Are you worried about hackers targeting your WordPress website? You’re not alone!

With over 44% of websites worldwide powered by WordPress, it’s a popular target for cyberattacks. But don’t panic—securing your site is easier than you think.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll help you through simple, effective steps to protect your website from threats like malware, brute force attacks, credit card skimming, and Phishing.

By following our WordPress security checklist, you’ll improve your site’s safety, gain user trust, and even enhance your SEO rankings—because search engines like Google love secure websites!

Whether you run a blog, an online store, or a business site, this guide will help you safeguard your website without needing tech expertise.

Let’s dive in and keep your WordPress site safe.

WordPress security overview

WordPress security has become more complicated as cyber threats evolve. Plugin vulnerabilities remain a significant ongoing issue, as many third-party plugins fail to keep up with security updates. Furthermore, the emergence of AI-powered attacks presents a new challenge for WordPress site owners, as these advanced attacks can circumvent traditional security measures.

WordFence blocked over 86 billion password attacks in 2021 alone, which accounted for 56% of WordPress vulnerabilities.

Hackers have started to view smaller websites as vulnerable because they have less robust security measures compared to larger companies. Consequently, website owners must remain alert and commit to implementing thorough security measures, including regular updates, strong passwords, and monitoring tools, to safeguard their WordPress sites from potential threats.

10 WordPress security checklist

1. Outdated themes and plugins: Hackers can access your site or inject malicious code by exploiting these security holes. 
2. Weak passwords: It is easy for hackers to guess weak passwords. 
3. Malware: Malicious software can steal data, redirect visitors, or display spam on your website. 
4. Credit card skimming: The Checkout process can be hacked by injecting malicious code. 
5. Unauthorized Login Attempts: Hackers may attempt to access your website by guessing passwords and usernames.
6. SQL injections: Hackers can trick your website into running malicious code that accesses your database. 
7. Cross-site scripting (XSS): Hackers can inject malicious scripts into visitors’ browsers. This code could steal data, redirect it to malicious sites, or deface your site. 
8. Denial-of-service attacks (DoS): Hackers can overload your site with traffic, making it inaccessible to legitimate visitors. 
9. Phishing: Hackers may send emails that appear to be from WordPress or another trusted source, forcing you to click on malicious links. 
10. Supply chain attacks: Hackers can target vulnerabilities in third-party code used by WordPress themes or plugins. This allows them to gain access to many websites at once.

How to check WordPress website security

You can scan your WordPress website for vulnerabilities in a simple and free way using some free vulnerability scanners. However, as with most things in life, you must pay if you want to be more advanced. Generally, WordPress vulnerabilities can be found using two approaches.  

Firstly, remote scanners 

The simplest and easiest way to scan your WordPress website is by using another vulnerability scanning website. Just input the URL of your website into their webpage, and your website will be scanned in a few seconds, with a report created afterward. Most scanners work, serving as a quick check in your security routine. Here are some of the most effective tools for scanning WordPress sites: 

• WPSec
• Sucuri SiteCheck
• WordPress Security Scan
• wpRecon.com
• Google Safe Browsing

Secondly, WordPress security plugins

A WordPress anti-spam plugin is essential if you own a WordPress website or multiple sites for your online business. Some plugins may cost you some money, but it can assist in maintaining the security of your website by preemptively blocking spam examples, such as comments and links that pose a security risk. Here are some of the best plugins for WordPress security scanning:  

• Patchstack
• Jetpack
• Plugin Check (PCP)
• Malcare Security Plugin
• Quttera Web Malware Scanner
• Wordfence Security
• Titan Anti-spam & Security

How to secure a WordPress website

Update outdated themes and plugins for better security

What’s the Issue? Themes and plugins are the backbone of your WordPress site’s functionality and design, but outdated ones are a hacker’s dream. Developers release updates to fix bugs, patch security holes, and improve performance. If you’re running old versions, your site becomes vulnerable to attacks that exploit known weaknesses.

How to Fix It:

• Regular Updates: Always keep your themes and plugins up to date. Check for updates in your WordPress dashboard under “Plugins” and “Themes.” Better yet, enable automatic updates for convenience—just go to the “Updates” section in your dashboard and turn on auto-updates for plugins and themes. This ensures you’re always running the latest, most secure versions.
• Security Plugins: Install a trusted security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri. These tools scan your site for vulnerabilities in themes and plugins, alert you to outdated software, and block suspicious activity. For example, Wordfence offers a free version with robust scanning features, while Sucuri provides advanced monitoring for a small fee.
• Remove Unused Themes/Plugins: If you’re not using a theme or plugin, delete it. Inactive plugins and themes can still be exploited by hackers, increasing your site’s “attack surface” (the number of entry points for an attack). Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Plugins” or “Themes,” deactivate any unused ones, and click “Delete.” This simple step reduces risks significantly.

