How to Secure Your WordPress Site from Hackers [Security Tips]

Did you know that WordPress sites face over 90,000 attacks every minute? As the world’s most popular content management system, powering more than 40% of all websites, WordPress has become a top target for cybercriminals. Hackers continuously search for vulnerabilities to exploit, aiming to steal sensitive information, spread malware, or even take control of entire websites.

Securing a WordPress site is about much more than just protecting your content; it’s crucial for maintaining site functionality, safeguarding user data, and preserving your online reputation. The consequences of a security breach can be severe, including data theft, website downtime, and search engine penalties that can devastate your organic traffic.

With 73.2% of popular WordPress installations found to have known security vulnerabilities, adopting strong security measures is essential to stay ahead of potential threats and keep your site safe for visitors.
In this blog post, we will delve into best practices on how to keep your WordPress site safe and secure.

10 Tips to Keep Your WordPress Website Secure

Let’s take a look at the essential tips to protect your WordPress site from hackers and keep it safe, secure, and fully operational for your visitors and customers.

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Why Updates Are Essential

Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your website. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, bug fixes, and performance improvements. When your site is not updated, it is essentially leaving the door open for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.

Actionable Tips

• Enable Automatic Updates: To reduce the risk of running outdated software, enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases and security updates. You can do this from the WordPress dashboard or by adding a line of code to your wp-config.php file.
• Use Tools Like “Easy Updates Manager”: This plugin allows you to manage all updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins, giving you granular control over what gets updated and when.
• Set Up Update Notifications: If you prefer manual updates, set up email notifications to alert you whenever an update is available for your WordPress site.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Password Security Facts

Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your WordPress site, but they can also be a significant security risk if not properly managed. In fact, 81% of data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords, highlighting the importance of using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts associated with your website.
A strong password typically includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making it difficult for hackers to guess or crack. Using unique passwords for each user account can also minimize the potential damage if one account becomes compromised.

How 2FA Reduces the Risk of Account Compromise

Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to access your site even if they manage to steal a password. With 2FA enabled, users must provide a second form of verification—usually a code sent to a mobile device—when logging in. This can block up to 99.9% of automated attacks, according to Microsoft.

2FA is particularly effective against automated brute-force attacks, where hackers use software to guess passwords repeatedly until they gain access. By requiring an additional verification step, you make it nearly impossible for these automated tools to succeed.

Practical Recommendations

• Use 2FA Plugins: Implement 2FA on your WordPress site using plugins like Wordfence or Google Authenticator. These plugins are easy to configure and support various forms of two-factor authentication, such as time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), SMS verification, or push notifications.
• Set Password Policies: Enforce strong password requirements for all users by using plugins like Password Policy Manager for WordPress. This plugin allows you to set rules regarding password length, complexity, and expiration.
• Limit Login Attempts: In addition to using strong passwords and 2FA, limit the number of login attempts from a single IP address to protect against brute-force attacks. You can achieve this by using plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.

3. Install a Security Plugin

Benefits of a Security Plugin

A WordPress security plugin acts as a protective shield for your WordPress site, providing various features that significantly enhance its security posture. These plugins help to safeguard your site by offering:

• Malware Scanning: Automatically scans your site for malicious code, viruses, and malware, and alerts you if any issues are detected.
• Firewall Protection: Blocks malicious traffic and prevents known threats from accessing your site by acting as a barrier between your website and potential attackers.
• Login Monitoring: Tracks login attempts and flags suspicious activities, such as repeated failed login attempts or logins from unusual locations, helping you detect potential brute-force attacks.
• File Change Detection: Alerts you if any core files have been altered, which can be a sign of a hack or unauthorized access.

These features not only help protect your site from common threats but also provide insights into potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

Top Security Plugins to Consider

Here are some popular WordPress security plugins that can help you protect your site:

1. Wordfence
   • Features: Provides a comprehensive security solution, including a firewall, malware scanner, and login security. It also offers real-time monitoring of traffic and login attempts.
   • Unique Benefit: Wordfence has an extensive threat intelligence database that helps to identify new and emerging threats.
2. Sucuri
   • Features: Offers malware detection, website firewall, and blacklist monitoring. Sucuri also provides a website integrity monitoring system to detect any changes in your core files.
   • Unique Benefit: Sucuri is well-regarded for its website firewall service, which blocks attacks before they even reach your server, providing an extra layer of protection.
3. iThemes Security
   • Features: Includes two-factor authentication, brute-force protection, file change detection, and database backups. It allows you to set up a strong password policy for all users.
   • Unique Benefit: iThemes Security’s “Security Dashboard” feature gives you a clear overview of your site’s security status, including potential vulnerabilities and recent activity.

