How to Improve WordPress Security in 2024 [10 Methods to Protect Your Site]

Most likely, you are searching for ways to improve WordPress security effectively. If so, then you’re on the right page!

As the world’s leading content management system (CMS), WordPress powers more than 43% of websites globally. However, this widespread popularity also makes it a primary target for cyberattacks.

Hackers exploit website vulnerabilities and loopholes; this doesn’t mean WordPress is insecure. Instead, many breaches happen because site owners do not take proper security measures.

To keep your WordPress site safe, taking preventative measures and minimizing hacker attacks is crucial. In this guide, you’ll learn why WordPress security is important, what causes security issues for a WordPress site, and how to improve WordPress security in ten effective ways.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Why Is WordPress Security So Important?

When a WordPress site gets hacked, it can severely impact your business’s revenue and reputation. Hackers often target websites to steal sensitive data like user credentials, install harmful software, or spread malware to your visitors.

In extreme cases, you might even face ransomware demands to regain control of your site. Every day, Google alerts 12–14 million users about potentially unsafe websites and blacklists over 10,000 sites for malware or phishing.

Just as physical store owners secure their premises, online business owners must take robust measures to protect their WordPress sites. Strong WordPress security practices are essential to maintaining your website’s integrity and safeguarding your users.

Reasons Behind WordPress Security Issues

In general, WordPress is considered a relatively safe platform, but its open-source nature and reliance on plugins and themes can expose your site to potential vulnerabilities. Security risks often arise due to outdated software, weak credentials, poorly vetted plugins, etc.

Here are some of the key reasons behind WordPress security issues:

• Outdated Software: Neglecting to update the WordPress core, themes, or plugins can leave your site exposed to known exploits.
• Weak Passwords: Simple or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
• SQL Injection: Attackers manipulate your site’s input fields to access your database and retrieve sensitive data.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Malicious scripts are injected into your site to steal user data or deface your pages.
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Users are tricked into performing unwanted actions without their consent.
• Plugin Vulnerabilities: Adding unverified or insecure plugins can introduce opportunities for cyberattacks.
• DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service attacks overwhelm your site with traffic, causing downtime.
• Spam and Malware: Unprotected comment sections and lack of malware defenses can compromise your website.
• Brute Force Attacks: Hackers try multiple username and password combinations to infiltrate your site.
• File Inclusion Exploits: Poor input sanitization allows attackers to include harmful files on your server.
• Phishing Attacks: Hackers create fake login pages or send deceptive emails to steal login credentials.
• Data Leaks: Weak configurations or unsecured third-party services can expose sensitive information.

Understanding these vulnerabilities empowers you to implement the right measures to protect your site.

10 Effective Methods to Improve WordPress Security

Let’s check out the ten simple ways you can improve the security of your WordPress site.

#1: Update the WordPress Core Software

Keeping your WordPress core software up to date is one of the most effective ways to secure your website. WordPress regularly rolls out updates to enhance functionality, fix bugs, and patch security vulnerabilities.

Despite this, over 63% of WordPress websites still use outdated versions, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. 

To stay protected, log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Dashboard → Updates, and check for available updates.

If your site isn’t running the latest version, click Check Again and update immediately to minimize security risks.

#2: Change Your WordPress Login Page URL

The default WordPress login page is easily accessible, as anyone can reach it by adding /wp-login.php or /wp-admin to your site’s domain. This accessibility creates an open door for cyber attackers to launch brute-force attacks, where they repeatedly try combinations of usernames and passwords until they gain access. 

By changing the login URL, you can block unauthorized access attempts and significantly enhance your site’s security.

To change your WordPress login URL without tampering with core files, you can use the All In One Login plugin. This method is safe, efficient, and user-friendly. Follow these steps to modify your login page URL:

1. Install and Activate the Plugin
   • Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins → Add New, and search for “All In One Login.”
   • Click Install Now and then Activate once the installation is complete.
2. Access the Login Protection Settings
   • After activation, go to All In One Login → Login Protection in the WordPress admin menu.
3. Enable the Change Login URL Feature
   • Find the Change Login URL section within the Login Protection tab.
   • Toggle the switch to enable this feature.
4. Set a New Login URL
   • Enter a unique and unpredictable URL in the provided field. Avoid using common terms like /admin or /custom-login. Instead, create something creative and secure, such as /secure-access-678.
5. Save and Test the New URL
   • Click Save Changes to apply the new login URL.
   • Open a new browser window or incognito tab and test the URL to ensure it works correctly.

6. Inform Other Users
   • If your site has multiple users, share the updated login URL with them to prevent access issues.

