WordPress isn't insecure, outdated, poorly-configured WordPress is. A handful of habits stops the overwhelming majority of attacks.
Almost all WordPress hacks exploit known vulnerabilities in out-of-date plugins, or weak/reused passwords. Close those two doors and you've dealt with most of the risk.
1. Keep everything updated
Core, themes and plugins all ship security fixes. Enable automatic updates for minor releases and patch plugins promptly. Delete any theme or plugin you don't use, inactive code is still attackable.
2. Lock down logins
Use a unique, strong admin password, never admin as a username, and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). Limit login attempts to stop brute-force bots.
3. Put a firewall in front
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious requests before they reach WordPress. Cloudflare or a plugin like Wordfence filters bad traffic and known attack patterns. Hosting that includes a WAF and malware scanning does this for you.
4. Force HTTPS
Install a free SSL certificate and redirect all traffic to HTTPS. It encrypts data in transit and is expected by both browsers and Google.
5. Disable what you don't need
Turn off file editing in wp-admin (DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT), disable XML-RPC if unused (a common brute-force vector), and remove default content.
6. Back up: your safety net
If the worst happens, a recent off-site backup turns a disaster into an inconvenience. Pair backups with malware scanning so you spot a compromise early. See our backup guide.
Key takeaways
- Most hacks exploit outdated plugins and weak passwords.
- Use 2FA and limit login attempts.
- Put a WAF in front of the site and force HTTPS.
- Keep tested off-site backups as your safety net.
Managed security & updates
Let us handle updates, monitoring and security patching so your site stays safe.
See managed servicesFrequently asked questions
Do I need a security plugin?
A firewall/scanner helps, but updates, strong logins and 2FA matter more. Host-level protection is even better as it works even if WordPress is down.
Is WordPress safe to use?
Yes. It powers a huge share of the web. Keep it updated and configured correctly and it's very secure.
What should I do if my site is hacked?
Take it offline, restore from a clean backup, change all passwords, update everything, and scan for malware. We help customers recover and harden their sites.