Additional Tips for Using Security Plugins

• Regularly Review Security Logs: Even with a security plugin installed, it’s important to review security logs for any unusual activity or repeated failed login attempts.
• Configure Plugin Settings Properly: Take the time to adjust the plugin’s settings to match your specific security needs, such as setting up alerts for file changes or enforcing strong password requirements.

4. Limit Login Attempts and Monitor Login Activity

How Brute-Force Attacks Work

A brute-force attack is a hacking method that involves systematically trying various combinations of usernames and passwords until the correct one is found. Since WordPress sites are frequently targeted by attackers, these automated scripts can rapidly attempt thousands—or even millions—of login combinations. If successful, the hacker gains unauthorized access to the website, which can lead to data theft, content modification, or a complete takeover of the site.

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which makes brute-force attacks more feasible. Limiting the number of login attempts is a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access.

How to Limit Login Attempts

To defend against brute-force attacks, limiting login attempts and monitoring login activity are effective strategies. Here’s how you can do it:

• Use a Plugin to Limit Login Attempts
  “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” is a popular plugin that restricts the number of login attempts from a single IP address. Once the limit is reached, the IP is temporarily blocked, preventing further login attempts for a specified period. This deters brute-force attackers by slowing them down or even locking them out entirely.Configure the plugin to set a reasonable limit (e.g., 3-5 attempts) and specify the duration for the temporary lockout. You can also set up notifications to alert you when a user is locked out after repeated failed login attempts.
• Monitor Login Activity
  Use plugins like “WP Activity Log” to keep track of login activities, including failed attempts, logins from unusual locations, or sudden changes in login frequency. This helps detect suspicious behavior early and allows you to take immediate action.Regularly review your login logs for signs of brute-force attempts, such as multiple failed login attempts in a short period from the same IP address.
• Implement a CAPTCHA or Security Question
  Adding a CAPTCHA or a security question to the login page can further deter automated brute-force scripts by introducing a challenge that requires human interaction.

By limiting login attempts and actively monitoring login activity, you significantly reduce the risk of brute-force attacks compromising your WordPress site, making it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.

5. Change the Default Login URL

Why the Default URL is a Security Risk

By default, WordPress uses predictable login URLs like /wp-admin or /wp-login.php, which makes it easier for hackers to find the login page and launch brute-force attacks. Since the majority of WordPress sites have not customized these URLs, attackers often target these known entry points to try different username and password combinations.

Changing the default login URL is an effective way to add an extra layer of security by making it harder for attackers to locate the login page. If they can’t find the login form, they can’t attempt to access your site through brute-force attacks or other automated tools.

How to Change the Login URL

Changing your login URL is simple with the help of plugins, and it can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful brute-force attack. Here’s how you can do it:

• Use a Plugin to Change the Login URL
  “WPS Hide Login” is a popular and user-friendly plugin that allows you to customize the login URL of your WordPress site. It does not change core files or rename the login page physically; it simply intercepts page requests, making the login form accessible only through a URL you set.After installing and activating the plugin, you can set a custom login URL (e.g., /mynewlogin), which only you and trusted users will know. The default /wp-admin and /wp-login.php URLs will then return a 404 error, making it harder for attackers to find the login page.
• Combine with Other Security Measures
  Along with changing the login URL, consider using CAPTCHA or two-factor authentication (2FA) on the login page for additional protection.Regularly update your login URL or use a random string of characters for added obscurity.

6. Regular Backups

The Importance of Backups for Recovery

Regular backups are a critical aspect of WordPress security and maintenance. They serve as a safety net that can restore your site to a previous state in the event of a cyberattack, hardware failure, or accidental data loss. In the unfortunate event that your site is compromised, a recent backup ensures that you can quickly recover lost content, restore functionality, and minimize downtime.

Without an effective backup strategy, recovering from a serious security incident can be extremely challenging and time-consuming. Backups not only protect your website data but also help avoid the potentially high costs associated with site restoration and lost revenue.

Recommended Backup Plugins

Several WordPress backup plugins can automate the backup process, making it easy to create and manage backups without any technical knowledge. Here are some top recommendations:

1. UpdraftPlus
   • Features: UpdraftPlus is one of the most popular backup plugins, offering both manual and automatic backup options. It allows you to schedule backups and store them in various remote locations, including cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3.
   • Best Use Case: Ideal for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and advanced users who need flexible storage options.
2. BackupBuddy
   • Features: BackupBuddy is a premium plugin that not only creates backups but also includes features for site migration and restoration. It allows you to schedule backups, store them offsite, and even set up email notifications for backup completion.
   • Best Use Case: Suitable for users who need a comprehensive backup solution with additional features like database optimization and malware scanning.

7. Secure the wp-config.php File

What is wp-config.php and Why It’s Critical

The wp-config.php file is one of the most important files in a WordPress installation because it contains crucial configuration settings for your website, including database connection details, authentication keys, and other sensitive information. Essentially, it acts as a bridge between your WordPress site and its database, making it a prime target for hackers.

