12 WordPress Security Best Practices to Consider in 2024

Looking for WordPress security best practices to keep your website secure? You’ve landed on the right page!

WordPress powers over 43% of websites worldwide, making it the top choice for a content management system (CMS). However, its popularity also attracts the attention of cybercriminals, who frequently target WordPress websites by taking advantage of security loopholes.

This doesn’t imply that WordPress lacks security; breaches often occur due to insufficient security practices on the user’s end. To protect your site, you must implement proactive security measures and reduce the risk of your website becoming a hacker target.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the main reasons why WordPress sites get hacked and outline 12 key WordPress security best practices that you can implement right away.

Ready? Let’s get started! 

Why Do WordPress Sites Get Hacked?

Knowing the reasons behind WordPress site hacking helps you to understand the importance of security measures. Hackers often target websites to take advantage of them in a number of ways, such as;

• Using the resources on your website to send spam emails.
• Theft of private information, such as mailing lists, user profiles, and payment information.
• Embedding malware on your site visitors’ devices.

While a security breach might seem like a direct attack on your site, it’s often part of a larger effort, such as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that aims to compromise several websites or entire servers at once.

Although no website is completely immune to attacks, you can significantly reduce your site’s susceptibility to these threats by following the key WordPress security practices given below.

List of 12 WordPress Security Best Practices You Should Follow

There is no particular order; you can start from anywhere. However, we’ve prioritized what we consider to be the most crucial aspect of securing your WordPress site to help you start strong.

#1: Keep the WordPress Core Up-to-date

One of the simplest methods to improve the security of your website is to keep your WordPress core updated. WordPress frequently releases updates to improve performance and security,  helping protect your site against potential threats.

However, around 63.4% of WordPress sites still run outdated versions, which makes them more susceptible to attacks.

To ensure you’re using the latest version, log into your WordPress dashboard, select Dashboard → Updates from the menu, and look for any available updates to ensure you’re using the most recent version.

To reduce security risks, we recommend you update your version by clicking “Check again” immediately if it’s outdated.

#2: Use Strong Login Credentials for WP-Admin

Using weak usernames like “admin” or “test” makes your site an easy target for a WordPress brute-force attack. Hackers often use these common usernames and weak passwords to break into WordPress sites.

To protect your site, choose a unique, complex username and a strong password. Here’s how you can create a new administrator account with a secure username:

• In your WordPress dashboard, go to Users → Add New User.
• Set up a new user with the Administrator role, add a password, and click Add New User.

When creating a password, include a mix of numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters. Aim for at least 12 characters, as longer passwords are significantly harder to crack.

#3: Avoid Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins

Nulled WordPress themes and plugins are unauthorized premium versions that may look appealing due to their low cost, but they come with serious security risks.

Hackers frequently modify these themes to include malicious code, such as malware or spam links, which can compromise your site and open doors for additional attacks.

Using nulled themes also means forfeiting developer support, which leaves you to handle any issues on your own.

To ensure security, choose themes from the official WordPress repository or reliable sources like ThemeForest and Envato, where you can find safe and well-supported premium themes.

#4: Activate SSL Certificate for Your Site

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the data transferred between your website and your users and makes it much harder for hackers to intercept sensitive information.

When SSL is enabled, your site URL changes from HTTP to HTTPS, and a padlock icon appears beside your URL in the browser, which indicates a secure connection.

SSL certificates are usually issued by trusted certificate authorities and the prices can vary. However, to make security more accessible, organizations like Let’s Encrypt offer free SSL certificates, with support from companies like Google Chrome, Facebook, and Mozilla.

Today, many web hosts provide SSL certificates at no extra cost, making it easier than ever to secure your WordPress site.

#5: Set Up 2FA for WordPress Login Page

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to strengthen your WordPress login security. 2FA adds a temporary second password that refreshes approximately every 30 to 60 seconds, which is accessible only to you through a text message or an authentication app.

