How To Protect Your WordPress Site: WordPress Security Checklist
WordPress has made website creation accessible to everyone, from hobbyists to large corporations.
With its vast ecosystem of free plugins and themes, you can build your online presence (a portfolio, a blog, or an online store) without hiring a team of web developers or investing in an expensive website building platform.
However, this flexibility comes with a caveat. WordPress isn’t a walled garden with preset security parameters. Instead, it’s a customizable platform you tailor to your needs, including setting up security measures.
Every plugin you add, theme you install, and customization you make brings new possibilities and potential new security risks.
Put simply, in WordPress, your site’s security strongly depends on you. To ensure you are well-equipped to protect your online presence, dive into the WordPress security checklist below, starting with the most effective way to secure your website — Wordfence.
Article Contents:
- Hosting
- User Management
- WordPress Core, Themes and Plugins
- Authentication
- Server Administration
- 14. Only Communicate With Your Server Using an Encrypted Connection
- 15. If You Connect to Your Server Over a Public Network, Use a VPN
- 16. Secure Access to Your wp-config.php File, Including Copies
- 17. Secure Access to Your Backups, Log Files, Test Files, Temporary Files, and Other PHP Applications on Your Web Server
- 18. Backup Your WordPress Files and Database at Least Weekly
- 19. Use a Strong Password for Your MySQL Database User
- 20. Install a WordPress Security Plugin Like Wordfence
- Features To Look For in a WordPress Security Plugin
- Secure Your Work Environment
- 30. Protect Your Internet Connection by Using a VPN, Especially on Public Networks
- 31. Only Install Trusted Software on Your Workstation and Mobile Device
- 32. Use a Reputable Virus Scanner
- 33. Protect Your Devices With Strong Passwords
- 34. Watch Out for Phishing, Spear Phishing, and Social Engineering Attacks
- Take Steps To Detect Hacks Early
- 35. Set Up Security Activity Logging
- 36. Visit Your Site Often
- 37. Search for Your Website in Google Frequently
- 38. Set Up Email Alerts in Google Search Console
- 39. Use a Comprehensive Security Scanner and Set Up Threat Alerts
- 40. Investigate Customer Reports Immediately
- 41. Use a Source Code Scanner To Verify Site Integrity
- 42. Use a Website Monitoring Service That Detects Site Changes
- 43. Watch for Unexplained Spikes in Site Traffic
Want this complete WordPress security checklist as a handy reference?
Download a PDF version of this checklist.
Easy Method: Install Wordfence
If you’re running WordPress, the fastest and easiest way to secure your website is to install and activate Wordfence — a WordPress security plugin powered by best security practices and a constantly updating threat database handled by experts that protects 5+ million (and counting) websites worldwide.
Get Started Protecting Your Sites With Wordfence Here
Install and Activate Wordfence
Here’s how to install Wordfence via your WordPress dashboard:
- In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
- Search for “Wordfence.”
- Click “Install Now” followed by “Activate.”
- Complete the installation by getting a free or paid Wordfence license key and adding it to the plugin.
Optimize the Firewall and Enable Login Protection
The Wordfence firewall starts protecting your site as soon as you activate the plugin, blocking common attacks like brute force attempts, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and file inclusion exploits.
For maximum security, optimize the firewall to run in Extended Protection mode. Here’s how:
- Look for the notice “To make your site as secure as possible…” at the top of your WordPress admin pages.
- Click on “Click here to configure.”
- Download any backup files when prompted.
- Click “Continue” to complete the optimization.
- Wait up to 5 minutes for the changes to take effect.
In Extended Protection mode, the Wordfence firewall activates before any other code on your site, delivering stronger security than the standard WordPress protection.
Next, set up your login security by navigating to Wordfence > Login Security > Settings. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all administrator accounts, add reCAPTCHA protection on your login pages, and turn on “allow remembering of device” to balance security with convenience.
You can also limit failed login attempts before lockout, set lockout duration, and enforce strong passwords by heading to Wordfence > All Options > Firewall Options > Brute Force Protection.
If you’re using Wordfence Premium, you can secure your WordPress installation even further by restricting access to the login URL geographically through country blocking (accessed via Wordfence > Firewall > Blocking).
Review and Configure the Automatic Malware and Security Scanner
Wordfence provides a powerful security scanner that monitors your site for malware, security vulnerabilities, suspicious changes, and more.
