WordPress Security Checklist: Avoid Hacks & Keep Your Site Safe

Security should be at the top of your priority list if you own a WordPress website. With WordPress powering over 43% of all websites, hackers see it as an easy target. In fact, every 39 seconds, a website faces a cyberattack, and more than 52% of hacked WordPress sites were running outdated plugins or themes.

Think about it—your WordPress website is your online storefront, your brand, or even your source of income. A single security breach could mean losing customer trust, dropping in search rankings, or even having your entire site wiped out.

The good news?

Most of these attacks happen due to avoidable mistakes.

What This WordPress Security Checklist Will Do for You

This isn’t just another technical guide filled with jargon or complex terms. This ultimate WordPress security checklist is straightforward, practical, and easy to follow—no matter your skill level. By following these steps, you can:

• Protect your site from hackers and malware
• Keep your data and customer information safe
• Avoid costly downtime and Google penalties
• Make your website faster and more reliable

You don’t need to be a security expert to keep your site safe. Just follow this WordPress security checklist, take action, and you’ll be ahead of most website owners when it comes to security.

WordPress Security Checklist for a Secure Website

Here’s a comprehensive WordPress Security Checklist to keep your website safe from threats and vulnerabilities.

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

What happens when you don’t update apps or operating systems on your smartphones? Well, the devices become slow, glitchy, and vulnerable to security threats, right?

The same goes for WordPress!

Outdated software is the #1 reason WordPress sites get hacked. Hackers actively look for WordPress vulnerabilities in old versions of WordPress, plugins, and themes to break into websites. Keeping everything updated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your site from attacks.

Action Steps

• Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases – These usually include security fixes, so it’s best to let them update automatically.
• Regularly check for plugin & theme updates – Some WordPress security plugins release updates weekly, so make it a habit to log in and check for updates at least once a week.
• Remove inactive or abandoned plugins/themes – If a plugin or theme hasn’t been updated by its developer in over a year, it’s a security risk. Delete anything you’re not using to keep your site clean and safe.

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

Would you leave your house unlocked in a busy neighborhood? Probably not. But using weak passwords on your WordPress site is just like leaving the front door wide open for hackers.

Brute-force attacks—where hackers use automated bots to guess your password—happen millions of times a day. If your login credentials are weak, it won’t take long for an attacker to break in. That’s why strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) are essential.

Action Steps

• Use long, complex passwords – A strong password should be at least 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Avoid obvious choices like “admin123” or “password123.”
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Even if a hacker gets your password, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection. Use a plugin like Google Authenticator, Wordfence, or Authy to generate unique login codes.
• Change the default “admin” username – If your username is “admin,” hackers already have half the information they need to log in. Create a unique username to make brute-force attacks more difficult.

3. Set Up a Reliable WordPress Security Plugin

Why It’s Important

Imagine running a business without security cameras, locks, or alarms. Sounds risky, right? Your WordPress website needs the same level of protection. That’s where security plugins come in.

A good security plugin acts as a firewall, blocking malicious traffic before it can harm your site. It also scans for malware, prevents brute-force attacks, and alerts you to security threats in real time. Without one, your site is exposed to hackers, malware, and automated bots trying to break in.

Recommended Plugins for WP Security

• Wordfence – One of the most popular WordPress plugins, offering a real-time firewall, malware scanner, and login security features.
• Sucuri – A cloud-based security service that monitors your website for hacks, removes malware, and offers a strong firewall to keep threats out.
• iThemes Security – Focuses on blocking brute-force attacks, fixing vulnerabilities, and enhancing login security. Great for beginners looking for a simple security setup.

4. Secure Your WordPress Login Page

Your login page is the front door of your website. If it’s unprotected, hackers and bots will keep knocking—sometimes thousands of times a day—trying to guess your password.

The default WordPress login URL (wp-login.php) is well-known, making it an easy target. Hackers use brute-force attacks and bots to guess login credentials and gain unauthorized access. If you don’t take steps to secure your login page, you’re leaving an open invitation for cyber threats.

