13 Easy Steps to Improve WordPress Security and Keep Your Site Safe
Keep your WordPress website safe with proven, beginner-friendly security practices. Discover 13 actionable steps to defend your site and protect your business from online threats.
Why WordPress Security Matters
Did you know that one in three websites runs on WordPress (according to w3techs.com)?
This popularity makes it a top target for hackers, who exploit outdated plugins, weak passwords, and unprotected admin panels.
Fortunately, strengthening your site’s defenses doesn’t require coding expertise. Let’s explore the most effective steps to keep your site secure.
1. Keep WordPress Core Updated
Every WordPress update includes security patches and bug fixes. Outdated versions often contain vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit.
Enable automatic updates or check for updates weekly. This simple step closes known gaps before attackers can find them.
2. Always Make Regular Backups
If your website is ever compromised, backups are your safety net.
Use a reliable plugin (like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack) to schedule daily or weekly backups. Store copies both on your server and in cloud storage.
That way, if your site is hacked or deleted, you can restore everything quickly — no ransom or downtime.
3. Install Only Verified Plugins and Themes
Unverified plugins are a common source of malware.
Stick to plugins with:
- Many active installations
- Recent updates
- Positive reviews
Plugins like Advanced Custom Fields are great examples of trusted tools. Always delete inactive plugins to minimize potential vulnerabilities.
4. Avoid Using “admin” as Your Username
Weak credentials are an open invitation for hackers.
Change your username to something unique and create a strong password using a password manager (like LastPass or Bitwarden).
Strong, randomized passwords drastically reduce the risk of brute-force attacks.
5. Limit Login Attempts
Limit how many times someone can attempt to log in before being temporarily locked out.
A plugin such as Limit Login Attempts Reloaded can automatically block suspicious login behavior and send you alerts about failed attempts.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra verification step when logging in.
Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your site without your secondary approval (like an app code or SMS).
Plugins like Duo 2FA make setup easy.
7. Change Your Login URL
By default, every WordPress site’s login page is /wp-admin.
Changing this makes it harder for hackers to find the login form.
Use a plugin such as WPS Hide Login to customize your login URL to something private.
8. Disable File Editing in the Dashboard
Hackers who access your admin panel can modify your theme files directly.
Disable this by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
This simple tweak prevents unauthorized changes to your theme or plugin files.
9. Change Your Database Prefix
The default wp_ database prefix makes it easier for attackers to execute SQL injections.
When installing WordPress, choose a custom prefix (like mywp_ or secure_) to make attacks more difficult.
10. Keep Plugins and Themes Updated
Just like the WordPress core, plugins and themes also need frequent updates.
Never edit plugin files directly — updates will overwrite changes. Instead, use a child theme or custom plugin for modifications.
Regular updates patch known vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
You can always ask us to do that – check our maintenance plans 😊
11. Hide Your WordPress Version
Your site’s source code can reveal which WordPress version you’re using, giving hackers insight into known weaknesses.
Hide this information by adding this snippet to your functions.php:
function remove_wp_ver() { return ''; }
add_filter('the_generator', 'remove_wp_ver');
A small but effective security enhancement.
12. Restrict REST API Access
WordPress’s REST API lets developers interact with your site — but it can also expose sensitive user data if not secured.
If you’re not using external integrations, disable REST API access for unauthorized users.
Only allow endpoints you truly need for your site’s functionality.
13. Install an SSL Certificate
That padlock symbol in the browser means your site uses SSL encryption.
SSL protects sensitive information (like payment details or login data) from interception.
Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.
Without SSL, your site may show as “Not Secure” — and that can hurt both trust and SEO rankings.
Final Thoughts
Securing your WordPress site doesn’t need to be complicated.
By following these 13 simple steps — updating regularly, using strong passwords, backing up data, and enabling SSL — you’ll greatly reduce your risk of being hacked.
Remember: prevention is cheaper than recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the easiest way to secure a WordPress site?
Start with updates, backups, and a security plugin. These three actions eliminate most vulnerabilities.
Q2: Do I really need a security plugin?
Yes. Plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri scan for malware, block brute-force attacks, and automatically apply fixes.
Q3: How often should I back up my site?
Daily backups are best for active sites. Weekly is fine for blogs that update less frequently.
Q4: What’s the best WordPress hosting for security?
Choose managed WordPress hosting — providers like Mark1 Hosting, SiteGround, or WP Engine include automatic updates and security scans.
Q5: What should I do if my site is hacked?
Change all passwords, scan for malware, restore from a backup, and contact your hosting provider. Then patch vulnerabilities immediately.
Key Takeaway
WordPress security is ongoing — not optional.
Stay proactive with regular updates, strong credentials, backups, and modern security tools. Doing so ensures your website remains safe, trustworthy, and ready for visitors or customers anytime.
Get Professional WordPress Security and Maintenance Support
If you need support in this area, let us know at support@mark1.biz. We’ll help you secure your website effectively.
