What is best way to secure wordpress website

what is best way to secure wordpress website

🔐 1. Basic Security (Must Do First)

✔ Keep everything updated

  • Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly.
  • Remove unused plugins/themes.

✔ Use strong login protection

  • Strong password (12+ characters).
  • Change default username admin.
  • Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA).

✔ Install a security plugin

Best options:

  • Wordfence
  • Sucuri
  • iThemes Security

These provide:

  • Firewall
  • Malware scan
  • Login protection

🛡️ 2. Hosting & Server Level Security

✔ Use secure hosting

Choose hosting with:

  • Free SSL
  • Daily backups
  • Malware protection
  • WAF firewall

✔ Enable SSL (HTTPS)

  • Install Let’s Encrypt SSL.
  • Force HTTPS redirect.

🔒 3. File & Database Protection

✔ Change database prefix

  • Default wp_ → change to random like wp9x_.

✔ Set proper file permissions

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

✔ Disable file editing in dashboard

Add in wp-config.php:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

🚫 4. Block Hack Attempts

✔ Limit login attempts

Stops brute-force attacks.

✔ Change login URL

  • /wp-admin → custom URL (via plugin).

✔ Disable XML-RPC if not needed

Improves security.


💾 5. Backup Strategy (Very Important)

Use plugins like:

  • UpdraftPlus
  • All-in-One WP Migration

Keep:

  • Daily backup
  • Off-site storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

🧠 6. Advanced Protection (Professional Level)

  • Use Cloudflare firewall + CDN
  • Enable reCAPTCHA on login & forms
  • Monitor security logs
  • Set automatic malware scanning
  • Use separate admin email

⭐ Best Simple Security Setup (Recommended)

If you want easy & strong protection, do this:

  1. Install Wordfence
  2. Enable 2FA
  3. Setup daily backup (UpdraftPlus)
  4. Activate SSL + Cloudflare
  5. Keep plugins/themes updated

👉 This covers 90% of WordPress hacks.