Action Steps

• Change the login URL – Instead of using the default wp-login.php, change it to something unique using a plugin like WPS Hide Login or LoginPress. This simple step alone can block most automated attacks.
• Limit login attempts – By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts. Install a security plugin (like Wordfence or iThemes Security) to restrict failed logins and automatically block IPs that try too many wrong passwords.
• Disable XML-RPC – XML-RPC is a WordPress feature that allows remote connections but is often exploited for brute-force attacks. You can disable it using a plugin like Disable XML-RPC or by adding this line to your .htaccess file:

  

5. Regularly Backup Your WordPress Site

Nobody wants to wake up to find their website hacked, broken, or completely gone. But how to prevent it?

Simple: Have a backup.

Having a backup ready to restore your site in minutes—no stress, no lost data.

Backups are like an insurance policy for your WordPress website. If anything goes wrong—whether it’s a hack, an update gone wrong, or a server crash—you can restore your site quickly and get back to business. Without backups, you could lose everything.

Best Backup Plugins & Tools

• UpdraftPlus – One of the most popular WordPress backup plugins, allowing you to schedule automatic backups and store them in Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.
• Jetpack Backup – A premium backup solution that creates real-time cloud backups, so every change you make is saved instantly.
• BlogVault – A powerful offsite backup solution that also includes malware scanning and site restoration features.

6. Secure Your Hosting & Server Environment

Your hosting provider plays a major role in your WordPress website’s security. Even if you follow every other security measure, a vulnerable server can still put your site at risk.

A poorly configured hosting environment can lead to hacks, slow performance, and even data loss.

A secure hosting provider ensures that your website is protected from the ground up, reducing the chances of security breaches and downtime.

Action Steps

• Choose a reliable managed WordPress hosting provider – Not all hosting services prioritize security. Kinsta, WP Engine, and SiteGround offer built-in security measures, firewalls, daily backups, and malware monitoring to keep your site protected.
• Use SSL (HTTPS) to encrypt data transmission – An SSL certificate ensures that data transferred between your site and visitors is encrypted. Most reputable wordpress cloud hosting providers offer free SSL certificates—make sure yours is activated.
• Enable firewall & malware scanning at the server level – If your host provides a web application firewall (WAF) and malware scanning, turn it on. If not, services like Cloudflare WAF or Sucuri Firewall can add an extra security layer to your site.

7. Protect Your Database & File Permissions

Your database is the backbone of your WordPress site—it stores everything from posts and pages to user information and settings. Hackers often target databases to steal, modify, or delete critical data.

Similarly, improper file permissions can give attackers access to sensitive files, making it easier for them to inject malware or take control of your site.

Taking a few extra steps to secure your database and file permissions can prevent unauthorized access and protect your WordPress website from major damage.

Action Steps

• Change the default WordPress database prefix – By default, WordPress databases use the prefix wp_, which makes them an easy target for automated attacks. Changing this to something unique (e.g., wpXyZ_) makes it harder for hackers to guess your database tables. You can do this manually in wp-config.php or use a plugin like iThemes Security.
• Disable file editing in the wp-config.php file – WordPress allows admins to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard, but this is a huge security risk if someone gains access to your admin panel. Disable this feature by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:
  define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
• Set correct file permissions – Incorrect file permissions can allow unauthorized users to modify critical files. Set permissions as follows:
  • Folders: 755 (Read & execute for everyone, write only for the owner)
  • Files: 644 (Read for everyone, write only for the owner)

8. Scan for Malware & Security Vulnerabilities

Not all hacks are obvious. Malware can quietly sit on your website for weeks or even months before you realize something is wrong. Some infections redirect visitors, inject spam links, or steal sensitive data—all without showing obvious signs.

Regular malware scans help you catch and remove threats before they cause major damage. Even if your site seems fine, proactive scanning is essential to prevent hidden security risks.

Best Security Scanners

• Sucuri SiteCheck – A free online scanner that quickly checks for known malware, blacklisting, and security issues. Simply enter your site’s URL to get a report.
• Wordfence Security Scan – Scans your website files, WordPress themes, and plugins for malware, backdoors, and vulnerabilities. It also checks if your site has been blacklisted by search engines.
• MalCare – Provides deep malware scanning and an automated malware removal tool, making it a great option for high-risk websites.

9. Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Hackers and bots are constantly scanning the internet for vulnerable websites. WAF acts as a shield, blocking malicious traffic, brute-force attacks, and exploit attempts before they even reach your website.

Without a firewall, your site is open to DDoS attacks, SQL injections, and other automated threats. A WAF filters bad traffic while allowing genuine visitors to browse your site without any disruptions.

Best WordPress Firewalls

• Cloudflare WAF – Offers DDoS protection, bot filtering, and prevention against SQL injection attacks. Their free plan includes basic security, while premium plans provide advanced protection.
• Sucuri Firewall – A cloud-based firewall that blocks hacks, brute-force attempts, and malware injections in real time. It also improves website performance by reducing unnecessary traffic load.

Enabling a WAF is one of the best ways to stop attacks before they happen. Instead of reacting to security threats, you’ll be proactively blocking them at the entry point, keeping your website safe 24/7.

10. Monitor & Audit User Activity

If someone gained unauthorized access to your WordPress dashboard, how would you know? Unauthorized admin actions, unexpected WordPress logins, or changes in settings can be signs of a compromised account.

Keeping track of user activity helps you detect suspicious behavior early and take action before real damage is done. This is especially crucial for websites with multiple users, such as business sites, eCommerce stores, or membership platforms.

Action Steps

• Install a user activity log plugin – WordPress Plugins like WP Activity Log track all important actions, including logins, plugin installations, content edits, and user role changes.
• Review login attempts and lock suspicious users – Use plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to track failed logins and automatically block users with too many failed attempts.
• Limit user roles to only necessary permissions – Not every team member needs full admin access. Assign roles carefully:
  • Administrator – Full control (limit to trusted users only).
  • Editor – Can manage content but can’t install plugins or change settings.
  • Author/Contributor – Can write and edit their own posts but nothing else.

Best WordPress Security Plugins to Safeguard Your Website

Sometimes, even with the best precautions, vulnerabilities can still arise. A comprehensive WordPress security checklist like the above will only be useful to an extent.

What to do then?

That’s when you need security plugins.

These WordPress plugins act as automated security guards, handling firewall protection, malware scanning, brute-force attack prevention, and real-time monitoring—so you don’t have to do it all manually.

If you are serious about WP security, installing a trusted plugin is a must. Here are some of the best options to keep your site safe:

1. Wordfence Security

A Comprehensive Security Solution for WordPress

Wordfence is one of the most popular and trusted WordPress security plugins, with over 4 million active installations. It provides enterprise-level protection with a powerful firewall, malware scanner, and real-time security monitoring.

Compared to other WordPress plugins for security, Wordfence operates at the endpoint level, meaning it runs directly on your server rather than relying on cloud-based security, giving you more control and better visibility into threats.

Key Features & Benefits

Powerful Web Application Firewall (WAF)

• Wordfence comes with a built-in firewall that blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
• It filters out bad bots, malicious IP addresses, and hacking attempts in real-time.
• It also protects against common threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and brute-force attacks.

Real-Time Malware Scanner

• The plugin continuously scans core WordPress files, themes, and plugins for malware, vulnerabilities, and suspicious code.
• If Wordfence detects malicious files or unauthorized changes, it alerts you immediately.
• It also compares your site’s files to the official WordPress repository to detect any discrepancies.

Login Security Enhancements

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step during login, making it significantly harder for hackers to break in.
• Login Attempt Limits: Restricts the number of failed login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks, where hackers try thousands of password combinations to gain access.
• IP Blocking: Allows you to manually or automatically block IP addresses that show signs of suspicious activity.

Additional Features

• Live Traffic Monitoring: See real-time data on who’s visiting your site and detect any suspicious activity.
• Country Blocking: Restrict access from specific countries known for high levels of cyberattacks.
• Security Email Alerts: Get instant notifications if Wordfence detects threats, vulnerabilities, or login attempts from unknown sources.

