How to Secure WordPress Website from Hackers

WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms in the world, powering millions of websites. However, this popularity also makes it a prime target for hackers. Cybercriminals use various methods like brute force attacks, malware injections, and phishing attempts to compromise websites. If your site is not properly secured, you risk losing valuable data, customer trust, and even your business reputation.

Website security is not something to take lightly. A hacked WordPress site can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, or even complete site shutdown. Fortunately, securing your WordPress website does not require advanced technical skills. By following a few best practices and implementing the right security measures, you can protect your site from potential attacks.

In this guide, we’ll explore essential steps to secure your WordPress site. Each section will provide actionable steps, tools, and recommendations to strengthen your website’s defenses. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced WordPress user, this guide will help you build a secure and robust website.

Table of Contents

1. Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated

Why It’s Important:

Outdated WordPress versions, plugins, and themes are one of the biggest security risks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to websites. Cybercriminals continuously scan for websites running outdated versions, looking for security loopholes they can take advantage of. When developers discover security flaws, they release updates to fix them. Failing to install these updates leaves your website exposed to known vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit.

How to Update:

Go to Dashboard > Updates and check for available updates.
Enable auto-updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
Regularly review installed plugins and remove those that are unnecessary or no longer maintained.
Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor for outdated software.
Check for compatibility issues before updating to avoid conflicts that could break your website.

Setting up an update schedule is essential. Aim to check for updates at least once a week and install them as soon as they become available. Also, ensure that all premium plugins and themes are purchased from reputable sources to avoid security risks associated with pirated or nulled versions. Keeping everything updated reduces the chances of hackers exploiting known vulnerabilities, making your website significantly more secure.

2. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords

Why It’s Important:

Hackers use brute-force attacks to guess your login credentials. If you use weak usernames and passwords, your site is an easy target. A strong password significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

Best Practices:

Avoid using “admin” as your username. Many brute-force attacks start by trying the username “admin” with common passwords.
Create a strong password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Use a passphrase instead of a simple password. A passphrase like “Secure@2024MyWebsite!” is harder to crack than a single word.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.
Use a password manager like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password to securely store and retrieve complex passwords.
Change passwords regularly and avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites.

A weak password is like an open door for hackers. If you’re running a multi-user WordPress site, enforce strong password policies for all users. Plugins like Force Strong Passwords can help ensure all users follow security best practices. Also, limit login attempts to prevent automated bots from repeatedly guessing passwords. By taking these steps, you can significantly enhance your WordPress site’s security.

3. Limit Login Attempts

Why It’s Important:

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to WordPress sites is through brute-force attacks. In these attacks, bots try different username and password combinations until they find the correct one. Without any limit on login attempts, hackers have endless opportunities to break in. Limiting login attempts significantly reduces this risk by blocking access after a set number of failed login attempts.

How to Do It:

Use a security plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Wordfence Security, or iThemes Security to limit login attempts.
Configure lockout rules, such as blocking a user for 30 minutes after three failed attempts.
Enable IP blacklisting to block suspicious users permanently if they attempt repeated logins.
Use CAPTCHA protection on your login page to prevent automated bots from making repeated attempts.
Monitor failed login attempts using your security plugin’s logs to detect suspicious activity.
Enable notifications for failed login attempts so you can take immediate action.

By implementing these measures, you prevent bots and hackers from repeatedly trying to break into your WordPress site. If you suspect your site is under attack, consider using Cloudflare or another web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic before it reaches your site. A combination of login attempt limits, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication will make it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Why It’s Important:

Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step. This ensures that only authorized users can log in, even if their credentials are compromised. Many successful attacks occur because users rely solely on passwords, which can be stolen, guessed, or exposed in data breaches.

How to Enable:

Install a 2FA plugin like Google Authenticator – WP 2FA, WP 2FA, or Duo Two-Factor Authentication.
Enable two-factor authentication for all administrator and editor accounts.
Use an authentication app such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator to generate one-time passcodes.
Set up backup authentication methods, such as email-based OTPs or security questions, in case you lose access to your authentication app.
Require 2FA for all users who have access to sensitive areas of your website, such as WooCommerce store managers or contributors.
Regularly review and update 2FA settings to ensure all users follow best security practices.

By implementing two-factor authentication, you add an additional hurdle for attackers. Even if a hacker gains access to your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second verification step. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your WordPress site from unauthorized access and should be a mandatory security measure for all website owners.

5. Use a Secure WordPress Hosting Provider

Why It’s Important:

A reliable hosting provider offers robust security features such as firewalls, malware scanning, and automatic backups, reducing security risks. Poor hosting security can expose your website to vulnerabilities, making it easier for hackers to exploit weaknesses in server configurations or outdated software.

Recommended Secure Hosting Providers:

Kinsta – High-performance hosting with advanced security features.
SiteGround – Offers built-in firewalls, daily backups, and proactive security patches.
WP Engine – Premium WordPress hosting with real-time threat detection.
Cloudways – Secure managed cloud hosting with strong security measures.

Investing in a secure hosting provider ensures that your website is protected at the server level, preventing many common cyber threats before they reach your site. Choosing a provider with 24/7 security monitoring and proactive protection can save you from costly breaches and downtime. Hosting companies that specialize in WordPress often provide features like automatic software updates, DDoS protection, and SSL certificates to ensure enhanced security.

A good host will also have built-in redundancy and disaster recovery options, allowing quick restoration in case of a cyberattack. Opting for a managed hosting provider can also offload many security tasks, letting you focus on running your site without worrying about backend security configurations. Selecting a secure hosting provider is one of the most important steps in building a robust security foundation for your WordPress website.

