November 2, 2025

In today’s digital age, keeping your WordPress website security tight is more critical than ever. Whether you’re running a blog, an e-commerce store, or a membership site, cyber threats are real—and they don’t wait. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the most effective strategies to bolster your WordPress defenses. We’ll cover everything from essential security checks to reliable plugins, and even how to perform a comprehensive security audit. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to take concrete steps to safeguard your site. Why  Website Security Matters When you hear about WordPress website security issues, you might think, “Why would anyone target my site?” But hackers don’t discriminate. They scan the web for vulnerabilities, and if your site is easy prey, it could become a victim of: Malware injections Brute-force login attacks DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks Data theft or defacement In short, how to increase WordPress website security isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must. WordPress website  Security Checklist: Before diving into advanced tools and scans, get your basic foundation right. Use this WordPress website security checklist: Keep WordPress Core, Themes & Plugins Updated Always update to the latest WordPress version Remove unused themes or plugins Use trusted sources (like the WordPress.org repository) Use Strong Login Credentials Enforce strong passwords for all users Change default “admin” username Limit login attempts to thwart brute-force attacks Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Require a second factor (like SMS or authenticator app) Adds a critical layer of defense Use Secure Hosting Choose a host with built-in malware scanning, firewall, and SSL Ensure your hosting provider follows best security practices Enable SSL / HTTPS Use an SSL certificate to encrypt data Google favors HTTPS, which helps with SEO too Implement Regular Backups Use automated backup solutions Store backups off-site (e.g., cloud storage) Set Correct File Permissions Limit write permissions for wp-config.php and other key files Prevent unauthorized file changes Disable File Editing In your wp-config.php, add: define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true); Best WordPress Security Plugins One of the easiest—and most effective—ways to boost your WordPress security is by using reliable plugins. Here are some top-rated ones: Wordfence Security: Offers firewall protection, real-time threat defense feed, login security, and malware scanning. Sucuri Security: A comprehensive plugin that handles malware scanning, security auditing, and post-hack cleanups. iThemes Security: Helps you enforce strong passwords, detect brute-force attacks, and hide critical back-end information. All In One WP Security & Firewall: Free and feature-rich, ideal for beginners: enables firewall, account lockdowns, and more. Jetpack (Security Module): Includes downtime monitoring, brute-force protection, and automated malware scanning (with paid plans). These WordPress website security plugins provide a powerful shield when configured properly. How to Perform a Website Security Audit A website security audit is your full health check. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Run a Security Scan Use a WordPress website security scanner like Sucuri SiteCheck or Wordfence Check for malware, outdated code, and known vulnerabilities Review User Accounts Audit all registered users Remove or deactivate old or suspicious accounts Check File Integrity Compare current files with clean versions (e.g., in a local or staging environment) Look for unexpected PHP modifications Inspect Server Settings Confirm PHP version is up-to-date Ensure directory listing is disabled Validate that backups are running and stored securely Evaluate Login Security Confirm 2FA is active Review login logs to detect brute-force or unusual access attempts Test Your Backup & Restore Process Run a trial restore from backups Make sure the process works and is reliable Look at Your SSL/HTTPS Configuration Verify your SSL certificate is valid Test for mixed content warnings Check for Vulnerable Plugins / Themes Use online tools or services to scan for known CVEs Replace or patch any insecure components Doing this regularly will keep your WordPress site secure in the long run. Common WordPress Website Security Issues & How to Fix Them Here are some common WordPress website security issues and actionable solutions: Issue Fix Weak admin password Use a strong, complex password + force password resets Brute-force login attacks Limit login attempts, enable 2FA Outdated plugins/themes Update regularly, delete unused ones SQL injections & XSS Use security plugins, sanitize input, and keep code updated File inclusion vulnerabilities Restrict file permissions, disable editing No backups Set up automated backups, store them off-site No SSL/HTTPS Use Let’s Encrypt or another SSL provider, enforce HTTPS Addressing these issues consistently strengthens your overall security posture. How to Boost WordPress Website Security: Best Practices Here’s a quick summary of best practices in plain language: Always use strong, unique passwords for all users Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) Keep everything—core, themes, and plugins—updated Use a secure, reputable hosting provider Run regular backups and test the restore process Scan your site with a security checker regularly Use a firewall and limit login attempts Monitor login activity and changes on your site Together, these steps go a long way to increase  website security. Best Tools to Check WordPress Website Security Online Here’s a curated list of trusted free WordPress website security scanner and checkers: Sucuri SiteCheck — Free external scanner for malware, blacklist status, and security issues WPScan Vulnerability Database — Community-driven vulnerability database for WP plugins and themes Security Plugins’ Built-in Scanners — Wordfence, iThemes Security, All In One WP Security Google Safe Browsing — Check if your site is flagged by Google (via Google Transparency Report) Using these tools helps you check WordPress website security online regularly. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What is a WordPress website security scan?A: A WordPress website security scan is a process where a security tool or plugin examines your WordPress installation—core files, themes, and plugins—for malware, vulnerabilities, or suspicious modifications. Q: How often should I perform a WordPress website security audit?A: Ideally, you should do a full WordPress website security audit at least once every 3–6 months or after major updates. Regular WordPress website security scans (weekly or monthly) complement these audits. Q: Can I do a WordPress website security check for free?A: Yes. Tools like Sucuri SiteCheck or the scanning feature in plugins like Wordfence