WordPress is a powerful and widely-used platform, but because of its popularity, it can be a target for hackers. The good news is that keeping your WordPress site secure doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple tips that any beginner can follow to improve their site’s security.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
One of the most important things you can do is keep your WordPress version, themes, and plugins up to date. Updates often include security fixes. When you delay updates, your site may become vulnerable to known issues.
What to do:
Log in to your WordPress dashboard regularly and update everything that shows an “update available” notice.
2. Use Strong Passwords
Weak passwords are easy for hackers to guess. Make sure your WordPress admin password is strong and unique. A good password includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
What to do:
Avoid using simple passwords like “admin123” or your name. Use a password manager to create and store complex passwords.
3. Don’t Use “admin” as Your Username
By default, many people use “admin” as their username, and hackers know this. If they already know your username, they only have to guess your password.
What to do:
Create a new user with administrator rights and a unique username. Then delete the old “admin” user.
4. Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often try to guess your login details by attempting to log in over and over. You can block them by limiting the number of login attempts allowed.
What to do:
Install a plugin like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” to block IPs that try to log in too many times.
5. Use a Security Plugin
Security plugins can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. They scan your site for malware, check for vulnerabilities, and block suspicious behavior.
What to do:
Install a beginner-friendly plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security. Configure basic settings like firewall, login protection, and scans.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without a special code sent to your phone or email.
What to do:
Use plugins like WP 2FA or miniOrange to add this feature to your login page.
7. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider
Your web hosting provider plays a big role in your site’s security. A good host protects your site at the server level with firewalls, malware scanning, and backups.
What to do:
Use a reputable WordPress hosting company like SiteGround, Kinsta, or Bluehost.
8. Backup Your Site Regularly
Even with strong security, accidents can happen. Backups let you quickly restore your site if it ever gets hacked or something breaks.
What to do:
Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack to automatically back up your site daily or weekly.
9. Disable File Editing in the Dashboard
WordPress allows you to edit theme and plugin files from the dashboard. If a hacker gets access, they can inject harmful code easily.
What to do:
Disable file editing by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
10. Use SSL (HTTPS)
SSL encrypts the connection between your website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information. It also builds trust and helps your SEO.
What to do:
Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates. You can also use the “Really Simple SSL” plugin to enable it easily.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your WordPress site secure. Just by following these simple tips, you’ll be protecting your site from most common threats. The key is to stay updated, use strong login practices, and use tools that make your life easier.