6. Install a Security Plugin

Why It’s Important:

Security plugins are essential for protecting your WordPress site from cyber threats. They offer multiple layers of security by scanning for malware, blocking hackers, and preventing brute-force attacks. Without a security plugin, your website is more vulnerable to hacking attempts, data breaches, and other malicious activities.

Best Security Plugins:

Wordfence Security – Provides a powerful firewall, malware scanning, and brute-force protection.
Sucuri Security – Offers real-time monitoring, malware removal, and a website firewall.
iThemes Security – Strengthens login security, detects vulnerabilities, and hardens your site.

Security plugins work by continuously monitoring your website for suspicious activity. They send alerts if any potential threats are detected, allowing you to take immediate action. Additionally, these plugins provide options for implementing file integrity monitoring, which notifies you if any core files have been altered. Many security plugins also offer IP blacklisting, helping block access from known malicious users.

💡 Pro Tip: Run a weekly security scan to detect threats early. Keeping your security plugin updated ensures it remains effective against new threats. Set up email alerts to receive notifications of any suspicious activity on your site. This proactive approach allows for immediate action against potential security risks. Consider enabling firewall rules and configuring automatic malware removal to enhance your site’s protection further.

7. Change the Default WordPress Login URL

Why It’s Important:

By default, WordPress uses /wp-admin and /wp-login.php as its login URLs. Hackers and automated bots often target these pages to launch brute-force attacks. Changing the default login URL adds an extra layer of security by making it harder for attackers to locate the login page.

How to Change It:

Use the WPS Hide Login plugin to change your login URL to something unique, such as yourwebsite.com/custom-login.
Avoid using predictable login URLs like /admin-login or /secure-login; make it something unique and hard to guess.
Combine this with Limit Login Attempts to block users who repeatedly fail to enter correct credentials.
If possible, restrict login access by IP address using .htaccess or a security plugin.
Regularly monitor your login page activity for unusual attempts.

By changing the default login URL, you significantly reduce the chances of automated brute-force attacks. This simple yet effective method enhances your WordPress security and helps keep unauthorized users at bay.

8. Enable HTTPS (SSL Certificate)

Why It’s Important:

An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and its visitors, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. Without SSL, hackers can intercept login credentials, payment details, and personal data. Additionally, Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings, meaning SSL is essential for SEO and user trust.

How to Enable SSL:

Obtain a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt through your hosting provider.
If your hosting doesn’t support free SSL, consider purchasing a premium SSL certificate.
Install the Really Simple SSL plugin to enable HTTPS automatically.
Update all internal links to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS using .htaccess or a security plugin.
Regularly check for SSL errors and mixed content warnings to maintain full encryption.

Having HTTPS not only improves security but also builds user confidence. Browsers like Chrome flag non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure,” which can discourage visitors. An SSL certificate ensures data integrity and enhances your site’s reputation. Implementing HTTPS is a simple yet crucial step in securing your WordPress website.

9. Regularly Back Up Your Website

Why It’s Important:

Backups are essential for protecting your website from data loss caused by hacking, malware, accidental deletions, or server failures. If your site is compromised, a recent backup allows you to restore it quickly without losing critical content or functionality. Regular backups ensure that even in worst-case scenarios, your website can be recovered.

Best Backup Solutions:

UpdraftPlus – Automates backups and stores them in cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Jetpack Backup – Offers real-time backups and one-click restoration.
BackupBuddy – Provides scheduled backups and off-site storage options.
BlogVault – Offers incremental backups, reducing server load and ensuring efficient recovery.

Best Practices:

Schedule automatic daily or weekly backups to avoid losing recent updates.
Store backups off-site in cloud storage instead of only on your server.
Keep multiple backup copies in different locations for added security.
Regularly test your backups to ensure they restore correctly when needed.
Use hosting providers that offer built-in backup solutions for added redundancy.

Having a solid backup strategy gives you peace of mind and ensures that your WordPress site remains secure and recoverable, even in the face of unexpected threats.

10. Scan for Malware & Remove It Immediately

Why It’s Important:

Malware can infect your WordPress site, steal sensitive data, redirect visitors to harmful sites, or even deface your website. If left undetected, malware can cause severe damage, including loss of traffic and SEO penalties. Hackers often inject malicious scripts into outdated plugins, themes, or weak security configurations. Regular malware scanning helps identify and remove threats before they can cause harm.

Best Malware Scanners:

MalCare – AI-powered malware scanning and automatic removal.
Sucuri SiteCheck – Free online scanner that detects security issues.
Wordfence Security – Includes real-time malware scanning and firewall protection.
iThemes Security – Monitors and removes suspicious code.
Security Ninja – Runs over 50 security tests to detect vulnerabilities.

Best Practices:

Run weekly or monthly malware scans to detect threats early.
Use a firewall to block malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
Keep your plugins, themes, and WordPress core updated to prevent security loopholes.
If malware is detected, remove it immediately and restore a clean backup.
Set up real-time monitoring to catch security breaches as they happen.

By proactively scanning for malware and acting quickly on detections, you ensure that your WordPress site remains secure and free from cyber threats.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress site is not a one-time task—it requires constant monitoring and proactive measures. By updating WordPress, using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, and installing security plugins, you can significantly reduce hacking risks.

💡 Need help securing your WordPress website? I offer security audits, malware removal, and site protection services. Contact me today to safeguard your website! 🚀