Over 43% of websites are built with WordPress, making it a popular target for hackers. If your site isn’t protected, you risk data loss, downtime, and SEO penalties.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to secure your WordPress site from hackers using 10 proven tips — perfect for 2025 and beyond.
🔐 1. Use a Strong Admin Username & Password
Never use “admin” as your username.
Tips:
- Use complex passwords (12+ characters with symbols)
- Change login URL using a plugin
- Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or LastPass)
🔐 2. Install a Security Plugin
Top WordPress security plugins:
- Wordfence – Real-time firewall, login protection
- iThemes Security – 30+ security features
- Sucuri – Cloud-based WAF + malware cleanup
💡 All of these plugins include features like brute-force protection and 2FA.
🔐 3. Keep WordPress Core, Themes & Plugins Updated
Most hacks happen due to outdated plugins or themes.
Checklist:
- Enable auto-updates for minor releases
- Update plugins weekly
- Delete unused or inactive plugins
🔐 4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds a second layer of login security via an app or email/SMS.
Best plugins:
- WP 2FA
- Two Factor Authentication by WP White Security
🔐 5. Limit Login Attempts
Hackers use brute force to guess passwords.
Install:
- Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
- Or configure this in Wordfence/iThemes
Set login limit to 3–5 tries per IP.
🔐 6. Change the WordPress Login URL
By default, WordPress uses /wp-admin or /wp-login.php.
You can change it using:
- WPS Hide Login plugin
Example: yoursite.com/mylogin123
🔐 7. Disable File Editing in WordPress
Add this to wp-config.php to prevent hackers from injecting malicious code:
define( ‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true );
🔐 8. Use HTTPS & SSL Certificate
Google prefers HTTPS websites.
- Install an SSL certificate (free via Let’s Encrypt)
- Use the Really Simple SSL plugin to force HTTPS
🔐 9. Regularly Backup Your Site
If you’re ever hacked, you’ll need a clean backup.
Free backup plugins:
- UpdraftPlus
- All-in-One WP Migration
- Backuply
Store backups off-site (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
🔐 10. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF filters malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
Top WAFs:
- Cloudflare (Free)
- Sucuri Firewall
- Astra Security
These services protect against SQL injection, DDoS, and XSS attacks.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Hide WordPress Version
Hackers scan your site version to find vulnerabilities.
Add this to your functions.php to hide it:
remove_action(‘wp_head’, ‘wp_generator’);