2. Sucuri Security

A Cloud-Based Firewall & Malware Protection Solution

A leading WordPress security plugin, Sucuri offers a cloud-based firewall, malware protection, and real-time security monitoring. Designed for website owners who want top-tier security with minimal manual intervention, it acts as a protective shield between your website and potential threats, stopping cyberattacks before they reach your server.

3. iThemes Security

Strengthening WordPress protection from the inside out

iThemes Security is a powerful yet user-friendly security plugin designed to fortify your WordPress site against hackers, brute-force attacks, and database vulnerabilities.

With over 1 million active installations, it offers a comprehensive set of tools to safeguard your website’s core files, login system, and database—all without requiring deep technical expertise.

Key Features & Benefits

Brute-Force Attack Protection

• Limits failed login attempts, blocking users who enter incorrect passwords multiple times.
• Protects against automated bots that attempt to guess passwords using brute-force techniques.
• Temporarily locks out users with suspicious login behavior to prevent unauthorized access.

Database Security Enhancements

• Changes the default WordPress database prefix (wp_) to something unique, making it harder for hackers to target your site’s database.
• Regularly scans for vulnerabilities, outdated software, and weak points in your site’s database.
• Helps prevent SQL injection attacks, where hackers attempt to manipulate your database to steal or modify sensitive data.

File Change & Admin Access Monitoring

• Detects unauthorized file modifications that could indicate a malware infection.
• Sends real-time alerts if a new WP admin is created or settings are changed without authorization.
• Allows you to temporarily disable admin access during high-risk periods, preventing unauthorized logins.

Additional Features

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adds an extra security layer by requiring a second login verification step.
• Scheduled Malware Scans – Automates regular security checks to detect hidden threats before they cause damage.
• Security Logs & Reports – Provides a detailed activity log, allowing you to monitor all security-related actions on your site.

4. All-In-One WP Security & Firewall

A Beginner-Friendly Yet Powerful Security Plugin

An excellent choice for beginners, All-In-One WP Security & Firewall helps secure WordPress sites without complex configurations. It provides essential security features like firewall protection, database security, and login security enhancements—all within a simple, easy-to-use interface.

In addition to essential security features, it includes a built-in security grading system that helps users assess their site’s security level and take necessary action.

Key Features & Benefits

Beginner-Friendly Security Dashboard

• Offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to enable and configure security features.
• Provides step-by-step recommendations to strengthen your WordPress security.
• No need for technical knowledge—ideal for bloggers, small business owners, and beginners.

Firewall Protection

• Includes a basic firewall that helps block malicious traffic, bad bots, and hackers before they reach your website.
• Can be configured in three levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced), depending on how much protection you need.
• Helps prevent cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other common security threats.

Database Security & Login Protection

• Allows you to change the default WordPress database prefix (wp_) to make your database harder to target.
• Prevents brute-force attacks by limiting failed login attempts and blocking suspicious IPs.
• Enhances login security with features like CAPTCHA on the login page and user account monitoring.

Security Grading System

• Provides a visual security score, showing how well-protected your site is.
• Suggests specific actions to improve security based on your current setup.
• Helps users prioritize the most important security measures to implement first.

Additional Features

• File Integrity Checking – Detects file changes that may indicate a malware infection.
• User Account Monitoring – Alerts you if an admin account is created or modified without permission.
• Blacklist Functionality – Allows you to manually block specific IP addresses known for suspicious activity.

5. MalCare

Advanced Malware Protection Without Slowing Down Your Site

A powerful WordPress security plugin, MalCare is designed for deep malware scanning, instant removal, and proactive security. It performs all security scans offsite, preventing any impact on your website’s performance—a key advantage over plugins that run scans on your server.

If you are looking for a lightweight yet highly effective malware protection solution, MalCare is an excellent choice—especially for performance-focused websites, online stores, and high-traffic sites.

Key Features & Benefits

Advanced Malware Scanning & One-Click Removal

• Uses an AI-powered deep scanning system to detect even the most sophisticated malware.
• Scans beyond just WordPress files—including database entries and hidden malware that traditional scanners often miss.
• If malware is detected, you can remove it instantly with a single click, no technical expertise required.

