Secure Your WordPress Website

WordPress is a common target for hackers. Protect your site with these security best practices.

Essential Security Steps

Keep Everything Updated

Update WordPress core immediately when available
Update all plugins regularly
Update your theme
Remove unused plugins and themes

Use Strong Credentials

Never use "admin" as your username
Create strong, unique passwords
Use a password manager
Enable two-factor authentication

Install a Security Plugin

Recommended options:

Wordfence — Firewall and malware scanner Sucuri — Security monitoring and CDN iThemes Security — Comprehensive security features

Protect Your Login

Limit Login Attempts

Install a plugin to block IP addresses after failed login attempts.

Change Login URL

Change /wp-admin to a custom URL using a plugin like WPS Hide Login.

Add CAPTCHA

Add reCAPTCHA to your login form to prevent automated attacks.

File Security

Secure wp-config.php

Move above your web root or add protection rules in .htaccess.

Disable File Editing

Add this to wp-config.php: define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

Set Correct File Permissions

Folders: 755
Files: 644
wp-config.php: 600

Backup Regularly

Even with security measures, backups are essential.

Use UpdraftPlus for automated backups
Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox)
Test your backups by restoring on a staging site

Monitor Your Site

Check for malware regularly
Monitor login attempts
Review user accounts periodically
Set up uptime monitoring

If You're Hacked

Don't panic
Take your site offline
Restore from a clean backup
Change all passwords
Update everything
Scan for remaining malware
Contact BearHost support for assistance