To set up 2FA on your WordPress site, install a security plugin like All In One Login, which simplifies the process and protects your login page.

• In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin and search for “AIO Login.”

• Click Install Now and then Activate to enable the free version.
• Purchase the Pro version on the AIO Login website, download the zip file, and then upload and activate it on WordPress.
• Go to the AIO Login dashboard, open the Security tab, and enable 2FA.

• Use an authenticator app to scan the displayed QR code.
• Enter the one-time password (OTP) generated by the app, verify it, and click Save Changes to complete the 2FA setup.

After successfully configuring the 2FA, you will be asked to enter the 6-digit code from the Authenticator app.

#6: Regularly Back Up Your WordPress Site

Regular backups are crucial for maintaining website security and recovery. In case of a hack or technical failure, a recent backup allows you to restore your site quickly, minimizing potential data loss.

The fresher the backup, the less data you’ll risk losing in a breach.

WordPress offers several backup solutions. Some managed hosting plans include automatic backups, but relying solely on these can be risky. If the server faces issues, those backups might also be compromised.

Instead, consider using a backup plugin that saves your data off-site. For example, the Jetpack VaultPress Backup automatically backs up your site with every change and adds a reliable layer of security.

#7: Implement Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which makes your site vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Hackers can try various password combinations until they successfully access your admin area.

To prevent this, you should limit the number of failed login attempts. This not only helps protect your site but also lets you monitor suspicious activity, such as repeated failed attempts from the same IP address.

To implement this, use a login security plugin such as All In One Login.

• Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, click Plugins, and select Add New Plugin. Use the search bar to find “AIO Login.” Click Install Now and then Activate once the button updates.
• Go to the plugin settings and click Allow & Continue. Navigate to the Login Protection tab, enable Limit Login Attempts, set maximum attempts (e.g., 3-5), specify timeout duration (in minutes), and write a custom lockout message.

Once set, save the changes, and your site will be better protected against brute-force attacks.

#8: Monitor User Activity on Your Site

Track what’s happening within your admin area to identify any unauthorized or harmful activities that could put your site at risk. This is especially important if multiple users or authors have access to your WordPress site, as they might alter settings, change themes, or adjust plugins inappropriately.

By monitoring user activity, you can pinpoint who made specific changes and detect if someone has gained unauthorized access to your site.

To monitor user actions, you can use plugins like:

• Simple History – Records activity in your WordPress admin and supports third-party plugins like Jetpack, WP Crontrol, and Beaver Builder, capturing their related activities as well.
• Activity Log – Keeps an eye on activities in your WordPress admin panel and allows you to set up email notifications.
• WP Activity Log – Tracks changes across posts, pages, themes, plugins, and logs modifications to files, additions, and deletions.

#9: Regularly Scan Your Site for Malware

If you use a WordPress security plugin, it will regularly scan for malware and security issues. However, if you notice a sudden decrease in traffic or a drop in search rankings, it’s a good idea to check for malware manually. You can do this by using your existing security plugin or one of the top malware and security scanners available.

Running these scans is simple—just enter your website URL, and the scanner will crawl your site to detect any known malware or malicious code. Remember that most WordPress security scanners can only alert you about malware; they cannot entirely remove or clean infected sites.

#10: Turn off PHP Error Reporting

PHP error reporting reveals your website’s paths and file structure, which can be helpful for debugging. However, exposing this information on the backend creates a significant security risk. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in specific plugins or areas of your site if they see error messages detailing those weaknesses.

There are two methods to disable PHP error reporting: through the PHP file or via your hosting account’s control panel.

Modifying the PHP File

To modify your PHP file, follow these steps:

1. Open the wp-config.php file using an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s File Manager.
2. Add the following code before any other PHP directives:

error_reporting(0);

@ini_set(‘display_errors’, 0);

3. Save the changes.

Changing PHP Settings Using the Control Panel

For users who prefer not to code, you can disable PHP error reporting via your hosting provider’s control panel. For example, with Hostinger:

1. From the hPanel dashboard, navigate to the Advanced section and select PHP Configuration.
2. Go to the PHP Options tab and uncheck the displayErrors option.
3. Click Save.