Use strong passwords for enhanced protection

What’s the issue? Weak passwords, like “password123” or “admin,” are easy for hackers to guess, especially with automated tools that try thousands of combinations in seconds. If your login credentials are weak, hackers can gain full control of your site.

How to fix it:

• Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., “X9m#kL2p$Qw”). Avoid using personal information like birthdays or names. Tools like LastPass or 1Password generate and store strong passwords for you, so you don’t have to memorize them. In your WordPress dashboard, encourage all users (especially admins) to update their passwords under “Users” > “Profile.”
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) when logging in. Plugins like Two Factor Authentication or WP 2FA make it easy to set up. Once installed, follow the plugin’s instructions to connect it to an app like Google Authenticator or Authy. This ensures that even if someone guesses your password, they can’t log in without the second factor.

Scan regularly for malware detection

What’s the issue? Malware is malicious software that can infect your site, steal data, redirect visitors to shady sites, or even crash your website. It often sneaks in through outdated software, weak passwords, or compromised plugins.

How to fix it:

• Regular Scans: Use security plugins like Sucuri or Wordfence to scan your site for malware regularly. These tools check your site’s files for suspicious code and alert you to issues. For example, Sucuri’s SiteCheck scanner can be run for free to detect malware, while Wordfence offers automatic daily scans in its premium version. Set up these plugins in your WordPress dashboard and schedule scans to run weekly or daily.
• Malware Cleanup Services: If malware is detected, act fast. Services like Sucuri or MalCare offer professional cleanup, removing malicious code and restoring your site. These services often include ongoing monitoring to prevent future infections.

Secure checkout to prevent credit card skimming

What’s the issue? If you run an online store, hackers may target your checkout process to steal customers’ credit card details. This is called credit card skimming, and it can ruin your reputation and lead to legal trouble.

How to fix it:

• Secure Checkout: Use trusted e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce with secure payment gateways (e.g., Stripe or PayPal) that comply with PCI-DSS standards. These standards ensure that credit card data is encrypted and handled safely. When setting up your store, choose a payment processor that offers built-in security features.
• Content Security Policy (CSP): A CSP is a browser feature that limits where scripts (like those used in checkout) can load from, reducing the risk of malicious code. You can add a CSP using a plugin like Headers Security Advanced & HSTS WP or by editing your site’s configuration files (ask your hosting provider for help if you’re not technical).
• Regular Audits: Check your checkout process monthly for unusual activity, like unexpected redirects or slow performance. Plugins like Sucuri can audit your site and flag potential skimming attempts. If you’re not sure how to do this, hire a security professional for periodic reviews.

Limit login attempts to block unauthorized access

What’s the issue?
Hackers often use “brute force” attacks, where bots try thousands of username and password combinations to break into your site. Too many failed attempts can also slow down your server.

How to fix it:

• Limit Login Attempts: Install a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to block users after a set number of failed login tries (e.g., 3–5 attempts). This stops bots from endlessly guessing passwords. The plugin is free, easy to install, and works out of the box with minimal setup.
• IP Blacklisting: Use security plugins or your hosting provider’s tools to block IP addresses that show suspicious activity, like repeated failed logins. For example, Wordfence lets you block IPs manually or automatically. If you’re comfortable with server settings, you can also block IPs through your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel) or a firewall.

Protect against SQL injections with secure queries

What’s the issue? SQL injections are attacks where hackers insert malicious code into your site’s database queries, potentially stealing data or taking control of your site. These attacks exploit poorly coded plugins or forms.

How to fix it:

• Use prepared statements: If you or a developer write custom code for your site, ensure all database interactions use prepared statements or parameterized queries. These methods prevent malicious code from being executed. If you’re not a coder, don’t worry—this is mostly handled by WordPress and reputable plugins.
• Security Plugins: Plugins like All In One WP Security & Firewall or iThemes Security include features to block SQL injection attempts. Install one of these plugins and enable their database security settings to add an extra layer of protection.

Prevent cross-site scripting with updated software

What’s the issue? Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks involve hackers injecting malicious scripts into your site, which can run in visitors’ browsers to steal data or redirect them to harmful sites. These often exploit outdated software or unsecure forms.

