How to Secure WordPress Website from Hackers

Why WordPress Websites Get Hacked

Before learning how to secure your site, it’s important to understand common reasons websites get compromised:

• Weak passwords
• Outdated themes or plugins
• Cheap or insecure hosting
• No SSL certificate
• No firewall protection
• Too many unused plugins
• Lack of regular updates

Most hacks are preventable with basic security practices.

1. Use Strong Login Credentials

The easiest way hackers access websites is through weak passwords.

What You Should Do:

• Use a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid using “admin” as your username
• Change default login details
• Use unique passwords for WordPress and hosting

A strong password alone blocks many brute-force attacks.

2. Keep WordPress Updated

Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks.

Always update:

• WordPress core
• Themes
• Plugins

Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities. Delaying updates increases your risk.

3. Choose Secure Hosting

Your hosting provider plays a major role in website security.

Look for hosting that offers:

• Malware scanning
• Firewall protection
• Automatic backups
• DDoS protection
• SSL certificate
• Server-level security

Good hosting is your first defense against attacks.

4. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

If your website still runs on HTTP, it’s vulnerable.

An SSL certificate:

• Encrypts data between user and server
• Protects login information
• Improves trust
• Helps with SEO

Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates.

5. Limit Login Attempts

Hackers often try thousands of password combinations using automated bots.

Limiting login attempts:

• Blocks brute-force attacks
• Temporarily locks suspicious IP addresses
• Protects admin login

You can configure this via security settings or server configuration.

6. Change Default Login URL

By default, WordPress login page is:

yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

Hackers know this. Changing your login URL reduces automated attack attempts.

This adds an extra layer of protection.

7. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins

Inactive themes and plugins can still contain vulnerabilities.

Keep only:

• One active theme
• Necessary plugins

Delete everything else. The fewer files you have, the fewer entry points hackers get.

8. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds another security layer.

Even if someone knows your password, they cannot log in without:

• SMS verification
• Authenticator app code

2FA significantly reduces unauthorized access.

9. Regular Backups Are Essential

Even with strong security, backups are your safety net.

You should:

• Take daily or weekly backups
• Store backups off-site
• Test backup restoration

If your site gets hacked, you can quickly restore it.

10. Set Proper File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can allow unauthorized access.

Typical recommended permissions:

• Folders: 755
• Files: 644

This ensures hackers cannot modify core files easily.

11. Disable File Editing in Dashboard

By default, WordPress allows theme and plugin file editing from the admin panel.

You can disable this by adding the following to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

This prevents hackers from injecting malicious code if they gain admin access.

12. Monitor Website Activity

Regularly check:

• Login attempts
• Suspicious activity
• File changes
• Unknown admin users

Early detection prevents bigger damage.

13. Protect wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file contains important information like database credentials.

You can add extra protection using .htaccess rules to block unauthorized access.

14. Disable XML-RPC If Not Needed

XML-RPC can be exploited for brute-force attacks.

If you’re not using it, disable it for better security.

15. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A firewall filters malicious traffic before it reaches your website.

It protects against:

• SQL injections
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• DDoS attacks
• Brute-force attempts

Many hosting providers include firewall protection.

Signs Your WordPress Website Is Hacked

Watch for warning signs:

• Website redirects to unknown pages
• Sudden drop in traffic
• Unknown admin users
• Spam content appearing
• Browser security warnings
• Suspicious hosting alerts

If you notice these, take action immediately.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress website doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Most hacks happen due to negligence, not complexity.

If you follow these basic security practices:

• Use strong passwords
• Keep everything updated
• Choose secure hosting
• Enable SSL
• Take regular backups
• Limit login attempts
• Remove unused themes and plugins

You significantly reduce your risk of being hacked.

Remember: Website security is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process.

Protect your website today so you don’t face costly problems tomorrow.