#11: Restrict Access to .htaccess and wp-config.php Files

The .htaccess file plays a crucial role in ensuring WordPress links function correctly. Without it, you’ll encounter many 404 errors on your site. In addition to managing URL structure, .htaccess can block specific IP addresses, restrict access to only one IP, and disable PHP execution in certain folders. Below, we’ll explain how to use .htaccess to enhance your WordPress security.

IMPORTANT! Always back up your existing .htaccess file before making changes. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

Disabling PHP Execution in Specific Folders

Hackers often target the Uploads folder to upload backdoor scripts. Since this folder should only contain media files, it’s essential to prevent PHP files from running there. To do this, create a new .htaccess file in the /wp-content/uploads/ directory with the following rules:

<Files *.php>

deny from all

</Files>

Protecting the wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file, located in the root directory, holds critical WordPress settings and MySQL database details, making it a prime target for hackers. Protect it by adding these .htaccess rules:

<files wp-config.php>

order allow,deny

deny from all

</files>

These measures help secure your site’s sensitive files from unauthorized access.

#12: Password Protect Your WordPress Posts/Pages/Categories, etc.

If you want to protect and keep the sensitive content on your WordPress site private, then you need to install the Password Protected plugin. It offers a comprehensive solution to password-protect pages, posts, categories, WooCommerce products, etc. Whether securing premium content, creating private portfolios, or restricting access to member-only areas, this plugin ensures your WordPress site remains secure and user-friendly.

Features of the Password Protected Plugin:

• Password protects the entire WordPress site or specific content
• Limit login attempts to prevent brute force attacks
• Add Google reCAPTCHA for bot protection
• Customize the lock screen to match your branding
• Protect posts/pages, categories, taxonomies, and WooCommerce products
• Enable passwordless admin access for efficiency
• Whitelist IP addresses for controlled access
• Set password expiration and usage limits
• Monitor activity with detailed logs and weekly reports
• Create multiple passwords for different access needs
• Protect custom post types and exclude specific pages/posts
• Secure WordPress login (wp-admin) with additional passwords

In short, by using the Password Protected plugin, you can effectively secure your WordPress content while maintaining a seamless user experience. It’s the ultimate solution for safeguarding your website against unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Why Should You Keep Your WordPress Site Secure?

Securing your WordPress site is essential to protect your data, assets, and reputation. A hacked website not only risks exposing your sensitive information but also compromises your customers’ personal and payment details, potentially causing irreversible damage to trust and credibility.

Cybercrime continues to grow, with damages projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Avoiding vulnerabilities is critical to ensuring you don’t fall victim to these threats.

Here are some common WordPress security vulnerabilities:

• SQL Injection (SQLi): Injects malicious SQL queries to manipulate or steal database information.
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Triggers unauthorized actions within a trusted application on behalf of the user.
• Local File Inclusion (LFI): Forces the server to execute malicious files.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Embeds harmful scripts to transform your site into a malware distributor.
• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attack: Overwhelms servers with excessive traffic, rendering your site inaccessible.
• Authentication Bypass: Grants unauthorized users access to your site’s resources without proper validation.

Final Thoughts

Cyberattacks can take various forms, such as malware injections or DDoS attacks. Due to its widespread use, WordPress often becomes a primary target for hackers. For this reason, WordPress site owners must prioritize implementing WordPress security best practices.

Remember that securing your WordPress site isn’t a task you can complete and forget about. As cyber threats continue to evolve, you must regularly evaluate and enhance your security practices. As discussed earlier, no website is ever completely immune to attacks, but adopting proactive WordPress security strategies can significantly reduce potential risks.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the importance of WordPress security best practices.

Finally, if you want to restrict access to sensitive content on your website, installing the Password Protected plugin is necessary!

Frequently Asked Questions