How to Secure Your WordPress Website: 15 Best Practices

What is WordPress website security?

WordPress website security means protecting your site from hackers, malware, and data loss. It includes things like updates, strong passwords, secure hosting, and regular backups.

How do you secure a WordPress site?

You can secure your site by:

• Keeping WordPress and plugins updated
• Using strong passwords and two-factor login
• Installing security plugins
• Taking regular backups
• Choosing secure hosting

These steps reduce the most common risks and keep your website safe.

Now, let’s go through the top WordPress security practices you can start using right away.

Why is WordPress Security Important?

WordPress is powerful, but it is also a common target for attacks. The main reason is simple. It powers a large number of websites.

• WordPress runs over 43% of all websites
• Around 90% of hacked CMS sites are WordPress

This does not mean WordPress is unsafe. It means many sites are not properly secured.

What happens if your site gets hacked?

• Your website can go offline
• Your data can be stolen
• Google can block your site
• You may lose traffic and customers

A hacked site affects both your reputation and revenue. In most cases, attacks happen due to simple issues like outdated plugins or weak passwords.

The good part is that these risks can be reduced by following the right security practices.

Top WordPress Security Practices Recommended by a Custom WordPress Development Company

These are easy steps that real WordPress developers for hire use every day. These practices help protect your site from hackers and keep it running smoothly.

1. Always Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated

Think of your website like your phone. If you don’t update the apps, bugs and security holes pile up. Same goes for WordPress.

Over 39% of hacked WordPress sites were using outdated software. Hackers look for those old versions because they know exactly where to strike.

What can you do for your WordPress Website Security?

• Turn on auto-updates for small WordPress updates.
• Check your dashboard often.
• Use a staging site to test big updates safely.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Using “admin123” or your pet name? That’s asking for trouble. Hackers run tools that can guess simple passwords in seconds.

Here’s what works:

• Mix up letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t use the same password on multiple sites.
• Use a password manager (they’re lifesavers).

3. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

You’ve probably used 2FA before, like when you get a text with a code to log in. It adds an extra step, but it’s worth it. Google says 2FA can stop 99.9% of automated attacks.

To set it up:

• Use a plugin like Google Authenticator or Wordfence Login Security.
• Link it to your phone.
• Ask everyone on your team to use it too.

4. Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress lets someone try to log in as many times as they want. That’s a problem. Hackers can just keep guessing until they get in.

Fix this by:

• Setting a limit, like 3 or 5 tries.
• Adding a time-out if someone fails too many times.

5. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider

Not all hosting companies are the same. Some cut corners and don’t protect their site properly.

A good host will give you:

• Daily backups.
• Malware scanning.
• DDoS protection.
• Fast, helpful support.

It’s worth paying a bit more for peace of mind.

6. Install an SSL Certificate

That little padlock in the browser next to your domain? That’s SSL. It means your site is secure and any data is encrypted.

Why SSL Certification matters in website security:

• Builds trust with your visitors.
• Google likes secure sites, so your SEO gets a boost.
• Protects sensitive info.

Many hosts give you SSL for free. If yours doesn’t, it’s still easy and affordable to get.

7. Disable File Editing in WordPress

There’s a built-in WordPress feature that lets you edit theme or plugin code right from the dashboard. Handy? Maybe. Risky? Definitely.

If a hacker gets in, they can use this to do serious damage.

Here’s how to turn it off:

That’s it. One line. Big difference.

8. Back Up Your Website Regularly

Even with great WordPress website security, things can still go wrong. A backup is like a safety net. If something breaks, you just roll it back.

Here’s what to do:

• Use a plugin like BackupBuddy.
• Set up automatic backups — daily or weekly, depending on how often you update.
• Store your backups offsite, like on Dropbox or Google Drive.

9. Keep an Eye on Things (Monitor Your Site)

Think of this like security cameras for your site. It helps you spot anything weird before it becomes a problem.

To monitor your site:

• Use security plugins.
• Check logs for strange activity.
• Stay signed up for alerts from your host and plugin developers.

10. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes

More plugins = more chances for something to go wrong, especially if you’re not using them.

Clean regularly:

• Deactivate and delete anything you’re not using.
• Only keep the ones that are up-to-date and necessary.
• A lean site runs faster and safer.

11. Install Website Security Plugins

• Use plugins like Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security. These plugins provide essential features like malware scanning, firewalls, and login protection, ensuring your WordPress website security.
• Set up notifications for malware alerts, unauthorized login attempts, and any changes on your website. 

12. Change the Default “Admin” Username

• Avoid Using “Admin” as Username: The default “admin” username is easy to hack. Replace it with something unique to ensure your website safety. You can do this either using a “Username Changer” plugin or using PHPMyAdmin.

13. Set Correct File Permissions

Make sure your WordPress files have the right permissions to keep them secure. For example:

• Files should have permissions set to 644.
• Directories should be set to 755.
• wp-config.php should be set to 600 or 440 to protect sensitive information.

These settings are essential so that only authorized users can access or make changes to important files on your site.

14. Harden Your wp-config.php File

• Move wp-config.php: Move your wp-config.php file one directory level above the root folder to avoid unauthorized access through browsers.
• Disable file editing: Add this line to your wp-config.php file:

It will stop anyone from editing theme or plugin files directly from the WordPress dashboard and add an extra layer of security.

15. Protect wp-admin with IP Whitelisting

• Restrict Access: If you only access your WordPress admin panel (wp-admin) from a specific set of IP addresses, restrict access via IP. You can do this via your hosting provider or by using .htaccess rules.

Best WordPress Security Plugins

Using a security plugin makes it easier to protect your website. These tools handle things like malware scanning, login protection, and firewalls.

Here are some trusted options used by many developers:

1. Wordfence Security

One of the most popular security plugins.

It offers:

• Firewall protection
• Malware scanning
• Login security

Best for: Overall website protection

2. Sucuri Security

Known for strong monitoring and cleanup features.

It offers:

• Malware detection
• Security activity audit
• Website firewall (premium)

Best for: Monitoring and site cleanup

3. iThemes Security

Focused on fixing common WordPress security issues.

It offers:

• Brute force protection
• File change detection
• 2FA login security

Best for: Beginners and quick setup

4. All In One WP Security & Firewall

A simple and beginner-friendly plugin.

It offers:

• Login security
• Database protection
• Firewall features

Best for: Basic security needs

Conclusion: Keep Your WordPress Site Safe with the Right Support

Keeping your WordPress site safe can be challenging, but here’s the solution.

Following the approaches below would ensure your website security :

• Using strong passwords
• Turning on two-factor authentication
• Choosing a secure hosting provider
• Limiting login attempts

Another thing is you don’t have to do it all alone. You can seek the assistance of a custom WordPress website development company to help you ensure your website security while maintaining its overall performance.

That’s where Digital4Design comes in. The company offers white label WordPress development services to help businesses build captivating, secure, and fast-loading websites. Their expert developers understand the security concerns, address the weak spots, and build custom features that fit the exact requirements.