install a WordPress plugin;
• After activation, navigate to the “Settings » Login LockDown” page to configure the plugin to your specifications.

Implementing Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security technique that requires users to undergo a two-step authentication process when logging in. The initial step involves entering a username and password, while the second step requires users to authenticate using a separate device or app.

Many leading online platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter offer the option to enable 2FA for added security. You can also integrate this functionality into your WordPress site.

Here’s how to set up two-factor authentication on your WordPress site:

• Start by installing and activating the Two Factor Authentication plugin. After activation, click on the ‘Two Factor Auth’ link located in the WordPress admin sidebar;
• Next, you’ll need to install and open an authenticator app on your smartphone. Several options are available, including Google Authenticator, Authy, and LastPass Authenticator;
• We recommend using either LastPass Authenticator or Authy because they allow you to back up your accounts to the cloud. This feature proves invaluable in case you lose your phone, reset it, or acquire a new device, as it simplifies the restoration of all your account logins;
• For this tutorial, we will use LastPass Authenticator as an example, although the instructions apply similarly to all authenticator apps. Open your chosen authenticator app and click the “Add” button;
• The app will prompt you to choose between manually entering a site or scanning a barcode. Select the “scan barcode” option and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on the plugin’s settings page.

That’s it! Your authentication app will now save this information. The next time you log in to your website, you will be prompted to enter the two-factor authentication code after inputting your password. Simply open the authenticator app on your phone and enter the code displayed.

Enhancing WordPress Security: Modifying Database Prefix

By default, WordPress employs the ‘wp_’ prefix for all tables within your WordPress database. If your WordPress site retains the default database prefix, it can potentially make it easier for malicious individuals to guess the table names, presenting a security risk. This is why we strongly advise changing the database prefix.

Note: It’s important to be cautious when undertaking this task, as it has the potential to disrupt your site if not executed properly. Only proceed if you have confidence in your coding skills or seek assistance from a qualified developer.

Password Protecting WP-Admin and Login

In standard configurations, hackers can freely request access to your wp-admin folder and login page without encountering any restrictions. This grants them the opportunity to attempt hacking techniques or launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

To fortify your security, you can implement additional password protection at the server level, effectively blocking these unauthorized requests.

You can find comprehensive instructions in our step-by-step guide on how to password protect your WordPress admin (wp-admin) directory, which will help safeguard your website from potential threats.

Disabling Directory Indexing and Browsing

Directory browsing poses potential security risks, as it can be exploited by hackers to identify files with known vulnerabilities, providing them with opportunities for unauthorized access.

Furthermore, directory browsing allows individuals to inspect your files, copy images, discern your directory structure, and access other sensitive information. For these reasons, it is highly advisable to deactivate directory indexing and browsing on your website.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Connect to your website using FTP or your hosting provider’s cPanel file manager;
• Locate the .htaccess file in your website’s root directory. If you cannot find it there, please refer to our guide on troubleshooting why the .htaccess file may not be visible in WordPress;
• Add the following line at the end of the .htaccess file:

Options -Indexes

Don’t forget to save the .htaccess file and then upload it back to your website.

By implementing this measure, you can enhance your website’s security by preventing unauthorized directory browsing.

Deactivating XML-RPC

XML-RPC functionality was introduced as enabled by default in WordPress 3.5, primarily to facilitate the connection of your WordPress site with web and mobile applications.

However, due to its powerful capabilities, XML-RPC can also significantly amplify the risks associated with brute-force attacks.

Traditionally, if a hacker wished to attempt 500 different passwords on your website, they would have to carry out 500 individual login attempts. Such attempts are typically detected and blocked by security measures like the login lockdown plugin.

With XML-RPC, however, a hacker can employ the system.multicall function to test thousands of passwords with just 20 or 50 requests, substantially increasing the risk. For this reason, if you are not actively using XML-RPC, we strongly recommend disabling it.

Tip: The .htaccess method is often regarded as the most efficient since it consumes fewer resources.

If you are utilizing the web application firewall mentioned earlier, XML-RPC deactivation may be handled automatically by the firewall, simplifying the process of securing your site.

