WordPress Security: A 10 Step Guide To Hardening and Securing Your Website in 2024

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, including major news outlets, e-commerce stores, and corporate sites. This overwhelming market dominance makes it a desirable target for hackers and malicious actors. Understanding why WordPress sites are targeted helps explain the critical importance of proper security measures.

For hackers, WordPress’s massive market share creates an economy of scale. When they discover a vulnerability, it potentially applies to millions of websites. This makes the time investment in developing exploit tools and automated attack scripts highly profitable. Rather than learning different systems for different targets, attackers can focus their expertise on a single platform with an enormous pool of potential victims. Compromised WordPress sites often become platforms for:

• SEO spam campaigns
• Distributing malware to visitors
• Sending spam emails
• Launching DDoS attacks
• Mining cryptocurrency
• Hosting phishing pages

WordPress’s extensibility through plugins and themes is its greatest strength and a significant security liability. The WordPress plugin repository alone hosts over 59,000 plugins with billions of downloads. Each plugin represents a potential entry point for attackers, and the security of these plugins varies dramatically:

• Many plugins are developed by individual developers or small teams without security expertise
• Abandoned plugins may have unpatched vulnerabilities
• Popular plugins become high-value targets for finding exploits
• Plugin interactions can create unforeseen security holes
• Updates to plugins can introduce new vulnerabilities

Attackers regularly scan WordPress sites for known vulnerable plugins, even if these plugins aren’t actively used or are deactivated. A single vulnerable plugin can compromise an entire site, regardless of how well the core WordPress installation is secured. Additionally, WordPress’s reputation as a user-friendly DIY platform means that individuals with limited security knowledge set up and maintain many sites. Common oversights include:

• Weak passwords and poor password policies
• Failure to update core files, themes, and plugins
• Improper file permissions
• Unsecured backup files left on servers
• Poor hosting environment configurations
• Lack of security monitoring and logging

Attackers know that for every professionally maintained WordPress site, dozens of poorly secured installations make easy targets. WordPress sites offer attackers numerous potential entry points:

• Authentication Attacks: Brute force attacks against wp-admin, XML-RPC exploitation, and stolen credentials are common. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they have complete control over the site.
• Content Injection: SQL injection vulnerabilities can allow attackers to modify database content, insert malicious code, or steal sensitive data. The dynamic nature of WordPress, where content is constantly pulled from databases, makes this attack vector particularly dangerous.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): If not properly sanitized, comment sections, contact forms, and other user input areas can be exploited to inject malicious scripts. These scripts can then steal user sessions, redirect visitors, or modify site content.
• Hosting Environment Exploitation: Many WordPress sites run on shared hosting environments, where a vulnerability in one site can potentially be used to access others on the same server.

This makes WordPress sites valuable targets beyond just the immediate victim, as they can be used to attack others or generate illegal revenue streams. The impact of a WordPress hack extends far beyond immediate technical issues:

• Loss of search engine rankings
• Damaged brand reputation
• Legal liability for compromised user data
• Lost revenue during downtime
• Costs of security cleanup and recovery
• Potential blacklisting by security services

Many small businesses never fully recover from a serious website compromise, highlighting the critical importance of proactive security measures.

Understanding these vulnerabilities and attack motivations is crucial for implementing effective security measures. While WordPress’s popularity makes it a prime target, a properly secured WordPress installation can be highly resistant to attacks. The key is understanding the vulnerabilities and taking comprehensive steps to address them before attackers can exploit them.

Managed WordPress Hosting

Your choice of hosting provider can make a dramatic difference in your website’s safety and peace of mind. While traditional hosting providers offer server space and basic tools, managed WordPress hosts specialize in WordPress-specific security and optimization. They’ve built entire infrastructures designed to protect and enhance WordPress websites.

Think of managed WordPress hosting as having a team of WordPress security experts working around the clock to protect your site. Instead of having to learn and implement dozens of security measures yourself, these hosts automatically handle the complex technical aspects of WordPress security. Their systems are built from the ground up with WordPress security in mind, and they constantly update their protective measures to guard against new threats.

The real value of managed WordPress hosting becomes clear when you consider the time and expertise required to secure a WordPress site properly. What might take you hours to configure and maintain is handled automatically by their systems. Plus, when security issues arise, you have immediate access to WordPress experts who can quickly resolve the problem.

