Complete Guide to Securing your WordPress Website

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS), making it a prime target for hackers. Without proper security measures, your website could be vulnerable to malware, brute-force attacks, and data breaches. In this comprehensive tutorial, we will cover essential steps to secure your WordPress website, including security plugins, manual file edits, server settings, and expert security tips.

Why Security is a Must for WordPress Websites?

WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals. A compromised website can lead to data theft, loss of SEO rankings, and even complete site takeovers. Weak passwords, outdated plugins, and poor hosting security can expose your website to attacks. Strengthening your site's security is crucial to protect your data, users, and business reputation.

Top 7 Free Security Plugins to Protect WordPress

Using security plugins can significantly enhance your website’s protection. Here are seven of the best free WordPress security plugins:

Wordfence provides a firewall, malware scanner, and real-time threat defense. Its IP blocking feature helps prevent brute-force attacks.

Sucuri offers firewall protection, malware scanning, and blacklist monitoring. It prevents DDoS and SQL injection attacks.

iThemes Security strengthens WordPress by limiting login attempts, detecting file changes, and enforcing strong passwords.

This plugin provides user account protection, database security, and a basic firewall to block suspicious activity.

MalCare provides malware scanning and removal without slowing down your site. It also has firewall protection.

This plugin blocks automated bot attacks, secures user logins, and prevents brute-force attempts efficiently.

WP Cerber protects against malicious login attempts, spam, and unauthorized access. It includes a robust firewall system.

Each of these plugins offers a unique set of security features. Installing and configuring one or a combination of these plugins will significantly enhance your website’s security.

Manual Changes & Edits in WordPress Files for Enhanced Security

While plugins help, manual tweaks to core WordPress files further strengthen security. Here are some essential file modifications:

Hackers who gain access to your WordPress dashboard can modify theme/plugin files. Disable file editing using the following code in wp-config.php:

Copydefine('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

Limit login page access by editing .htaccess:

Copy<Files wp-login.php>
	Order Deny,Allow
	Deny from all
	Allow from XX.XX.XX.XX
</Files>

Replace XX.XX.XX.XX with your static IP to allow access only from your network.

Prevent access to your WordPress configuration file by adding this code in .htaccess:

Copy<Files wp-config.php>
	Order Allow,Deny
	Deny from all
</Files>

Stop hackers from viewing your website’s directory structure by adding this line in .htaccess:

CopyOptions -Indexes

These manual tweaks significantly reduce security risks and should be implemented immediately.

Best Server & PHP Settings for WordPress Security

Your hosting environment plays a crucial role in security. Here are some important settings to enhance security at the server level:

Older PHP versions have security vulnerabilities. Always upgrade to the latest PHP version from your hosting control panel.

Prevent PHP execution in critical directories by adding this to .htaccess in the uploads folder:

Copy<FilesMatch "\.php$">
	deny from all
</FilesMatch>

• wp-config.php: 400 (read-only for the owner)
• .htaccess: 444 (read-only for all users)
• /wp-content/uploads/: 755 (read and execute for everyone, write for the owner)

XML-RPC is a major security risk and should be disabled in functions.php:

Copyadd_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');

Implementing these server settings will prevent unauthorized access and protect your site from common vulnerabilities.

Hidden Tips & Tricks to Make WordPress More Secure

By default, the WordPress login URL is wp-login.php. Changing it reduces brute-force attacks. Use plugins like WPS Hide Login to modify the login URL.

Require an additional authentication step using plugins like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Track login attempts, file changes, and user actions with Activity Log plugins.

Prevent brute-force attacks by restricting login attempts using the following code in functions.php:

Copyfunction limit_login_attempts($user, $password) {
	if (get_transient('failed_login_count') >= 5) {
		die('Too many failed login attempts. Please try again later.');
	}

	if (!wp_check_password($password, $user->user_pass, $user->ID)) {
		set_transient('failed_login_count', get_transient('failed_login_count') + 1, 60*10);
	}
}
add_action('wp_authenticate', 'limit_login_attempts', 30, 2);

Choose hosting providers with built-in firewalls, daily backups, and malware protection, such as SiteGround, Kinsta, or WP Engine.

Conclusion: Build a Strong WordPress Security Strategy

Securing your WordPress website requires a combination of plugins, manual tweaks, and server settings. Start by installing a security plugin, modifying critical files, and implementing server-level protections. Additionally, follow advanced security tips like changing the login URL, enabling 2FA, and monitoring activity.

By taking these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce security risks, protect your website from hackers, and ensure a safe browsing experience for your visitors. Implement these steps today to safeguard your WordPress website!