How to fix it:

• Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch vulnerabilities that hackers use for XSS attacks. Check for updates in your WordPress dashboard and apply them promptly.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF filters incoming traffic to block malicious scripts. Services like Cloudflare (free or paid plans) or Sucuri offer WAFs that integrate easily with WordPress. Set up a WAF through your hosting provider or a security plugin for automatic protection.
• Security Plugins: Plugins like Wordfence or MalCare include XSS protection, scanning your site for suspicious scripts and blocking them before they cause harm. Install and configure one of these for ongoing defense.

Mitigate DoS attacks with traffic monitoring

What’s the issue? Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks flood your site with traffic to overwhelm your server, causing it to slow down or crash. This disrupts your visitors’ experience and can hurt your SEO.

How to fix it:

• DDoS Protection Services: Use services like Cloudflare or Akamai to absorb and filter malicious traffic before it reaches your server. Cloudflare’s free plan offers basic DDoS protection, while paid plans provide advanced features for larger sites.
• Traffic Monitoring: Tools like Jetpack or Wordfence let you monitor traffic patterns and alert you to sudden spikes that could indicate an attack. Set up alerts in these plugins to stay informed.
• Resource Allocation: Choose a hosting plan with enough bandwidth and server resources to handle traffic surges. Contact your hosting provider to ensure your plan is robust enough for your site’s needs, especially if you expect high traffic.

Block phishing with email filtering

What’s the issue? Phishing attacks trick you or your users into sharing sensitive information (like passwords) through fake emails or forms that look legitimate. These can compromise your site or its users.

How to fix it:

• Email Filtering: Use advanced email filtering tools (e.g., Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) to detect and block phishing emails before they reach your inbox. These services scan for suspicious links and sender addresses.
• Awareness Training: Educate yourself and your team about phishing red flags, like unexpected emails asking for login details or urgent requests. Resources like KnowBe4 offer free training materials for small businesses.
• Verification Protocols: Set up verification steps for sensitive actions, like password resets. For example, use a plugin like WP 2FA to require a code sent to your phone or email before changes are made.

Avoid supply chain attacks with trusted sources

What’s the issue? Supply chain attacks occur when hackers compromise a third-party theme, plugin, or service you use, sneaking malicious code into your site. These are hard to detect because the source seems trustworthy.

How to fix it:

• Trusted Sources: Only download themes and plugins from reputable places, like the official WordPress Plugin Repository or well-known developers like Yoast or Elegant Themes. Avoid free downloads from unverified sites, as they may contain hidden malware.
• Code Reviews: If you use custom or third-party code, have a developer review it for vulnerabilities. For most users, sticking to well-reviewed plugins with thousands of active installs is safer.

Security Updates: Subscribe to security newsletters (e.g., from Wordfence or Sucuri) to stay informed about vulnerabilities in third-party tools. Apply patches or updates as soon as they’re released to close security gaps.

Pro tips for WordPress website security

Tip 1: Select a reputable hosting provider

• Why: A reputable provider ensures robust security measures, reliable performance, and excellent support.
• How: Research hosting providers, read reviews, and choose ones known for security and reliability, like Kinsta, Hostinger, or Bluehost.

Tip 2: Implement HTTP security headers

• Why: Headers like Strict-Transport-Security, X-Frame-Options, and X-XSS-Protection add extra layers of security.
• How: Add these headers via your web server configuration or use a plugin like HTTP Headers.

Tip 3: Regularly backup your website

• Why: Backups ensure you can restore your site quickly after an attack.
• How: Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy, and store backups in a remote location.

Tip 4: Change Database Table Prefix

• Why: The default table prefix (wp_) is a common target for SQL injection attacks.
• How: Change it during installation or use a plugin like iThemes Security to modify it.

Tip 5: Lock down user Roles and permissions

• Why: Don’t give everyone “admin” access. Assign roles like “editor” or “author” based on specific needs. This minimizes the damage if a user account gets compromised.
• How: Utilize plugins like “User Role Editor” to manage user capabilities more granularly.

Tip 6: Monitor audit logs

• Why: Keeping track of changes and activities on your site helps identify suspicious actions.
• How: Use plugins like Patchstack to monitor and review changes.

Wrapping up

Ensuring website security is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Hackers can do serious damage to your business’s revenue and reputation. They can pilfer user data and passwords and even distribute malicious software to your site’s visitors. It’s crucial to prioritize WordPress security.

We really hope you found our article helpful for beefing up your WordPress security and checking out the most effective security system for your website. You should also take a look at our basic SEO optimization guide to boost your search engine rankings and our expert tips for picking premium WordPress hosting.

I really appreciate your time today! If you want more WordPress-related content,  feel free to subscribe to our blogs and join our Facebook community for all the latest updates and news.