WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system, powering over 40% of all websites. However, with great popularity comes great attention from hackers and malicious bots. Fortunately, keeping your WordPress site secure doesn’t require you to be a cybersecurity expert. By following a few essential best practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of being compromised. Here are the top five WordPress security practices every site owner should follow.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes and Plugins Updated
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to WordPress sites is through outdated software. Each update often contains security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Failing to update your WordPress core, themes, or plugins leaves your site open to exploitation.
Make a habit of checking for updates regularly, or better yet, enable automatic updates for minor changes. Just ensure that your themes and plugins are well-supported and regularly maintained by their developers.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Limit Login Attempts
It may sound obvious, but weak passwords are still one of the biggest threats to WordPress security. Always use complex passwords containing a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the default “admin” username—choose something unique instead.
Additionally, limit the number of failed login attempts with a plugin such as Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or Wordfence. This helps prevent brute force attacks where bots try thousands of password combinations until they gain access.
3. Install a Reliable Security Plugin
A good security plugin adds an extra layer of protection to your WordPress site. Options like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri Security can handle everything from malware scanning and login security to firewalls and real-time monitoring.
These plugins are especially valuable for those who aren’t particularly technical, as they provide an all-in-one dashboard for managing site security, alerts, and threat logs.
4. Use HTTPS and Install an SSL Certificate
Google now considers HTTPS a ranking signal, and most browsers label sites without it as “Not Secure”. An SSL certificate encrypts the data transferred between your website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information like login credentials and payment details.
Most reputable hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt, and installing them is typically straightforward. Always ensure your site loads via https:// and set up redirects from HTTP to HTTPS.
5. Regularly Back Up Your Website
No security measure is 100% foolproof, which is why backups are crucial. If something goes wrong—whether due to hacking, plugin conflict, or accidental deletion—you’ll want to restore your site quickly and efficiently.
Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your host’s built-in backup tool to schedule regular automated backups. Store copies off-site (e.g. Dropbox or Google Drive) for extra safety.
Final Thoughts
Securing your WordPress site is not just about installing a plugin or two—it’s about maintaining good habits and staying informed. By following these five essential security practices, you’ll protect your site from the vast majority of common threats. In a digital world where downtime can cost credibility and cash, proactive security is a smart investment.
