How to Keep Your WordPress Site Secure

WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet, making it a popular—and unfortunately frequent—target for hackers. Whether you run a blog, an online store, or a company site, security should be a top priority. In this guide, we’ll explore proven ways to keep your WordPress site safe from threats and vulnerabilities.

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for attackers.

• Why It Matters: Each new update often includes security patches.
  
• What to Do: Enable automatic updates or check regularly for available updates. Always use trusted themes and plugins from the official WordPress repository or reputable developers.
  

2. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords

Simple or reused passwords make your site an easy target.

• Best Practice: Use long, complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  
• Extra Tip: Avoid using “admin” as your username. Use a password manager to store credentials securely.
  

3. Install a Security Plugin

Security plugins help monitor and protect your site around the clock.

• Top Picks: Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security.
  
• Features to Look For: Firewall protection, malware scanning, login attempt limits, and real-time threat detection.
  

4. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra step to the login process drastically improves security.

• How It Works: After entering your password, you’ll be prompted to enter a code from a mobile app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
  
• Why It’s Effective: Even if your password is stolen, 2FA can prevent unauthorized access.
  

5. Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which can be exploited in brute-force attacks.

• What to Do: Use a plugin to limit failed login attempts.
  
• Bonus Tip: Enable CAPTCHA on login pages to block bots.
  

6. Backup Your Website Regularly

Even with the best security, breaches can happen. A reliable backup ensures you can restore your site quickly.

• What to Use: UpdraftPlus, Jetpack Backup, or BlogVault.
  
• Frequency: Daily backups are ideal, especially for active websites.
  

7. Use Secure Hosting

Your hosting provider plays a critical role in website security.

• Look for: WordPress-optimized hosting that includes features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular malware scanning.
  
• Examples: WP Engine, SiteGround, Kinsta.
  

8. Switch to HTTPS

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and users, protecting sensitive information.

• Why It Matters: HTTPS is now a standard and is favored by search engines.
  
• How to Get It: Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.
  

9. Disable File Editing in the Dashboard

Hackers who gain access to your dashboard can use the built-in editor to inject malicious code.

• How to Disable: Add the following line to your wp-config.php file:
  define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
  

10. Monitor Your Site for Suspicious Activity

Regularly check for unusual behavior, like unfamiliar user accounts or unexpected file changes.

• Tools to Use: Audit logs and security scanners.
  
• Why It’s Important: Early detection can prevent serious damage.
  

Final Thoughts

Keeping your WordPress site secure isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. By following these best practices, you significantly reduce the risk of hacks, data breaches, and downtime. A secure site builds trust with your users and protects the hard work you’ve put into building your online presence.

Start with the basics—strong passwords, regular updates, and secure hosting—and build up your defenses from there. The more proactive you are, the safer your WordPress site will be.

If you’re looking for a reliable and secure hosting provider, consider Supreme Host. Their WordPress-optimized hosting plans include built-in security features, daily backups, and fast, dependable performance—ideal for keeping your site safe and online. You can explore their full range of hosting plans here to find the one that best fits your needs.