Performance-Friendly Security Solution

• Unlike many plugins that scan your site in real time (slowing it down), MalCare scans everything on its own external servers.
• This offsite scanning method ensures your website remains fast while still being protected.

Web Application Firewall (WAF) & Login Protection

• Blocks malicious traffic, brute-force attacks, and suspicious login attempts before they reach your site.
• Includes IP blocking to prevent repeated login failures from known hacker bots.
• Automatically monitors threats and adapts to new security risks.

Offsite Backups for Extra Protection

• Offers secure cloud-based backups that keep your data safe, even if your site is compromised.
• Provides daily automatic backups with one-click restore functionality.
• Ensures that you always have a clean version of your website available in case of an emergency.

Additional Features

• Team Collaboration – Ideal for agencies and teams, allowing multiple users to access security logs and manage site protection.
• Centralized Security Dashboard – Lets you monitor multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard.
• Brute-Force Protection – Blocks IPs that attempt multiple failed logins and protects against credential stuffing attacks.

How WordPress Security Affects SEO & Website Performance

You know something– WordPress security isn’t just about protecting your site from hackers—it also directly impacts your SEO and website performance.

Yes, you read it right.

A hacked or vulnerable website can lose search engine rankings, experience a drop in traffic, and even be blacklisted by Google.

Search engines like Google prioritize safe, fast, and reliable websites in their rankings. If your site has malware, slow loading times, or security vulnerabilities, it could struggle to maintain visibility in search results.

In this section, we will explore how security issues affect SEO and user experience, and what you can do to keep your site safe while maintaining strong search rankings.

1. How Malware and Blacklisting Affect SEO

If Google detects malware or harmful content on your website, it flags your site as unsafe and may display a “This site may be hacked” or “This site may harm your computer” warning in search results.

When users see these warnings, they avoid clicking your site, leading to a drop in organic traffic and high bounce rates.

Google may completely remove hacked websites from its index until the security issues are resolved.

2. Why Google Penalizes Hacked Websites

Google aims to provide the best and safest experience for users. If a website is compromised, it can:

• Serve spam or malicious content to visitors.
• Redirect users to phishing sites without their knowledge.
• Become part of a botnet used to spread malware.

As a result, Google penalizes or de-indexes hacked websites to protect users from security threats. Even after fixing the issue, it can take weeks to regain rankings—causing a significant loss of traffic and potential revenue.

3. How Slow-Loading, Insecure Sites Hurt User Experience

WordPress security issues don’t just affect SEO—they can also slow down your website, making visitors leave before even engaging with your content.

• Malware infections often inject unnecessary scripts and redirects, causing slow page loads.
• Unoptimized security plugins can add extra server load, reducing site speed.
• DDoS attacks and brute-force login attempts can overload your server, making your site temporarily or permanently unavailable.

Page speed is a ranking factor, so if your site is slow, Google will push it lower in search results.

4. Tips to Keep Your Site Secure and SEO-Friendly

A secure website isn’t just about protecting data—it’s also about ensuring a smooth, trustworthy experience for visitors. Here’s how to keep your site safe, fast, and SEO-friendly:

• Enable SSL (HTTPS) – Google favors secure websites and ranks them higher.
• Use a plugin – Automate malware scans, firewall protection, and brute-force attack prevention.
• Regularly update WordPress – An outdated WordPress version, theme, or plugin is a security risk.
• Set up Google Search Console – Get notified immediately if Google detects security threats on your site.
• Monitor uptime and speed – Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom to track performance.

WordPress security and SEO go hand in hand. If your website isn’t secure, it won’t just put your data at risk—it can hurt your rankings, slow down performance, and drive visitors away.

By following strong security practices, you are not just protecting your site—you are also ensuring a better user experience, stronger search rankings, and long-term WordPress website success.

Conclusion

Securing your WordPress site isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Cyber threats are always evolving, and the best way to stay ahead is by building strong security habits into your website management routine.

Consider security as part of your WordPress website’s foundation—just like SEO, performance optimization, and great content. You don’t just optimize your site once; you continuously update, monitor, and improve it. Security should be treated the same way.