Changing your login page URL is a simple yet powerful step to protect your WordPress site from brute-force attacks and unauthorized login attempts. Be sure to bookmark the new URL for easy access in the future.

💡 You might want to read this 👉 How To Enhance Your WordPress Login Security: 8 Effective Tips

#3: Set Strong WordPress Login Credentials

Weak usernames like “admin” or “abc123” and simple passwords make your site an easy target for brute-force attacks. Hackers often rely on these common credentials to break into WordPress websites.

In fact, according to a study by NordVPN, simple passwords like “abcd1234” take hackers less than one second to guess.

This alarming fact highlights the importance of following the best password practices to protect your WordPress site from brute-force attacks.

Start by creating a unique username that isn’t easily guessable. Avoid using default or generic names. Pair it with a strong password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The length of your password should be at least 14 characters long..

To further enhance the WordPress login security, create a new administrator account with secure credentials by following these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Users → Add New User.
• Assign the Administrator role to the new account, set a robust password, and click Add New User.

Once the new account is set up, delete the old, less secure admin account to close any potential security gaps.

#4: Implement Brute-Force Attack Protection

WordPress, by default, permits unlimited login attempts, making it susceptible to brute-force attacks. Cybercriminals exploit this by trying countless username and password combinations until they gain access. You can reduce this risk by limiting the number of failed login attempts, which also helps you detect suspicious activity, such as repeated access attempts from the same IP address.

To implement WordPress limit login attempts , use a login security plugin like All In One Login. Follow these steps to set it up:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to Plugins → Add New and search for “AIO Login.”
• Click Install Now, and once the button updates, select Activate.
• Open the plugin’s settings, click Allow & Continue, and navigate to the Login Protection tab.
• Enable the Limit Login Attempts feature, set a reasonable maximum attempt limit (e.g., 3-5), specify the lockout duration in minutes, and create a custom lockout message.

Save your settings to immediately improve your site’s protection against brute-force attacks. By adding this extra layer of security, you make it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your website.

#5: Install SSL Certificate for Your Site Domain 

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is essential for protecting data exchanged between your website and its visitors. By encrypting this information, SSL significantly reduces the risk of hackers intercepting sensitive data like login credentials and payment details.

With SSL installed, your site’s URL changes from HTTP to HTTPS, and a padlock icon appears next to the address bar in browsers. This visual indicator assures users that your website has a secure connection, fostering trust and boosting credibility.

SSL certificates are issued by recognized certificate authorities (CAs), and their prices can vary. However, services like Let’s Encrypt provide free SSL certificates, supported by major organizations such as Google Chrome, Mozilla, and Facebook. Many hosting providers also include SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages, making it simple and cost-effective to secure your site.

If your host doesn’t offer SSL, you can still obtain one manually through a CA or use a free option like Let’s Encrypt. Once installed, ensure your site redirects all traffic from HTTP to HTTPS to provide a secure browsing experience for your users.

#6: Turn Off .htaccess and wp-config.php File Editing

The .htaccess and wp-config.php files are critical to your WordPress site’s functionality and security. The .htaccess file ensures your site’s links work correctly, manages URL structure, and can block or restrict IP addresses. Similarly, the wp-config.php file contains your site’s database credentials and core configuration, making it a high-value target for hackers. To enhance security, restrict unauthorized access, and disable unnecessary PHP execution.

NOTE: Always back up these files before modifying them. This precaution ensures you can restore your site if issues arise.

Prevent PHP Execution in the Uploads Folder

Hackers often exploit the /wp-content/uploads/ directory to run malicious scripts. To block PHP execution in this folder:

1. Create a new .htaccess file in the uploads directory.
2. Add the following rules:

<Files *.php>

deny from all

</Files>

Restrict Access to wp-config.php

Since wp-config.php contains sensitive site settings and database credentials, protect it with these .htaccess rules:

<files wp-config.php>

order allow,deny

deny from all

</files>

These changes safeguard your site from unauthorized access and exploitation, making it more resilient to attacks. Remember to test your site after implementing these measures to confirm everything works smoothly.

#7: Disable WordPress XML-RPC Feature

The XML-RPC feature in WordPress facilitates remote publishing, mobile device access, and functionalities like trackbacks, pingbacks, and Jetpack integration. Despite its utility, XML-RPC poses significant security risks that can compromise your website.

Why Disable XML-RPC?

1. Brute-Force Attacks: Hackers can exploit XML-RPC to bypass login restrictions by sending multiple login attempts in a single request.
2. DDoS Vulnerabilities: The pingback functionality allows attackers to leverage your site for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks by sending pingbacks to numerous websites, overwhelming the targeted servers.

