Websites face constant security risks, and while WordPress is secure, it’s not immune to threats. With thousands of known vulnerabilities, protecting your site is crucial.
Understanding WordPress hardening helps keep your projects safe by following key security practices tailored to your needs. WordPress is secure by design, with frequent updates. However, its popularity makes it a prime target for attacks. A single vulnerability in a popular plugin or theme can lead to thousands of breaches, often due to outdated software.
Despite over 43,000 known vulnerabilities, avoiding WordPress isn’t the answer. Instead, securing your site properly is essential. The CMS offers flexibility and strong security features, making it more adaptable than many alternatives.
Server & Hosting Security
1. Use a Secure Hosting Provider – Choose a reputable host with security features like firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection. Great example is Hostens!
2. Keep PHP & Server Software Updated – Ensure your server runs the latest PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and web server versions. Outdated PHP, web server, and database software can expose your site to known vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure better security, improved performance, and compatibility with modern plugins and themes.
3. Disable XML-RPC – XML-RPC is a common attack vector for brute-force and DDoS attacks. Disabling it prevents unauthorized access attempts and reduces server load. Prevent brute force attacks and DDoS by disabling XML-RPC via functions.php or .htaccess. We provide more information here.
WordPress Core & Plugin Security
4. Always Update WordPress, Plugins & Themes – Use the latest versions to patch vulnerabilities. Outdated WordPress core, plugins, or themes are a leading cause of hacks. Keeping everything updated patches security flaws and ensures compatibility with the latest security standards.
5. Limit Plugins & Themes – Only install trusted, necessary plugins and delete unused ones. Not only many plugins activated and installed slows down the page, but increases your website vulnerability. If you want to find more information, read our article here.
6. Use a Security Plugin – Install plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security for firewall, malware scanning, and brute force protection.
Login & User Security
7. Change Default Login URL – Hide wp-login.php using a plugin like WPS Hide Login. The default /wp-login.php URL is a common target for brute-force attacks. Changing it reduces exposure to automated bots attempting to access your admin panel.
8. Limit Login Attempts – Use a plugin (Wordfence or any preferable) to block repeated failed logins and prevent brute force attacks. Restricting failed login attempts helps prevent brute-force attacks by blocking users after multiple failed login tries, making it harder for attackers to guess credentials.
9. Use Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Require strong passwords and enable 2FA for all users. Weak passwords are easily cracked by attackers. Enforcing strong passwords and enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized logins.
10 Disable File Editing in WP Admin – Add define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true); in wp-config.php to block direct edits. The built-in file editor can be exploited if an attacker gains admin access. Disabling it prevents unauthorized code modifications and limits potential damage.
11. Restrict Admin Access by IP – Use .htaccess to allow only specific IPs to access wp-admin. Limiting admin access to specific IP addresses ensures that only trusted users can log in, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Database & File Security
12. Change the Default Database Prefix – Modify the table prefix from wp_ to something unique in wp-config.php. By default, WordPress uses wp_ as its database prefix, making it a predictable target for SQL injection attacks. Changing it to a unique prefix adds an extra security layer.
13. Disable Directory Browsing – Add Options -Indexes in .htaccess to prevent file listing. Allowing directory browsing can expose sensitive files to attackers. Disabling it prevents unauthorized users from viewing your site’s structure and accessing confidential information.
14. Set Proper File Permissions – Use 644 for files and 755 for directories; wp-config.php should be 600. Incorrect file permissions can allow hackers to modify critical files.
15. Move wp-config.php to a Non-Public Directory – Relocate wp-config.php above the root directory for added security. The wp-config.php file contains sensitive database credentials. Moving it outside the public directory prevents direct access and adds another layer of security.
Network & Monitoring Security
16. Enable HTTPS with an SSL Certificate – Use Let’s Encrypt or another provider to encrypt data. SSL encrypts data between users and your site, protecting sensitive information like login credentials. Enabling HTTPS also improves SEO and builds user trust.
17. Monitor Audit Logs – Track user activity with plugins like WP Activity Log to detect suspicious changes. Keeping track of login attempts, file changes, and user activity helps detect suspicious behavior early. Monitoring logs can prevent unauthorized modifications and security breaches.
18. Enable a Web Application Firewall (WAF) – Use services like Cloudflare or Sucuri to block malicious traffic. A WAF helps block malicious traffic before it reaches your site, protecting against common threats like SQL injection, XSS, and brute-force attacks. Services like Cloudflare or Sucuri add an extra defense layer.
Securing your WordPress site is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. While WordPress is a powerful and secure platform, its popularity makes it a frequent target for attackers. By implementing key security measures—such as regular updates, strong authentication, and proper server configurations—you can significantly reduce risks.