It regularly checks your WordPress core files, themes, and plugins against reference files to spot potential compromises.
Wordfence’s security scanner comes configured out of the box. Navigate to Wordfence > Scan and click “Start Scan” to run your first comprehensive security check.
However, if you want to change scan settings, you can do so by heading to Wordfence > Scan > Scan Options and Scheduling.
If you use Wordfence Premium, you can get real-time malware signature updates (to protect your website from emerging threats), schedule scans at specific times, and receive reputation checks for your website (which can identify signs of compromise).
Overall, securing your WordPress website with Wordfence only takes a couple of minutes. If you’re a hobbyist, you can try out Wordfence Free, which is suitable for personal websites with basic security needs.
In contrast, if you own a business, consider Wordfence Premium for real-time security updates, expanded features like our IP blocklist, , reputation checks, country blocking, and support directly from our security experts.
For organizations requiring hands-off security expertise, Wordfence offers Wordfence Care and Wordfence Response, which offer unlimited incident response services. Wordfence Response, in particular, suits mission-critical websites for its 24/7/365 support with 1-hour response time.
Keep reading to learn more about WordPress security and actionable tips to secure your website.
Hosting
Your hosting environment forms the foundation of your website’s security. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t build a house on shaky ground, so you shouldn’t build your WordPress site on an insecure hosting platform.
1. Ideally Choose a Dedicated Instance or Server
While shared hosting saves money, a dedicated server keeps your site completely isolated and gives you full control over security settings.
This isolation is particularly crucial for business websites that process sensitive data.
When choosing hosting providers, look for:
- Strong DDoS protection.
- Regular security patches.
- Proactive monitoring.
- A solid security track record.
- Quick response to security incidents.
2. For Shared Hosting, Ensure That Sites Are Isolated or “Jailed”
If you must use shared hosting, take proper isolation measures since a single compromised website can potentially affect all other sites on the same server.
This “neighbor problem” is one of the most common ways WordPress sites get infected — not through direct targeting, but through vulnerable sites hosted on the same server.
To verify your host’s isolation measures, ask specific questions about their implementation of PHP-FPM, suEXEC, or similar technologies that prevent cross-account access.
A reputable host should be able to explain their security measures without hiding behind vague proprietary technology claims.
3. Run an HTTPS-Only Website
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) creates an encrypted connection (HTTPS) between your web server and visitors’ browsers to protect sensitive information from potential eavesdroppers.
This encryption is crucial for WordPress sites because, without it, login credentials submitted to wp-login.php, customer data, and other sensitive information will travel across the internet as plain text that attackers can intercept and read.
To enable HTTPS on your WordPress website:
1. Install an SSL certificate — most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.
2. Verify your SSL configuration with a tool like SSL Labs.
3. Update WordPress URLs in Settings > General to use https://.
4. Add HTTPS redirects to your .htaccess file via the following code:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.wordpresssite.com/$1 [R,L]
Note: Replace wordpresssite.com with your website’s domain name.
User Management
User access management is your second line of defense after hosting security. Even a single compromised user account with excessive privileges can lead to a complete site takeover.
4. Grant Only As Much Access As Is Needed
The principle of least privilege is critical for WordPress security — users should only have access to what they need to perform their tasks, nothing more.
Every additional permission you grant is a potential security risk if that account gets compromised.
Start with WordPress’s built-in roles (Subscriber, Contributor, Author, Editor, and Administrator) and assign the most restrictive role that still allows users to complete their tasks.
For instance, if team members only write and schedule posts, the Author role is perfect — they don’t need Editor-level access to modify others’ content or Administrator privileges to install plugins.
Pro tip: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all high-privilege accounts (like Administrators and Editors) — even if credentials are compromised, 2FA prevents complete site takeover by requiring a second verification step.
5. Review Your User List Frequently
Forgotten user accounts can be easy entry points for attackers. Just as you’d take keys from employees leaving the company, you need to actively manage WordPress user accounts.
Make these checks part of your monthly security routine:
- Remove inactive accounts and former team members immediately.
- Audit admin-level accounts — do they still need that much access?
- Look for unexpected new accounts that might indicate a breach.
- Document who has what access and why they need it.
- Change default usernames that bad actors commonly target (like “admin”).
Pro tip: Wordfence helps you audit user accounts by scanning for admin users created outside of WordPress.
