How to Secure Your WordPress Site from Common Threats

Jens M Jan 7, 2025 Security
What steps can I take to make sure my website is safe from hackers and viruses?
What are the essential security measures and best practices to implement in WordPress to protect against common vulnerabilities and attacks?
Andy answered Jan 7, 2025

Essential Security Measures for WordPress

1. Basic Security Setup

Strong Authentication

  • Use complex passwords with mixed characters
  • Change the default 'admin' username
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Limit login attempts

Recommended plugin: Wordfence Security

  • Offers firewall protection
  • Malware scanning
  • Login security features

File Permissions

Set correct file permissions:

// WordPress files: 644
// WordPress folders: 755
// wp-config.php: 600
// .htaccess: 644

2. Keep Everything Updated

  • WordPress core
  • Themes
  • Plugins
  • PHP version

Auto-update configuration in wp-config.php:

define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);
define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', false);

3. Secure WordPress Configuration

Hide WordPress Version

Add this to functions.php:

function remove_version_info() {
    return '';
}
add_filter('the_generator', 'remove_version_info');

Disable XML-RPC

Add to .htaccess:

# Disable XML-RPC
<Files xmlrpc.php>
    order deny,allow
    deny from all
</Files>

Disable File Editing

Add to wp-config.php:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

4. Database Security

  • Use strong database prefix (not wp_)
  • Regular backups
  • Secure database credentials

Recommended plugin: UpdraftPlus

  • Automated backups
  • Cloud storage integration
  • Easy restoration

5. SSL Implementation

  • Install SSL certificate
  • Force HTTPS

Add to wp-config.php:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);

6. Firewall and Security Headers

Security Headers

Add to .htaccess:

<IfModule mod_headers.c>
    Header set X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block"
    Header set X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN"
    Header set X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff"
    Header set Referrer-Policy "strict-origin-when-cross-origin"
</IfModule>

7. Regular Maintenance

  • Monitor security logs
  • Scan for malware regularly
  • Remove unused themes/plugins
  • Regular security audits

Recommended plugin: Sucuri Security

  • Activity monitoring
  • Security scanning
  • File integrity monitoring

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Using nulled themes/plugins
  2. Neglecting updates
  3. Weak passwords
  4. Unnecessary plugins
  5. Unsecured file permissions

Additional Security Tips

  1. Move wp-config.php above root
  2. Restrict access to wp-admin
  3. Use security keys

Generate new security keys:

define('AUTH_KEY',         'unique-phrase-here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY',  'unique-phrase-here');
define('LOGGED_IN_KEY',    'unique-phrase-here');
define('NONCE_KEY',        'unique-phrase-here');
define('AUTH_SALT',        'unique-phrase-here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_SALT', 'unique-phrase-here');
define('LOGGED_IN_SALT',   'unique-phrase-here');
define('NONCE_SALT',       'unique-phrase-here');

Remember to:

  • Regularly test security measures
  • Keep backup copies offsite
  • Document security procedures
  • Monitor site activity regularly

These measures create multiple layers of security, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise your WordPress site.