If an attacker gains access to your wp-config.php file, they can potentially exploit the information to compromise your entire website. Therefore, securing this file is a key step in safeguarding your WordPress site from unauthorized access and data breaches.

Practical Tips for Securing wp-config.php

Here are some effective strategies to protect your wp-config.php file:

1. Move the wp-config.php File Outside the Web Root Directory
   By default, wp-config.php is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation (e.g., /public_html/wp-config.php). You can enhance security by moving it outside the web root directory. For example, if your WordPress files are located in /public_html/, you can move the wp-config.php file to the directory above, such as /home/username/wp-config.php.WordPress will automatically look for the wp-config.php file in the parent directory, so this change won’t disrupt your site’s functionality. Moving the file makes it harder for attackers to access it directly, even if they gain some level of access to your server.
2. Restrict Access Permissions
   Setting proper file permissions is crucial for securing wp-config.php. Change the file permissions to 440 or 400, which will restrict read and write access. This setting ensures that only the server can read the file, while preventing unauthorized users from accessing or modifying it.You can modify the file permissions using an FTP client or through the hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel or Plesk).
3. Deny Access via .htaccess
   For an extra layer of protection, you can prevent direct access to wp-config.php by adding a few lines of code to your .htaccess file:This code instructs the server to deny all requests to access wp-config.php, ensuring that the file remains secure even if an attacker attempts to reach it through a web browser.

Add Extra Authentication Keys and Salts

Update the authentication keys and salts in wp-config.php to enhance the security of your cookies and login sessions. You can generate new keys from the WordPress.org secret-key service.

8. Disable XML-RPC

What is XML-RPC and Why It’s a Security Risk

XML-RPC is a feature in WordPress that allows remote communication with your website, enabling functionalities like mobile app connectivity, trackbacks, and certain plugins. However, this feature also presents significant security risks, as it can be exploited by hackers to launch various attacks, including:

• Brute-force attacks: XML-RPC allows multiple login attempts in a single request, making it an attractive target for brute-force attacks. Hackers can use this method to try hundreds of username and password combinations in a short period, increasing the likelihood of gaining unauthorized access.
• DDoS amplification attacks: XML-RPC can be used to send pingbacks to multiple websites, effectively amplifying the traffic and overwhelming the server, leading to a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
• Exploiting other vulnerabilities: Some specific XML-RPC functions can be used to exploit existing vulnerabilities within the site or its plugins.

Stats on XML-RPC Exploits

XML-RPC is associated with a significant portion of WordPress-related vulnerabilities. In fact, over 27% of WordPress vulnerabilities involve XML-RPC functionality, making it a well-known target for attackers. Disabling this feature is a proactive step towards reducing your website’s attack surface.

How to Disable XML-RPC

Here are some methods to disable XML-RPC on your WordPress site:

1. Use a Plugin to Disable XML-RPC
   The easiest way to disable XML-RPC is by using a dedicated plugin like “Disable XML-RPC” or “XML-RPC-Disable.” These plugins effectively disable the functionality without requiring any code modifications.Another option is using a comprehensive security plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security, which includes an option to disable XML-RPC as part of their settings.
2. Manually Disable XML-RPC via functions.php
   You can manually disable XML-RPC by adding the following code snippet to your theme’s functions.php file:add_filter(‘xmlrpc_enabled’, ‘__return_false’);This code ensures that all XML-RPC requests to your site will be denied, effectively disabling the feature.
3. Block Access via .htaccess
   For an additional layer of security, you can block access to the xmlrpc.php file through your .htaccess file by adding the following code:
   
   This approach prevents any requests to the xmlrpc.php file from being processed by the server.
4. Partially Disable XML-RPC
   If you need to keep some XML-RPC functionality active (e.g., for certain plugins or apps), you can use plugins like “Stop XML-RPC Attack” to limit access to specific features while still securing the site.

9. Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates

Why HTTPS is Important for Security

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, which is used for transferring data between your browser and a website. When a site uses HTTPS, the data transmitted is encrypted, reducing the risk of sensitive information (such as login credentials, personal details, or payment information) being intercepted by attackers during transmission. This encryption helps protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker can eavesdrop on communication between the user and the website.

Using HTTPS is essential not only for protecting user data but also for safeguarding your WordPress site’s overall security, as encrypted communication significantly reduces potential vulnerabilities.

The Role of SSL Certificates in SEO and User Trust

An SSL certificate is required to enable HTTPS on a website. It authenticates the identity of the website and encrypts data in transit. Implementing an SSL certificate is important for several reasons:

• SEO Benefits: Google considers HTTPS as a ranking signal, meaning that websites with SSL certificates may receive a slight boost in search engine rankings compared to non-secure sites.
• User Trust: Security-conscious users are more likely to trust and interact with a site that uses HTTPS. In fact, 85% of online shoppers avoid unsecure websites, making it critical for any business handling transactions or sensitive user data.
• Browser Warnings: Modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, flag websites without HTTPS as “Not Secure.” This can deter visitors from interacting with your site, potentially leading to a loss of traffic and conversions.