WordPress Core, Themes and Plugins
The WordPress ecosystem’s great strength — its extensive library of themes and plugins — can also be its biggest vulnerability.
Much like how you wouldn’t install random apps from unknown sources on your phone, you need to be selective with your WordPress extensions.
6. Enable Auto-Updates Wherever Possible / Practical
While outdated software is one of the most common entry points for attackers, rushing updates without testing can be equally dangerous as it can break compatibility between the different parts of your website.
For smaller sites with standard setups, enabling automatic updates can provide timely protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities. WordPress core auto-updates are especially reliable since they undergo extensive testing.
However, for mission-critical websites, test updates in staging first — a broken checkout page could cost more than a slight update delay.
In short, create an update strategy based on your website’s needs. Consider enabling auto-updates for well-maintained plugins from reputable developers with solid quality assurance processes.
For complex plugins or those critical to your site’s functionality, schedule manual updates after testing that everything works correctly with the updated versions.
7. Check for Updates Frequently
If you have auto-updates turned off, maintaining a regular schedule for checking updates is crucial.
When evaluating updates, prioritize security patches — they typically fix specific vulnerabilities rather than adding new features that might break your website.
Wordfence simplifies this process by scanning the installed extensions for potential security gaps against its leading WordPress vulnerability database.
Additionally, even if the developers haven’t released a patch, Wordfence releases new firewall rules as soon as it learns about a vulnerability to protect its premium users from bad actors.
8. Only Download Themes and Plugins From Trusted Sources
Installing plugins or themes from untrusted sources is like installing a security system from an unknown vendor — you’re introducing potential backdoors into your site.
“Nulled” or pirated versions almost always contain malicious code designed to compromise your website.
Stick to the official WordPress.org repository, established marketplaces like ThemeForest, and reputable developer websites. Before installing any plugin, verify its legitimacy by answering the following questions:
- Is this a reputable website to download a plugin or theme?
- How many active installations does it have?
- When was it last updated?
- What do recent reviews say?
- Does the developer respond to support requests?
Pro tip: Test new plugins in staging first. Watch for red flags like requests for unusual permissions or attempts to load external scripts from unknown domains.
9. Remove All Unused Themes, Plugins and Old Unused WordPress Installations Immediately
Every plugin or theme on your website — active or inactive — is a potential entry point for attackers.
Malicious hackers frequently target known vulnerabilities in deactivated plugins that site owners forget to remove as their code may still be publicly accessible.
In that sense, run monthly security audits to:
- Remove any plugins you haven’t used in 30 days.
- Delete inactive themes (keep only your active theme plus one backup).
- Remove test WordPress installations entirely.
Authentication
Your login page is often the common target for attackers. With thousands of automated login attempts hitting WordPress sites daily, strong authentication is essential for keeping unauthorized users out of your website.
10. Ideally Use 2-Factor Authentication
When a malicious hacker steals or guesses a password, two-factor authentication (2FA) acts as your last line of defense.
By requiring a temporary code from an authenticator app alongside your password, you ensure that compromised credentials alone won’t grant access to your site.
Pro Tip: Start by installing Wordfence — both free and paid versions include 2FA functionality. Make it mandatory for all administrator accounts so a bad actor can’t access an admin account through phishing attempts.
11. Require Strong Passwords for All Users
Weak passwords are like leaving your front door unlocked. Even in 2024, users rely on passwords like “password123” and “admin123,” making sites that use them easy targets for credential-stuffing attacks.
Wordfence enables you to enforce strong password requirements — minimum 12 characters, mixed case letters, numbers, and symbols — for users with different permissions.
Wordfence also automatically checks if passwords have appeared in known data breaches to further protect your WordPress website.
Pro Tip: Many users rely on weak passwords because memorizing a complex password is difficult. Encourage your team members to use a reputable password manager to help them avoid stress and keep track of their passwords.
12. Ensure That Your Login Page Is Running on an HTTPS Page
Your login page is the gateway to your WordPress dashboard, which makes it a primary target for credential theft. While site-wide HTTPS is essential, you must give extra attention to the login page to avoid any chance of an intercepted login session.
Beyond the basic HTTPS setup, implement specific security headers for your login pages to enhance protection:
- HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTP): This header tells browsers to always use secure HTTPS connections, even if a bad actor tries to access your site via HTTP.
