Strengthen your WordPress with these Security Tips

This guide details the most critical WordPress security tips for 2025 and beyond that you can implement immediately to fortify your website against common threats.

Core Foundation: Securing Access & Credentials

Your login portal is the front door. These steps ensure it’s bolted shut against unauthorized entry.

1. Strengthen Login Credentials & Enable 2FA

First, use a strong, unique password to access your WP-Admin directory. Avoid using credentials you’ve used elsewhere, as hackers frequently use compromised credentials in “credential stuffing” attacks.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds a critical second layer of security. Even if a password is compromised via a brute force attack, the attacker cannot access your site without the second factor—a code from an app, SMS, or email. Enable 2FA using plugins like WordPress Two Factor Authentication.

2. Limit Login Attempts & Rename Your Login URL

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, making brute force attacks feasible.

• Limit Login Attempts: Use a security plugin to restrict attempts (e.g., 3 failed logins triggers a 24-hour block).
• Rename Your Login URL: Change the default `/wp-admin` or `/wp-login.php` path to something unique (e.g., `/my-secure-login-path`). This simple step stops a vast majority of automated bot attacks targeting the standard URL.

3. Use Unpredictable Usernames

Never use “admin” as a username. Create a unique, unpredictable username for all administrator accounts. Different accounts should have different usernames to prevent one breach from compromising others.

Technical Hardening: Core Files, Updates & Backups

Secure the underlying structure of your site and prepare for the worst.

4. Update Everything Religiously

Outdated core, themes, and plugins are the #1 cause of hacked websites. Updates often patch critical security vulnerabilities.

• Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins as soon as updates are available, especially security patches.
• Delete unused themes and plugins. Inactive code can still contain vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
• Read patch notes to understand what vulnerabilities are being fixed.

5. Protect Critical Files & Disable Editing

Lock down access to your site’s most sensitive areas.

• Protect `wp-config.php`: This file contains your database credentials and site keys. Move it one level above your WordPress root directory to hide it from direct web access.
• Disable File Editing: Turn off the built-in theme/plugin code editor in your WordPress dashboard. If a hacker gains admin access, this prevents them from injecting malicious code directly. You can disable it by adding define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to your `wp-config.php` file.

6. Implement SSL/HTTPS Encryption

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your visitor’s browser and your server. It’s essential for protecting login credentials, forms, and personal data. It’s also a Google ranking signal.

• Most quality hosting providers offer free SSL certificates (like Let’s Encrypt). Ensure it’s installed and active, indicated by “HTTPS” and a padlock in the browser address bar.

7. Maintain Regular, Off-Site Backups

Your ultimate safety net. If disaster strikes—a hack, a faulty update, or server failure—a recent backup is the only way to restore your site quickly.

• Back up your entire site (files and database) automatically on a daily or weekly schedule.
• Store backups off-site (e.g., cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or a dedicated backup service).
• Regularly test that your backups can be restored successfully.

Advanced Protection: Hosting, Bots & Security Plugins

Leverage professional tools and services for robust, automated defense.

8. Choose Secure, Managed WordPress Hosting

Your host is your site’s foundation. A secure host provides server-level protections you cannot implement yourself.

9. Install a Specialized Security Plugin

A comprehensive security plugin acts as a continuous monitoring system and firewall for your site.

• Performs malware scans and alerts you to suspicious activity.
• Offers a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
• Helps enforce many of the hardening measures mentioned above (login limits, etc.).
• Popular, reliable options include Wordfence, Sucuri Security, and iThemes Security.

10. Deploy an AI-Powered Bot Management Solution

Modern cyberattacks are executed by sophisticated bots. A generic firewall isn’t enough.

• You need a solution that uses behavioral analysis to distinguish between good bots (like Googlebot), bad bots (scrapers, brute force tools), and real human visitors.
• Solutions like DataDome operate in real-time to block malicious bot traffic without impacting site performance or blocking legitimate users.

Conclusion: Security is an Ongoing Process

WordPress powers over 35% of the web, making it a prime target. The tips outlined here—from strong passwords and regular updates to secure hosting and professional security plugins—form a layered defense. Implementing them significantly reduces your risk.

Author Bio – Mike Khorev

Mike is an SEO expert and digital marketing consultant who helps small and mid-size businesses generate more leads, sales and grow revenue online. He offers expert advice on marketing your company the right way through performance-based SEO digital marketing, web design, social media, search engine marketing and many other online practices.

Email ID: mikekhorev3@gmail.com
Website/Gravatar: https://en.gravatar.com/khorevmike

Social Media Links:
Twitter | LinkedIn