How to make your WordPress website more secure 10 Must-Do Steps to Protect Your Site

As we navigate 2026, WordPress continues to power a vast portion of the web, making it a prime target for cyber threats. If you’re asking yourself, “Is my basic WordPress setup enough to keep hackers out?”—the answer is often no. Default configurations are not designed for today’s threat landscape. This guide addresses the top security concerns for website owners and provides clear, actionable steps to fortify your site starting today.

10 Essential WordPress Security Practices for 2026

Have You Abandoned the Default “Admin” Username?

Using “admin” is like leaving your front door key under the mat. Eliminate this risk immediately.

• Action: Create a new administrator user with a unique username (e.g., not “editor,” “webadmin,” or your name). Log in with the new account and delete the original “admin” user, assigning existing content to the new account.

• Pro Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store a complex, random password exceeding 12 characters for all admin accounts.

Is Your Login Protected with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

A password alone is no longer sufficient. 2FA adds a critical second layer, such as a time-based code from an app on your phone.

• For Self-Hosted Sites: You must use a security plugin. Install a reputable plugin like Wordfence Security or Two-Factor Authentication to enable 2FA. The setup typically involves scanning a QR code with an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy).

• Key Step: During plugin setup, you will generate backup codes. Store these in a secure, offline location as a recovery method if you lose access to your phone.

Are You Using Plugins to Stop Brute Force Attacks?

Bots continuously try to guess passwords by hammering login pages.

• Solution A (Comprehensive): All in One WP Security & Firewall allows you to rename the login URL (/wp-admin/) and limit login attempts by IP address.

• Solution B (Focused): While BruteProtect services have evolved, its core functionality is now often integrated into broader solutions like Jetpack Security or Wordfence. Consider these for real-time attack blocking.

Is Your Critical wp-config.php File Exposed?

This file holds your database keys. If accessed, your site is compromised.

• Move It: If your server allows, relocate wp-config.php one directory above your publicly accessible web root.

• Lock It Down: Add the following rule to your .htaccess file to block all web access:

  apache

   

   

   

  <Files "wp-config.php">
      Require all denied
  </Files>

Are WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated?

Outdated software is the #1 cause of breaches. Updates patch security holes.

• Action: Go to Dashboard > Updates weekly. Enable auto-updates for plugins and themes where possible. For major core updates, backup first, then update promptly.

Are File Permissions Set Correctly?

Overly permissive settings let attackers modify files.

• Secure Defaults (via SSH):

  bash

   

   

   

  # For directories
  find /your/wordpress/path/ -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
  # For files
  find /your/wordpress/path/ -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \

• Note: Some hosting panels (like cPanel) have file managers to set permissions graphically.

Do You Have Recent, Restorable Backups?

If all else fails, a backup is your ultimate recovery tool.

• Strategy: Use a reliable plugin like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault to schedule automated, off-site backups (files + database). Test restoring from a backup at least once a quarter.

Have You Removed “Fingerprinting” Files?

Files like readme.html and license.txt advertise your WordPress version to attackers.

• Files Safe to Delete:

  • readme.html – WordPress intro file with version number

  • wp-config-sample.php – Configuration file example

  • /wp-admin/install.php – Installation script (should be deleted after setup)

  • Unused theme and plugin folders

  • Any test files or leftover installation files

• Important: Before deletion, ensure your site functions correctly and you have a backup. Only delete files you know are unnecessary.

Is Your Admin Area Forced to Use SSL/HTTPS?

Without HTTPS, login credentials travel in plain text.

• Action: Once an SSL certificate is installed (most hosts offer them free via Let’s Encrypt), add these lines to wp-config.php:

  php

   

   

   

  define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);
  define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);

  This ensures the entire admin dashboard is encrypted.

Have You Considered an Extra Login Layer (HTTP Authentication)?

For maximum protection on sensitive sites, add server-level password protection to your /wp-admin/ directory.

• How: This creates a separate username/prompt before the WordPress login. It can be configured via your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel’s “Password Protect Directories” tool) or with plugins that simplify .htpasswd file creation.