- If you’re using an Apache web server, add this line to your .htaccess file:Header set Strict-Transport-Security “max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains”
-
- In contrast, if you’re a Nginx server, edit nginx.conf and add the following line:add_header Strict-Transport-Security “max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains” always;
- Secure cookie flags: These settings protect your login cookies from being stolen or manipulated.
-
- Add the following three lines to wp-config.php:@ini_set(‘session.cookie_httponly’, true);
@ini_set(‘session.cookie_secure’, true);
@ini_set(‘session.use_only_cookies’, true);
- Add the following three lines to wp-config.php:@ini_set(‘session.cookie_httponly’, true);
Additionally, you should set up automated monitoring for login-related SSL issues. Regularly test your login pages with tools like Security Headers to verify that the security works as intended.
13. Limit the Rate of Login Attempts
Brute force attacks work by rapidly testing thousands of password combinations on your WordPress login page.
Since WordPress doesn’t limit login attempts by default, bad actors can hammer your login page indefinitely until they find the right combination, potentially overwhelming your server in the process.
With Wordfence, you can limit failed attempts within a specific duration, enable immediate lockouts for invalid usernames, and block IPs that send suspicious requests without proper headers (often a sign of a brute force attack).
Server Administration
While hosting providers handle many server-side security measures, there are several critical steps you should take to protect your website at the server level.
14. Only Communicate With Your Server Using an Encrypted Connection
Plain FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transmits your login credentials and file contents as unencrypted text across the internet.
Anyone monitoring network traffic between you and your server could intercept sensitive files like wp-config.php or user data during transfers.
Configure your hosting account and FTP client to use SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) instead of standard FTP.
Most modern hosting providers support SFTP by default — you can access your hosting control panel to enable it and generate SSH keys for more secure authentication.
Create unique, complex passwords for your SFTP accounts and store them securely in a password manager. Additionally, if your hosting allows it, turn off standard FTP access entirely.
15. If You Connect to Your Server Over a Public Network, Use a VPN
Managing your server from public networks puts all administrative connections at risk.
Whether you’re checking server logs, updating configurations, or transferring files, public WiFi networks make it easier for attackers to intercept your traffic and potentially capture your server credentials.
When administering your server remotely, always ensure your VPN is active before establishing any connections. This includes SFTP file transfers, database management, or hosting control panel access. If possible, use mobile data (4G/5G) instead of public WiFi when a VPN isn’t available.
16. Secure Access to Your wp-config.php File, Including Copies
Your wp-config.php file contains your database credentials, authentication keys, and other sensitive configuration details.
When compromised, attackers gain complete access to your database and potentially your entire website.
Set restrictive file permissions for wp-config.php (600 or 640) to ensure only the necessary system processes can read it.
Additionally, remove any temporary or backup copies of wp-config.php that might have been created by text editors or backup processes, as these often retain the original file’s sensitive contents while potentially having less restrictive permissions.
17. Secure Access to Your Backups, Log Files, Test Files, Temporary Files, and Other PHP Applications on Your Web Server
WordPress installations accumulate various sensitive files over time — backups, logs, test files, and temporary data. Each of these can expose configuration details, user data, or provide attack vectors when left unsecured.
Set appropriate permissions for your directories (755) and files (644) to maintain security while allowing necessary functionality. In particular, ensure that PHP file execution is disabled in wp-content/uploads and directories that should only contain media files.
However, if you’re using a shared hosting environment, the Wordfence security team recommends a permission of 750 at the document root of the site to prevent other users on the server from interacting with your website’s contents.
18. Backup Your WordPress Files and Database at Least Weekly
When security incidents occur, reliable backups are often your last line of defense. A complete, recent backup can make even a major hack look like a minor inconvenience.
Configure automated weekly (if not daily) backups of your WordPress files and database. Preferably, use both a reliable backup plugin and your hosting provider’s backup service to avoid relying on a single backup solution.
Moreover, you should store backups in multiple locations, including off-site (cloud) storage, in an encrypted format. This way, even if a bad actor takes over your website, they cannot delete your backups.
19. Use a Strong Password for Your MySQL Database User
Your MySQL database contains everything from user credentials to post content. A compromised database password can give attackers full access to modify your site’s content, create rogue admin accounts, or steal sensitive user data.
Log into your hosting control panel and set a strong, unique password for your MySQL user. Afterward, update your wp-config.php file with the new credentials.
Pro Tip: Store your database password securely and never reuse it across different services or websites. Change your database password regularly as part of your security maintenance routine, especially when team members leave.
