WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a popular choice for building websites. However, its popularity also makes it a target for hackers. Securing your WordPress website is crucial to protect your data and users. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips to keep your WordPress site safe in 2025.

1. Enable Automatic Updates

Keeping WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date is the easiest way to prevent vulnerabilities. Recent versions of WordPress allow you to enable automatic updates for free—no extra plugins needed! Turn this on and let WordPress handle the updates automatically.

2. Regularly Update Themes and Plugins

Even with auto-updates enabled, check your website periodically for updates. Developers release updates to fix bugs and security issues. Ignoring these updates can leave your site exposed.

3. Avoid Using the Default Database Prefix

WordPress defaults to using wp_ as the prefix for database tables. Changing it during installation or using a plugin to modify it later can help protect your database from SQL injection attacks. Use a unique prefix to make it harder for attackers to guess.

4. Use Strong and Unique Credentials

Avoid common usernames like “admin” and use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords securely. Strong credentials make it harder for hackers to guess or brute force access to your site.

5. Install a Security Plugin

Security plugins like Wordfence can block malicious login attempts, detect malware, and offer extra layers of protection. These tools handle the heavy lifting of identifying and preventing potential threats.

6. Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider

Your hosting provider plays a significant role in your website’s security. Opt for a provider that offers built-in security features like firewalls, regular backups, and malware scanning.

7. Protect Forms with WP Armour

Spam can overwhelm your forms and lead to vulnerabilities. Use plugins like WP Armour – Honeypot Anti Spam to protect your forms without annoying CAPTCHA challenges. This plugin uses a honeypot technique to block bots while keeping the user experience smooth.

8. Use HTTPS

Always use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to encrypt the data exchanged between your website and its visitors. Most hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates, making it easy to switch to HTTPS.

9. Limit Login Attempts

Hackers often try to gain access using brute force attacks by guessing login credentials. Limit the number of login attempts to block suspicious activity. Many security plugins offer this feature.

10. Regularly Backup Your Website

Always have a backup plan! Use tools or plugins to schedule regular backups of your website. In case of an attack, a backup ensures you can restore your site without significant data loss.

11. Disable File Editing

WordPress allows admins to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. While convenient, it’s also risky. Hackers can exploit this feature to inject malicious code. Disable file editing by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:

define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

12. Monitor User Activity

If you have multiple users managing your site, keep track of their activity. User activity logs can help you identify unauthorized changes or potential security breaches.

13. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA provides an extra layer of security. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your site without the second authentication step.

Securing your WordPress site is an ongoing process. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and ensure your website stays safe in 2024 and beyond. A secure website builds trust with your visitors and protects your hard work from potential threats.