10 Best Security Tips for WordPress Websites

WordPress powers over 40% of websites worldwide, making it a prime target for hackers. If you’re running a WordPress website, securing it should be your top priority. Cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches can lead to revenue loss, reputational damage, and even complete site takedown. Fortunately, with the right security practices, you can protect your site from potential threats.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best security tips for WordPress websites to keep your site safe and running smoothly.

10 Best Security Tips for WordPress Websites

1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated

One of the biggest vulnerabilities of a WordPress website is outdated software. Hackers often exploit security flaws in old versions of WordPress, plugins, and themes.

How to Stay Updated:

• Enable automatic updates for WordPress core.
• Regularly update plugins and themes from trusted sources.
• Remove any unused plugins and themes to minimize security risks.

Using outdated software is like leaving your doors unlocked—so always stay up to date!

2. Use Strong Login Credentials

Weak usernames and passwords are an easy entry point for hackers. Avoid using generic usernames like “admin” and weak passwords like “123456.”

Best Practices for Login Security:

• Use a strong, unique password with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added security layer.
• Change your password periodically to reduce the risk of brute force attacks.

3. Limit Login Attempts

Hackers use brute-force attacks to guess your password. If you allow unlimited login attempts, they have endless opportunities to break in.

How to Restrict Login Attempts:

• Use plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to block excessive failed login attempts.
• Implement a temporary lockout for multiple failed logins.
• Whitelist your IP and block unauthorized access.

4. Install a Security Plugin

A good security plugin can help you monitor, detect, and block suspicious activities on your site.

Top Security Plugins for WordPress:

• Wordfence Security – Offers real-time firewall protection and malware scanning.
• Sucuri Security – Provides website monitoring, malware scanning, and security audits.
• iThemes Security – Strengthens your site’s defense by hiding vulnerabilities.

Security plugins act as a protective shield, blocking potential threats before they reach your site.

5. Use a Secure Hosting Provider

Your hosting provider plays a crucial role in your website’s security. Cheap, shared hosting often lacks advanced security measures.

What to Look for in a Secure Hosting Provider?

• Daily backups and malware scanning.
• Secure file access with SSH and SFTP.
• Strong firewall and DDoS protection.

Consider using managed WordPress hosting providers like Kinsta, WP Engine, or SiteGround for enhanced security.

6. Enable SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and visitors, preventing data theft. It also improves SEO rankings and builds trust with users.

How to Get SSL for Your Site?

• Many hosting providers offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt.
• Install an SSL certificate and configure HTTPS through your WordPress settings.
• Use plugins like Really Simple SSL to enable HTTPS easily.

7. Secure Your wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file contains sensitive information, including database credentials. If compromised, hackers can take full control of your website.

Ways to Secure wp-config.php:

• Move it to a higher-level directory so it’s not directly accessible.
• Restrict access using .htaccess rules:apacheCopyEdit

<files wp-config.php>
    order allow,deny
    deny from all
</files>

• Change database table prefixes to something unique to prevent SQL injection attacks.

8. Regularly Backup Your Website

Even with the best security measures, no site is 100% hack-proof. Regular backups ensure you can restore your site in case of a cyberattack or accidental data loss.

Best Backup Solutions for WordPress:

• UpdraftPlus – Automated cloud backups with easy restoration.
• BlogVault – Offers real-time backups and malware scanning.
• VaultPress (Jetpack Backup) – Provides offsite backups and security monitoring.

Schedule daily or weekly backups and store copies on a secure cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

9. Disable XML-RPC to Prevent DDoS Attacks

WordPress XML-RPC is a common target for brute force and DDoS attacks. If you don’t use it, disable it to prevent unauthorized access.

How to Disable XML-RPC?

• Use a security plugin like Disable XML-RPC to turn it off.
• Add the following code to your .htaccess file:

<Files xmlrpc.php>
    Order Allow,Deny
    Deny from all
</Files>

10. Monitor and Scan for Malware

Regularly scanning your website for malware helps detect hidden threats before they cause damage.

How to Scan Your WordPress Site?

• Use Google Search Console to check for security issues.
• Run a security scan using plugins like MalCare or Wordfence.
• Use Sucuri’s SiteCheck to scan for malware and vulnerabilities.

Preventive scanning keeps your website clean and protected from potential threats.

Conclusion

Securing your WordPress website is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. By following these 10 best security tips for WordPress websites, you can significantly reduce the risk of hacking, malware, and data breaches.

From keeping software updated and using strong passwords to installing security plugins and enabling SSL, every step enhances your site’s defense. Don’t wait until it’s too late—implement these security measures today and keep your WordPress website safe!