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How to Secure Your WordPress Website from Hackers

March 10, 2025
Featured, Web Development
3 min read

Keeping your WordPress website secure is crucial to prevent hackers, malware, and data breaches. WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms, but without proper security measures, it can become a target for cyberattacks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best steps to secure your WordPress site and introduce an essential tool that helps fortify your site’s defenses.

Secure WordPress Website

Why WordPress Security Matters

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a prime target for attackers. A compromised website can lead to data theft, search engine blacklisting, or even loss of business. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your website from these threats.

Cybersecurity Threats to WordPress


WordPress is the most widely used CMS but is also a prime target for hackers. A report by Sucuri found that over 95.6% of all hacked websites in 2022 were running WordPress. One of the biggest risks comes from outdated software—around 10.4% of WordPress sites are vulnerable simply because they’re not updated. Additionally, 97% of WordPress attacks are automated, meaning hackers use bots to scan and exploit weak sites within seconds. Globally, cyber threats are on the rise, with 304.7 million ransomware attacks recorded in just the first half of 2021—an average of 20 attacks per second. These numbers make one thing clear: securing your WordPress site isn’t optional, it’s essential. Taking proactive steps to implement security measures can help protect your website from becoming the next statistic.

Step 1: Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Outdated software is the most common vulnerability for WordPress sites. Hackers exploit outdated themes and plugins to gain access. To prevent this:

  • Enable automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
  • Regularly check for updates in the WordPress dashboard.
  • Remove unused or outdated plugins and themes.

Step 2: Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways hackers can gain access. Strengthen your login credentials by:

  • Using unique, complex passwords for WordPress admin accounts.
  • Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
  • Limiting login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.

Step 3: Secure Your Login Page

The default WordPress login page is a common target for hackers. Protect it by:

  • Changing the default wp-admin URL to a custom login page.
  • Enabling reCAPTCHA to prevent bot attacks.
  • Implementing login attempt limits to block excessive failed logins.

Step 4: Install a Security Plugin

A robust security plugin acts as a firewall against threats. One of the best tools for this is Wordfence, which provides:

  • A powerful firewall to block malicious traffic.
  • Malware scanning to detect and remove threats.
  • Real-time monitoring to prevent brute-force attacks.

To install and configure Wordfence:

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Search for Wordfence Security and install it.
  3. Activate the plugin and follow the setup wizard.
  4. Enable the Web Application Firewall (WAF) and configure the malware scanner.

Step 5: Regularly Backup Your Website

Having a backup ensures that even if something goes wrong, you can restore your site. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup to schedule regular backups.

Step 6: Enable HTTPS and SSL Certificates

An SSL certificate encrypts data between users and your site, preventing data theft. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. Once installed, your website URL will start with https://, making it secure and boosting SEO.

Step 7: Monitor User Activity and Limit Admin Access

Not all security threats come from external sources. To prevent unauthorized access:

  • Restrict admin access to only essential users.
  • Monitor user activity logs to detect suspicious behavior.
  • Change the default admin username to a custom one.

Step 8: Disable XML-RPC and Pingbacks

Hackers often exploit XML-RPC to launch DDoS attacks. Disable it by adding the following code to your .htaccess file:

# Disable XML-RPC
<Files xmlrpc.php>
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</Files>

Step 9: Scan Your Website for Malware Regularly

Regular security scans help detect vulnerabilities before they become serious threats. With Wordfence, you can:

  • Schedule automatic scans.
  • Receive instant alerts if malware is detected.
  • Get recommendations for fixing security issues.

Step 10: Set Up a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Wordfence’s firewall is one of the best options, filtering out known attackers, blocking suspicious login attempts, and preventing SQL injections.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress site isn’t a one-time task—it requires ongoing maintenance and vigilance. By following these steps, using a security plugin like Wordfence, and staying updated, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats.

Looking to secure your WordPress site today? Start implementing these security practices now and keep your website safe from hackers.

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