20. Install a WordPress Security Plugin Like Wordfence
A web application firewall (WAF) acts as your site’s security guard, inspecting incoming traffic and blocking malicious requests before they reach your WordPress installation.
For instance, the Wordfence firewall offers immediate protection against common WordPress attack patterns, including SQL injection attempts, authentication bypass hacks, and malicious file uploads.
Additionally, since Wordfence protects over 5 million WordPress websites, it gets the latest data on attack vectors affecting the WordPress ecosystem, enabling it to add new firewall rules to protect websites against emerging threats.
With Wordfence Premium, you can get real-time firewall rules as soon as the WordPress Threat Intelligence team releases them. If you’re a hobbyist using Wordfence Free, you also get those firewall rules after 30 days.
Features To Look For in a WordPress Security Plugin
While WordPress core provides basic security features, a dedicated security plugin is essential for solid protection.
When choosing a WordPress security plugin, look for these critical features that work together to create multiple layers of defense against common and sophisticated attacks.
21. Malware Scanning
Malware can lurk undetected in your WordPress files for months, stealing data or using your server for cyberattacks.
With regular malware scanning, you can identify compromised files, unauthorized changes, and malicious code before they can harm your website or visitors.
Wordfence provides solid malware detection through its powerful scanning engine. The security scanner automatically checks core WordPress files, themes, and plugins against known-good versions while also scanning for malicious code signatures and suspicious patterns.
In particular, Wordfence offers better protection against the latest malware than website security solutions like Sucuri because its Threat Intelligence team updates its malware signatures based on real-time attack patterns across the WordPress ecosystem.
Additionally, Wordfence lets you schedule automatic daily scans, receive immediate alerts from detected threats (via email, Discord, Slack, and SMS), and even scan your content for dangerous URLs.
Reminder: If you’re using Wordfence Premium, you get real-time access to the latest malware signatures, letting you protect your website from the newest threats as soon as they’re discovered. In contrast, Wordfence Free users get new malware signatures after 30 days.
22. Brute Force Login Protection
Malicious actors can set up automated bots to constantly attempt to guess your WordPress login credentials. These attacks can continue indefinitely without proper protection, potentially compromising your site while consuming server resources.
Wordfence’s brute force protection includes rate limiting, reCAPTCHA v3 integration, and password breach protection to protect your website against these attacks. The system monitors login attempts in real time and automatically blocks suspicious patterns.
Note: Premium users can also use country blocking to restrict access based on geography and get access to our real-time IP blocklists updated based on global attack data.
23. Protection Against Hacker Recon Techniques
Before launching attacks, malicious hackers gather information about your site through automated scans. These reconnaissance attempts help them identify usernames, vulnerable plugins, and potential security weaknesses they can exploit.
Wordfence prevents common reconnaissance techniques through multiple protection layers. The plugin blocks user enumeration attempts, including the ?author=N scans that reveal usernames, and prevents XML-RPC probing commonly used by attackers.
Additionally, you can also configure Wordfence to hide WordPress version information and mask user login errors.
24. A WAF With Regular Rule-Set Updates
Generic firewalls might not understand WordPress-specific attacks. Not to mention, bad actors find new WordPress vulnerabilities every day.
So, you need a specialized WordPress WAF that receives new rules to protect against existing and emerging WordPress threats.
Wordfence’s WAF operates directly on your server, examining unencrypted HTTPS traffic for maximum security. It blocks common WordPress attack vectors, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and file inclusion exploits, while allowing legitimate traffic through.
Additionally, Wordfence Premium users receive real-time firewall rules based on data collected from over 5 million WordPress sites. When new vulnerabilities are discovered, Wordfence often deploys firewall rules before official patches are available, providing virtual patching for your website.
Wordfence also maintains an industry-leading Bug Bounty Program, through which it rewards security researchers who discover vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem.
As a result, Wordfence can release new firewall rules for most vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
25. Rate Based Throttling and Blocking
High-volume automated attacks can overwhelm your server or hide malicious requests within legitimate traffic. Rate limiting helps maintain site performance while blocking aggressive bots and crawlers.
If you’re using Wordfence, you can rely on its rate limiting feature that distinguishes between legitimate traffic (like search engines) and malicious automation.
You can set custom thresholds for different types of requests and configure graduated responses to violations.