How to Implement SSL on a WordPress Site

Here are some steps to secure your WordPress site with an SSL certificate:

1. Obtain an SSL Certificate
   Free SSL Providers: You can get a free SSL certificate from providers like “Let’s Encrypt,” which is a widely trusted, open-source certificate authority. Many hosting providers offer integration with Let’s Encrypt, making it easy to enable HTTPS for your site.Paid SSL Certificates: For eCommerce websites or those that require additional levels of validation, consider purchasing a premium SSL certificate, which often includes extra features like warranty coverage and extended validation.
2. Configure the SSL Certificate on Your Hosting ServerOnce you’ve obtained an SSL certificate, follow your web hosting provider’s instructions to install it. Many hosts provide easy-to-use tools in their control panels (e.g., cPanel or Plesk) to manage SSL certificates.
3. Use a Plugin to Force HTTPSAfter setting up the SSL certificate, ensure that all traffic is redirected to the secure version of your site. The “Really Simple SSL” plugin is an excellent choice for automatically configuring your WordPress site to use HTTPS. It updates your site URL, rewrites all HTTP links to HTTPS, and ensures that visitors are redirected to the secure version of your website.Another option is editing the .htaccess file to add a manual redirect to HTTPS.
4. Update Internal Links and ResourcesEven with a plugin like “Really Simple SSL,” it’s a good idea to manually check and update any hard-coded URLs in your content, themes, or plugins that still use HTTP. This ensures all assets load securely, avoiding mixed content warnings.
5. Verify SSL and Monitor for IssuesAfter implementing HTTPS, test your site using tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to ensure your SSL certificate is properly installed and configured. Regularly monitor your site for any potential SSL-related issues.

10. Monitor Your Site for Malware

The Importance of Regular Malware Scans

Monitoring your WordPress site for malware is crucial for maintaining its security and functionality. Malware can infiltrate your site in various ways, such as through vulnerable plugins, outdated software, or phishing attacks. If malware goes undetected, it can cause serious damage, including defacing your site, stealing sensitive data, or even infecting your visitors’ devices.

Regular malware scans help with early detection, allowing you to identify and resolve issues before they escalate. This proactive approach can prevent long-term damage, maintain your site’s performance, and avoid getting your site blacklisted by search engines, which can result in a significant loss of traffic and revenue.

Top Malware Scanning Tools

To protect your WordPress site, use reliable malware scanning tools that can detect threats and help you take action. Here are some of the best options:

1. Sucuri SiteCheckFeatures: Sucuri SiteCheck is a powerful tool that scans your site for malware, spam, and potential security issues. It also checks if your website has been blacklisted by popular search engines.Unique Benefit: The plugin offers a server-side scanning option, which is more comprehensive than typical front-end scans, detecting malware in files, databases, and server configurations.Additional Features: Sucuri also provides firewall services and offers help with malware removal if your site is compromised.
2. MalCareFeatures: MalCare is a comprehensive security plugin that provides deep scanning for malware without overloading your server. It uses intelligent algorithms to detect even the most complex malware.Unique Benefit: MalCare includes a one-click malware removal feature, making it easy to clean your site if a threat is detected.Additional Features: It also provides firewall protection, login protection, and backup options, making it a complete security solution.
3. WordfenceFeatures: Wordfence offers malware scanning, firewall protection, and login monitoring. Its malware scanner checks core files, themes, and plugins for known vulnerabilities and malware signatures.Unique Benefit: Wordfence provides a real-time threat defense feed, which keeps the plugin updated with the latest threat information.

Best Practices for Malware Monitoring

• Schedule Regular Scans: Set up automated scans on a daily or weekly basis, depending on your site’s activity. Frequent scans help in catching any new malware early.
• Monitor Security Logs: Use plugins that provide security activity logs to monitor changes in your site’s files or settings, which could indicate a malware infection.
• Set Up Alerts: Configure alerts to notify you immediately if malware is detected or if there is suspicious activity on your site.
• Use Multiple Tools for Verification: Sometimes, using more than one scanning tool can help identify threats that a single tool may miss.

Conclusion

Implementing robust security measures is crucial for protecting your WordPress site from potential threats. The steps outlined in this guide provide a solid foundation for securing your site, but action is the key to making your efforts effective. Don’t wait until an attack happens—start securing your site today to safeguard your content, maintain your site’s performance, and protect your visitors.

Take a few minutes to review the tips shared here and begin implementing them one by one. Small changes, like enabling two-factor authentication or setting up a security plugin, can make a significant difference in protecting your site against hackers and other cyber threats.