WordPress is the most widely used content management system in the world, powering millions of websites across different industries. But this popularity also makes it a major target for hackers. Cybercriminals constantly search for weak spots—outdated plugins, weak passwords, insecure hosting, and poor configuration—to break into websites.
If your site gets hacked, you risk losing traffic, search rankings, revenue, and customer trust. Fixing a hacked website is stressful and time-consuming. The good news is that most attacks can be prevented with simple security measures. This guide explains, step-by-step, how beginners can secure their WordPress websites from hackers.
Why Hackers Target WordPress Websites
Hackers rarely focus on one specific site. Instead, they use automated tools that scan thousands of websites, looking for vulnerabilities. Their goals can include:
- Injecting malware
- Stealing sensitive data
- Redirecting visitors to spam websites
- Sending phishing emails
- Hosting illegal files
- Damaging the site (DDoS attacks)
Most successful attacks happen because websites are not properly protected. Taking security seriously prevents these risks.
1. Choose Secure and Reliable Hosting
Your hosting provider plays a major role in your website’s security. Cheap hosting often lacks the protection and monitoring that keep your site safe.
A secure host should offer:
- Firewall protection
- Malware scanning
- DDoS protection
- Daily or real-time backups
- Secure server configuration
- Free SSL
Secure hosting companies include:
- SiteGround
- Cloudways
- Hostinger
- WP Engine
Good hosting alone can block many common attacks automatically.
2. Install a Security Plugin
Security plugins add multiple layers of protection. They can detect malware, block brute-force attacks, and scan your files for suspicious activity.
Recommended security plugins:
- Wordfence
- Sucuri Security
- All-in-One Security (AIOS)
These plugins provide real-time protection without requiring technical skills.
3. Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated
One of the biggest reasons WordPress sites get hacked is outdated software. Hackers actively search for vulnerabilities in old plugin versions.
To stay protected:
- Enable automatic updates for themes and plugins
- Keep WordPress core up to date
- Remove unused plugins
- Update your PHP version when needed
Keeping everything updated closes security gaps before hackers can exploit them.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Protect the Login Page
Weak passwords make your site extremely vulnerable to brute-force attacks, where hackers attempt thousands of password combinations per minute.
To secure your login:
- Use long, unique passwords
- Avoid using “admin” as the username
- Limit login attempts
- Add CAPTCHA protection
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Stronger passwords and login limits significantly reduce attacks.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if someone steals your password, 2FA blocks unauthorized access. It requires a verification code from an app like Google Authenticator.
Benefits of 2FA:
- Stops unauthorized logins
- Adds an extra layer of security
- Works perfectly alongside strong passwords
This is one of the simplest yet most effective security measures.
6. Activate an SSL Certificate
SSL encrypts the connection between the user and your website, protecting sensitive data such as login information and transactions.
Using HTTPS:
- Improves security
- Boosts SEO ranking
- Builds user trust
- Prevents data interception
Most hosting companies provide free SSL certificates.
7. Create Regular Backups
Backups protect your website against data loss. If your site gets hacked, you can restore a clean version instantly.
Top backup plugins:
- UpdraftPlus
- BlogVault
- Jetpack Backup
Make sure your backups include the database, uploads, plugins, themes, and all core files. Store backups in an external location like Google Drive or Dropbox.
8. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes
Unused themes and plugins can contain vulnerabilities, especially if they are outdated.
Improve security by:
- Deleting plugins you don’t use
- Removing inactive themes
- Avoiding nulled or cracked plugins
The fewer plugins installed, the lower your security risks.
9. Protect Your Login URL
The default login URL “/wp-login.php” is targeted heavily by automated bots. Changing it reduces brute-force attempts dramatically.
Many security plugins allow you to:
- Change the login URL
- Add CAPTCHA
- Limit failed logins
- Block suspicious IP addresses
Small changes can protect your site from thousands of daily attacks.
10. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF filters all traffic before it reaches your website. It blocks malicious visitors, bots, and attacks.
Reliable WAF options include:
- Cloudflare
- Wordfence Firewall
- Sucuri Firewall
A firewall provides real-time protection and is essential for websites with growing traffic.
11. Disable File Editing From the Dashboard
Hackers often attempt to edit theme or plugin files if they gain access to your admin panel. Disabling file editing prevents this risk.
This step strengthens your website’s overall security, especially against unauthorized changes.
12. Scan Your Website Regularly
Regular scans detect:
- Malware
- Suspicious code
- Modified files
- Vulnerable plugins
- Blacklisted URLs
Security plugins can schedule automatic weekly or daily scans to keep your site clean.
Final Thoughts
Securing your WordPress website doesn’t require advanced technical skills. By implementing the steps in this guide—choosing secure hosting, updating everything regularly, using strong passwords, installing security plugins, enabling 2FA, and setting up backups—you can protect your site from more than 90% of common attacks.
Website security is not something you apply once and forget. It requires ongoing attention. The more proactive you are today, the safer your website will be in the future.