Automatic Idle User Logout

One common security concern arises when logged-in users leave their screens unattended. In such instances, there is a potential risk of session hijacking, password alterations, or unauthorized account modifications.

To mitigate this risk, many reputable financial and banking websites implement an automatic logout feature for inactive users. You can also introduce similar functionality to your WordPress site.

To enable this feature, follow these steps:

• Begin by installing and activating the “Inactive Logout” plugin;
• After activation, go to the “Settings » Inactive Logout” page to configure the plugin’s settings;
• Set the desired time duration for user inactivity and include a logout message if you wish;
• Don’t forget to save your settings by clicking the “Save Changes” button.

By implementing automatic idle user logout, you can enhance the security of your WordPress site, ensuring that logged-in users are automatically logged out after a specified period of inactivity.

Implementing Security Questions for Login

Introducing a security question to your WordPress login screen provides an additional layer of defense, making it even more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access.

To incorporate security questions into your WordPress login process, follow these steps:

• Install the “WP Security Questions” plugin;
• After activation, navigate to the “Settings » Security Questions” page to customize the plugin’s settings according to your preferences.

For comprehensive guidance on setting up security questions for your WordPress login screen, refer to our tutorial on the subject.

By adding security questions to your WordPress login, you can bolster the security of your website, further fortifying it against potential unauthorized access.

Scanning for Malware and Vulnerabilities

While having a WordPress security plugin installed is crucial, these plugins often perform routine checks for malware and signs of security breaches.

However, if you experience a sudden decline in website traffic or search engine rankings, it may be prudent to conduct a manual scan. You can employ your WordPress security plugin for this purpose or choose from a variety of online malware and security scanners available.

The process for running these online scans is typically straightforward: you input your website URLs, and their crawlers systematically examine your website for known malware and malicious code.

It’s important to note that most WordPress security scanners are designed solely for scanning your website and identifying issues. They do not possess the capability to remove malware or clean a hacked WordPress site.

This leads us to the next section: addressing malware and restoring compromised WordPress sites.

Addressing a Compromised WordPress Website

For many WordPress users, the significance of backups and website security becomes evident only when their website falls victim to a hack.

Addressing a hacked WordPress site can be a demanding and time-consuming endeavor. An initial suggestion is to seek the assistance of a professional to manage the situation.

Hackers often implant backdoors within compromised sites, and if these backdoors are not rectified correctly, the risk of future hacks remains substantial.

By entrusting a professional security firm like Sucuri with the task of repairing your website, you not only ensure its immediate safety but also establish a robust defense against potential future attacks.

Bonus Tip: Safeguarding Your Identity and Network Security

For small business owners, safeguarding our digital and financial identities is of paramount importance, as neglecting this aspect can result in substantial losses. Hackers and criminals have the potential to exploit your identity to hijack your website domain, infiltrate your bank accounts, and even engage in criminal activities for which you may be held responsible.

In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received reports of 4.7 million identity theft and credit card fraud incidents, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.

To fortify your defenses, we strongly recommend utilizing an identity theft protection service like Aura (a choice we also employ).

Aura offers comprehensive device and Wi-Fi network protection through its free VPN (virtual private network), ensuring that your internet connection benefits from military-grade encryption, regardless of your location. This is particularly advantageous when traveling or accessing your WordPress admin in public spaces such as coffee shops, as it guarantees a safe and private online working environment.

Their dark web monitoring service employs artificial intelligence to continuously scrutinize the dark web, promptly alerting you if your passwords, social security number, or bank accounts have been compromised. This proactive approach enables you to take swift action and fortify the security of your digital identity.

Conclusion

Safeguarding your WordPress website is an essential endeavor, and this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to fortify its security step by step. By implementing the recommended practices and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches, protecting your valuable content, user data, and online reputation. Remember, WordPress security is an ongoing commitment, and staying up-to-date with the latest security measures is paramount. With the insights from this guide, you’re well-prepared to navigate the dynamic landscape of website security in 2023 and beyond, ensuring the safety and integrity of your digital presence.