26. Two-Factor Authentication
Even strong passwords can be compromised through phishing or social engineering. 2FA adds an essential second layer of security by requiring a temporary code alongside the password.
Wordfence includes built-in 2FA support that is compatible with standard authenticator apps like Google Authenticator and Authy. You can require 2FA for specific user roles, such as for admins, shop managers, and editors.
Unlike other security solutions like MalCare that require you to install separate 2FA plugins (potentially creating additional attack surfaces), Wordfence’s built-in 2FA functionality means one less plugin to manage and maintain on your WordPress site.
27. Password Auditing
Weak or compromised passwords remain a leading cause of WordPress breaches, as some users still default to easy-to-memorize, short passwords. With proper password policies, you can avoid such passwords.
Wordfence lets you enforce strong password requirements (navigate to Wordfence > All Options > Brute Force Protection) on admins and publishers — with the option to enable it for all members.
You can also prevent admins and publishers from using passwords leaked in known data breaches.
28. Country Blocking
Allowing global access to your WordPress admin area increases your attack surface, especially when your legitimate users are only in specific regions.
Wordfence Premium includes a sophisticated country blocking feature that lets you restrict administrative access to specific geographic locations.
You can create different rules for various parts of your site, like allowing global access to content while restricting admin areas.
29. Advanced Blocking Techniques
Sometimes, standard security measures aren’t enough to counter sophisticated attacks or persistent threats. In that case, you need advanced blocking functionality to restrict site access on a granular level.
Wordfence offers multiple advanced blocking options (navigate to Wordfence > Firewall > Blocking), including IP range blocking, user agent filtering, and pattern-based request blocking.
You can create custom rules based on request characteristics and block entire malicious networks.
Additionally, Wordfence Premium users can benefit from a real-time IP blocklist that prevents IP addresses known to be attacking other WordPress websites from interacting with their websites.
Secure Your Work Environment
Your WordPress site’s security also depends on how you and your team access and manage the website. Even the strongest server security can be compromised by unsafe work practices or compromised devices.
30. Protect Your Internet Connection by Using a VPN, Especially on Public Networks
Public WiFi networks at coffee shops, hotels, or airports are hunting grounds for attackers looking to intercept unencrypted traffic. Even with HTTPS enabled, connecting to your WordPress admin area over public WiFi puts your session at risk.
To protect your website, set up a reliable VPN service on all the devices you use to manage it. Configure it to automatically connect on public networks, and ensure it uses strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
If you’re using Wordfence Premium, you can benefit from its country blocking feature, which only allows administrative access from your VPN’s exit locations.
31. Only Install Trusted Software on Your Workstation and Mobile Device
Compromised devices often lead to compromised websites. Malicious software on your workstation can capture keystrokes, steal credentials, or provide attackers direct access to your WordPress administration.
Only install software and apps from known publishers and reputable developers. Before installing any new software, especially WordPress-related tools, research its reputation by searching for “[extension] + malware” or “[extension] + security issues.”
In particular, resist the urge to quickly install utilities from unknown sources, even if they promise to solve an immediate problem.
32. Use a Reputable Virus Scanner
Malware on your device can compromise your WordPress credentials long before you notice any signs of infection. Real-time protection is essential for catching threats before they can do damage.
Install and maintain a reputable antivirus solution. While Windows Defender provides solid baseline protection, consider supplementing it with specialized tools like Malwarebytes for additional coverage.
Enable real-time protection features and keep virus definitions updated.
33. Protect Your Devices With Strong Passwords
Your device’s login credentials are the first line of defense for your WordPress site.
If someone can access your computer or phone, they potentially have access to saved passwords, authentication apps, and admin sessions.
Implement strong device passwords and enable biometric authentication where available. Preferably, use a reputable password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for all your services.
34. Watch Out for Phishing, Spear Phishing, and Social Engineering Attacks
Technical security measures can’t protect against social engineering attacks, in which attackers manipulate people into revealing sensitive information or taking dangerous actions.
Educate your team on how to recognize common phishing indicators like suspicious domain names, urgent requests for sensitive information, or unexpected attachments.
In particular, help employees avoid spear-phishing attacks — where bad actors target them based on information they know about individuals or the organizational hierarchy — by providing company-specific tools and limiting personal information online.
All in all, establish clear procedures for verifying requests for sensitive information or account changes. Never share credentials over email or chat, and verify unexpected requests through known-good communication channels.