How to Check if XML-RPC is Enabled

Use an XML-RPC validation tool to test your site. If the tool returns a success message, the feature is active and should be disabled for better security.

Ways to Disable XML-RPC

1. Use a Plugin

The quickest method to disable XML-RPC is by installing a plugin like Disable XML-RPC Pingback. This plugin deactivates XML-RPC features automatically, protecting your site without requiring manual intervention.

2. Disable XML-RPC Manually

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can disable XML-RPC by editing your .htaccess file in your site’s root directory. Add the following code to block XML-RPC requests:

# Block WordPress xmlrpc.php requests

<Files xmlrpc.php>

order deny,allow

deny from all

</Files>

If you need to allow XML-RPC access for specific IPs, replace deny from all with allow from [IP address].

By disabling XML-RPC, you can significantly reduce the risk of brute-force and DDoS attacks, making your WordPress site more secure.

#8: Perform Regular Malware Scans on Your Website

Scanning your website for malware is essential to maintaining its security. A reliable WordPress security plugin can automatically monitor your site for malicious code and suspicious activity. However, if you notice a sudden drop in traffic or search engine rankings, manually scanning your site for malware is a smart precaution.

To conduct a manual scan, use your security plugin or opt for a trusted online malware scanner. These tools work by analyzing your website’s URL to detect malicious code, compromised files, or other vulnerabilities. Many of these scanners are user-friendly and provide quick results, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

Keep in mind, though, that most scanners are limited to identifying threats. They may alert you to malware but lack the ability to remove it or clean your site if it’s hacked. For thorough malware removal, consider using specialized tools or professional security services.

Proactively scanning your website helps you address potential issues early, reducing the risk of further damage or downtime.

#9: Uninstall Unused Themes and Plugins

Unused themes and plugins can create unnecessary security risks for your WordPress site. Outdated or inactive plugins and themes often become gateways for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. By removing them, you not only improve security but also reduce site clutter and optimize performance.

To delete an unused plugin, navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins in your WordPress dashboard. Locate the plugin you no longer need, click Deactivate, and then select Delete to remove it permanently. Note that the delete option only becomes available after deactivation.

For themes, go to Appearance → Themes in your dashboard. Select the theme you want to delete, and in the pop-up window showing its details, click the Delete button at the bottom. This action will permanently remove the theme from your site.

Keep in mind that deleting plugins and themes via the dashboard might not always remove all related data. For a complete cleanup, use an FTP client to manually delete residual files and access your database to remove any associated entries.

#10: Pick a Secure WordPress Host

Your web hosting provider plays a critical role in safeguarding your WordPress site. A secure host acts as your first line of defense against potential threats. While budget-friendly hosting might save money upfront, it often lacks robust security features, making your site vulnerable to attacks. Investing in a reputable hosting provider with strong security measures ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.

When evaluating a hosting provider, look for these essential security features:

• Automated Backups: Regular backups, either included in the plan or available for an extra fee, allow you to restore your site quickly in case of an attack or error.
• Free SSL Certificates: SSL encrypts data exchanged between your site and its visitors, ensuring secure connections.
• 24/7 Support: Reliable customer support ensures you can act swiftly if your site is compromised.
• Built-In Firewalls: A firewall prevents unauthorized access and shields your server files and database from malicious activity.
• Security Monitoring: Regular scans to detect and alert you about malware or suspicious activity help keep your site clean and secure.
• Positive Reviews: Look for customer testimonials and industry recommendations to assess a host’s reliability and reputation.

Although a secure hosting provider may cost more, the investment is worthwhile for enhanced protection and superior service. Research thoroughly and select a hosting company known for prioritizing security to ensure your WordPress site stays safe from potential threats.

Wrapping Up —Improve WordPress Security

Improving WordPress security is essential for protecting your business, reputation, and users. By implementing the ten methods outlined in this guide, you can proactively safeguard your website against hackers and cyber threats. Take immediate steps to enhance your site’s security and create a safer online environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly to stay ahead of vulnerabilities.
• Change your WordPress login page URL to block unauthorized access.
• Use strong login credentials and limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Install an SSL certificate to secure data exchanges and build trust.
• Remove unused themes and plugins to eliminate unnecessary risks.
• Perform malware scans and disable risky features like XML-RPC for added protection.

Improve WordPress security today by following these measures. Download the All In One Login plugin to strengthen your login security and make your website more resilient against threats. 

Remember that protecting your site starts with proactive steps—don’t wait for an attack to take action!