Is WordPress Safe? Security Tips You Need to Know

Margabagus.com – When it comes to website security, WordPress can be a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, it’s one of the most popular and powerful platforms out there, powering over 40% of the entire internet. On the other hand, that popularity makes it a huge target for hackers. So, is WordPress safe? And if not entirely, what can you do to secure it? Let’s dig into this.

With security concerns on the rise, especially if you’re new to WordPress, it’s natural to wonder if your site can be safely managed. After all, you’re not just setting up a simple blog or project here—this could be your professional portfolio, a business, or a brand you’re building. Let’s talk about how you can keep it secure.

Why WordPress Security Matters

In an age where data breaches and malware attacks are frequent, knowing how to secure your WordPress site isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. According to recent studies, WordPress sites are frequently targeted simply because they’re common. Attackers are often looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit, and they know that many beginners (like you or me when we first started) might skip essential security practices.

Is WordPress Inherently Safe?

Is WordPress Inherently Safe?

The short answer is: Yes, WordPress itself is a secure platform. The WordPress core team works tirelessly to maintain and update it to keep up with evolving security threats. But here’s the catch—you play a big role in keeping it safe. WordPress is only as secure as the measures you implement. Let’s look at how you can ensure that security is in place.

Step 1: Regularly Update Everything

This is the single most effective thing you can do. WordPress itself, as well as any plugins and themes you use, receive regular updates to fix bugs and patch vulnerabilities. When updates are released, attackers often target sites that haven’t yet updated because they know the vulnerabilities are still open.

Why Updates Matter

When you leave your WordPress core, plugins, or themes outdated, you’re basically leaving a door open for hackers to walk right through. Updates close those doors and reinforce your security defenses. Make it a habit to check for updates at least once a week.

Step 2: Use Strong, Unique Passwords

It may sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many sites get hacked simply because of weak passwords. If you’re still using “password123” or “admin” for your credentials, it’s time to change them—right now.

Pro Tip: Use a Password Manager

Strong passwords can be difficult to remember, especially if you’re managing multiple accounts. A password manager like LastPass or 1Password generates complex passwords and stores them for you, so you only have to remember one master password.

Step 3: Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which can make it easy for brute-force attackers to try and guess your password. Limit login attempts with plugins like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” or “Login Lockdown,” both of which block IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts.

Step 4: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great way to secure your login process. This extra layer of security requires a second form of verification—typically, a code sent to your phone or email. Even if someone manages to guess your password, they’ll have a much harder time gaining access without that second factor.

Popular 2FA Plugins for WordPress

• Wordfence Security: Offers robust 2FA options as well as a comprehensive firewall and malware scanner.
• Google Authenticator: Simple and reliable, this plugin uses Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication.

Step 5: Choose Secure Hosting

The host you choose plays a big role in your site’s security. Reliable hosts implement server-level security measures, handle backups, and often provide additional tools to monitor and protect your site.

What to Look for in Secure Hosting

Look for a host that offers:

• SSL Certificates
• Daily backups
• Security monitoring
• Malware scanning and removal

Companies like SiteGround, Bluehost, and WP Engine have good reputations for providing secure, WordPress-optimized hosting.

Step 6: Use a Security Plugin

Security plugins can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. They monitor your site for suspicious activity, scan for malware, and often include firewall features to block malicious traffic. Here are some of the most popular security plugins for WordPress:

• Wordfence Security: Wordfence offers a comprehensive security suite with firewall protection, malware scanning, and login security features.
• Sucuri Security: Sucuri’s plugin includes security activity auditing, file integrity monitoring, and malware scanning.
• iThemes Security: This plugin offers login security, 2FA, database backups, and more.

Step 7: Use SSL Certificates

An SSL certificate encrypts the data transferred between your site and its visitors, providing a fundamental layer of security. You can tell if a site has SSL by checking if it has “HTTPS” at the beginning of the URL. Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, so make sure to activate it in your settings.

Why SSL Matters

SSL isn’t just about security—it’s also about trust. Browsers like Chrome label non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” which can scare visitors away. Plus, Google gives a slight ranking boost to HTTPS sites, so it’s an SEO win as well.

Step 8: Regular Backups

Backups are your safety net. If your site is ever hacked or corrupted, a recent backup can save you countless hours of work. Many hosts offer automatic backups, but there are plugins available if you prefer more control. Popular backup plugins include:

• UpdraftPlus: Free and widely used, with options for cloud storage backups.
• VaultPress: Part of the Jetpack suite, providing easy backup and restore options.
• BackupBuddy: A premium option that also allows you to migrate your site if needed.

Step 9: Hide Your WordPress Login URL

Most WordPress sites use the default login page URL (yourwebsite.com/wp-admin). Hackers know this, so changing it to something unique can make a huge difference. Plugins like WPS Hide Login let you customize the login URL easily.

Step 10: Disable File Editing in the Dashboard

By default, WordPress allows you to edit theme and plugin files directly in the dashboard. While convenient, this feature can also be risky, as anyone who gains access to your dashboard could modify those files. To disable it, add this line to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);