How to Secure WordPress Site & Stop Hackers Cold

How to secure WordPress site with firewalls, backups, & top tools. Defend your site from threats before it’s too late.

Why You Need to Protect Your Site

WordPress runs 40% of all websites. This makes it a big target for hackers. You need to keep your site safe. This protects your data and keeps users happy.

1. Keep Everything Updated

Update your site, themes, and plugins often.

Old software lets hackers in. Turn on auto-updates. Or check for updates every week.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Pick hard-to-guess passwords and limit user access

Don’t use “admin” as your username. Make passwords long and complex. Give users only the access they need.

3. Add a Security Plugin

Try these: Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security.

These plugins scan for harmful code. They block hackers. They limit login tries.

4. Use Two-Step Login

Add extra protection to your login.

Use apps like Google Auth or Authy. This adds a second step when you log in. Even if hackers get your password, they can’t get in.

5. Get an SSL Certificate

Make your site use HTTPS.

SSL keeps data safe as it moves around. It also helps your site rank better on Google. Most hosts give you SSL for free.

6. Hide Your Login Page

Change your login web address.

Use plugins like WPS Hide Login. This changes where people log in. Hackers can’t find your login page as easily.

7. Limit Login Tries

Stop hackers from guessing passwords.

Let people try to log in only 3-5 times. After that, block them for a while. Your security plugin can do this.

8. Stop File Changes in Your Dashboard

Block unwanted file edits.

Add this code to your wp-config.php file: define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

This stops people from changing files through your dashboard.

9. Protect Key Files

Keep wp-config.php and .htaccess files safe.

These files control your site—limit who can see them. Move wp-config.php up to one folder if you can.

Also Read: 25 Easy Steps To Make Your Website Faster

10. Back Up Your Site Often

Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault.

Even good security can fail. Save copies of your site every day or week. Store backups in a safe place.

11. Check for Bad Code Often

Scan your site for malware.

Use MalCare or Sucuri SiteCheck. These tools find hidden threats. Run scans weekly.

12. Watch What Users Do

Track changes on your site

Use the WP Activity Log plugin. This shows who changed what. You can spot odd behavior fast.

13. Pick Good Hosting

Choose hosts that care about security

Your host matters a lot. Good hosts like Cloudways offer:

Built-in firewalls
Auto-fixing servers
Security updates
Expert help

14. Turn Off XML-RPC

Close doors you don’t need

Unless you use Jetpack, turn off XML-RPC. This stops some types of attacks.

15. Add a Web Firewall

Block bad traffic before it hits your site

Use Cloudflare or Sucuri WAF. These services stop attacks in real time.

Keep Security Going

Learning how to secure your site is just step one. You must keep watching and updating.

Good-managed hosts like Cloudways make this easier. They handle the tech stuff. You can focus on growing your site. They keep it safe in the background.