Take Steps To Detect Hacks Early
Even with robust security measures, early detections remain crucial. The sooner you identify a potential compromise, the faster you can respond and minimize damage.
35. Set Up Security Activity Logging
If you use Wordfence, the Audit Log feature (navigate to Wordfence > Audit Log) provides an additional layer of protection by tracking and storing security events securely off-site.
This gives you a tamper-proof record of all login attempts, user activities, and system changes — making it easier to detect and investigate potential social engineering attempts.
36. Visit Your Site Often
Regular site visits are part of your first line of defense in spotting potential security breaches. In that sense, it’s best to develop a routine of visiting different pages on your website.
Watch for unexpected content changes or text injections, especially in headers and footers. Pay close attention to PHP errors appearing at the top of pages, as these often indicate compromised files.
If you manage multiple WordPress sites, Wordfence Central provides a centralized dashboard to monitor your websites’ security updates, initiate new scans, and tweak security settings.
This makes it easier to maintain regular oversight of your entire WordPress portfolio without having to visit each site individually.
Pro tip: Wordfence Premium, Care, and Response users can leverage the Audit Log feature to monitor their sites more effectively.
The audit log provides a comprehensive view of all security events and changes occurring on your website, with events stored securely in Wordfence Central for 30-90 days depending on your plan.
37. Search for Your Website in Google Frequently
Google often detects malicious activity before site owners do. Make it a habit to search for your site in Google at least weekly.
Look for warning messages like “This site may be hacked” or “This site may harm your computer.” Monitor your site’s appearance in search results for unexpected changes or unusual pages showing up in listings.
38. Set Up Email Alerts in Google Search Console
Google Search Console provides crucial early warnings about security issues. Start by verifying your site ownership if you haven’t already.
Google automatically sends all notifications by email. To reduce the noise, simply use the unsubscribe link in any email you don’t want to receive.
Just make sure to keep security-related alerts enabled to catch potential issues early.
39. Use a Comprehensive Security Scanner and Set Up Threat Alerts
To detect malware as early as possible, you need a scanner that offers regular automated scanning and alerts you of any detected malware.
Wordfence’s security scanner offers robust protection through WordPress-specific malware signatures, daily automated scans, and notifications to alert you of any threats via email, Slack, Discord, or SMS.
Plus, with Wordfence Premium, you can get real-time malware signatures to protect against emerging threats.
40. Investigate Customer Reports Immediately
Your site visitors often notice issues before automated systems do. Take all security-related complaints seriously, no matter how minor they may seem.
If you identify serious security concerns, consider temporarily disabling suspect plugins or taking the website offline while you investigate.
41. Use a Source Code Scanner To Verify Site Integrity
Hackers often modify the website’s source code to maintain persistent access, even after you’ve cleaned up visible malware. That’s why it’s important to verify your website’s code integrity.
Wordfence’s security scanner compares WordPress core, theme, and plugin files against known-safe versions to detect such malicious code.
42. Use a Website Monitoring Service That Detects Site Changes
While Wordfence provides robust security monitoring, consider configuring additional monitoring for significant content changes (typically >10%).
Services like Pingdom or WebsitePulse can complement Wordfence’s security features.
43. Watch for Unexplained Spikes in Site Traffic
Monitor traffic patterns through Wordfence’s live traffic feature, paying close attention to sudden changes that might indicate security issues.
Watch for dramatic increases that could signal:
- Spamvertising campaigns using your site.
- Malware distribution attempts.
- Unauthorized redirects to malicious sites.
Start Protecting Your Website Today
Get Started Protecting Your Sites With Wordfence Here
Implementing these security measures will significantly enhance your WordPress site’s defenses against common threats. Security is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Regularly review your security measures to steer clear of WordPress threats.
For most website owners, the easiest way to implement these security measures is through Wordfence.
With over 5 million active installations and more than a decade of experience protecting WordPress websites worldwide, Wordfence offers a powerful firewall, an intelligent security scanner, and robust login security — all constantly updated based on the latest threat intelligence.
If you’re starting out, Wordfence Free provides baseline security features to protect your website.
For business websites that need advanced protection, Wordfence Premium offers real-time IP blocklisting, immediate access to new firewall rules, the latest malware signatures, support directly from our security professionals, and more.
If you manage a mission-critical website requiring expert assistance and guaranteed response times, check out Wordfence Care and Wordfence Response.