Here’s what you typically get with a managed WordPress host:

While managed WordPress hosting typically costs more than basic hosting, the value becomes clear when you consider the cost of implementing these security measures yourself – not to mention the potential cost of a security breach. For business websites, e-commerce stores, and any site handling sensitive information, managed WordPress hosting isn’t just a luxury – it’s a wise investment in your website’s security and peace of mind.

Leading providers like Flywheel, Kinsta, Pantheon, Rocket, and WP Engine have built strong reputations in this space. Each offers its own mix of security features and optimizations. The small premium you pay for their services is typically far less than the cost of hiring security experts or dealing with the aftermath of a hack.

Remember, with traditional hosting, you’re responsible for nearly every aspect of your site’s security. With managed WordPress hosting, you get a partner in your website’s security – one that’s already thought through and implemented the complex security measures your site needs.

Secure Installation: Your First Line of Defense

The security of your WordPress site begins before you even install the software. Attackers frequently target WordPress installations during and immediately after setup, looking for common vulnerabilities due to improper installation procedures. Fresh WordPress installations come with certain predictable elements that attackers can target:

• Default table prefixes (wp_)
• Standard directory structures
• Known file locations
• Default admin URLs
• Common usernames

While these defaults can be changed, many site owners leave them as-is, giving attackers a known template to work. Automated tools can quickly scan for these standard configurations and launch targeted attacks.

Always download WordPress directly from a trusted source and never from third-party sites. Malicious actors often distribute compromised versions of WordPress through unofficial channels, embedding backdoors or malware directly into the core files. These modified versions can appear completely functional while secretly allowing attackers access to your system.

When setting up your database, create a unique user for your WordPress installation. Using a shared database user across multiple applications creates unnecessary risk—if one application is compromised, attackers gain access to all applications sharing those credentials.

wp-config.php File Updates

During installation, you’ll create the wp-config.php file—arguably the most critical file in your WordPress installation. It contains your database credentials and security keys. After installation, move this file to one directory above your WordPress root. This prevents attackers from directly accessing it through a web browser, even if other security measures fail.

Add these crucial security definitions to wp-config.php:

$table_prefix = 'custom_prefix_';    // Instead of wp_, set a custom prefix for your tables
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);  // Prevents editing of files from within WordPress
define('WP_DEBUG', false);           // Disables debug logging in production
define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);     // Forces SSL for admin access

Hosting Environment: Building on Solid Ground

Your hosting environment forms the foundation of your website’s security. Many WordPress compromises occur not through WordPress but through vulnerabilities in the underlying hosting infrastructure. Choose a host that prioritizes security through regular patches, robust firewalls, and proactive malware scanning.

Consider these essential hosting requirements:

• PHP 8.3 or higher (older versions have known vulnerabilities)
• Regular server-level security updates
• DDoS protection
• Web application firewall (WAF)
• SSL certificate support
• Malware scanning and removal tools
• Server-level file integrity monitoring

SSL and HTTPS aren’t optional anymore—they’re a fundamental security requirement. Without them, all data transmitted between your server and users (including login credentials) is vulnerable to interception. Many hosts now offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.

Core WordPress Security: Keeping the Foundation Strong

WordPress core security starts with updates but extends far beyond them. Attackers frequently target known vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress installations. Enable automatic updates for minor releases – these often contain critical security patches. Test in a staging environment first for major updates, but don’t delay implementation unnecessarily.

Remove any themes or plugins you’re not actively using. Each unused component represents a potential attack vector. Hackers often exploit forgotten, outdated plugins that site owners forget to install. Regular audits of your active and inactive plugins are essential.

The default admin username is a prime target for brute-force attacks. During installation, create a unique admin account. If you’ve already installed WordPress with the default admin username, create a new administrator account and delete the original. Strengthen this with two-factor authentication—many successful compromises occur through stolen admin credentials.

While useful for some applications, WordPress’s XML-RPC functionality is frequently targeted by attackers for brute force amplification attacks. If you’re not using mobile apps or external services that require it, disable XML-RPC entirely. Attackers can use XML-RPC to submit thousands of password attempts with a single request, bypassing typical login attempt limiters. This can be added to wp-config.php:

define('XMLRPC_REQUEST', false);

File System Security: Protecting Your Content

File system permissions are crucial but often overlooked. Incorrect permissions can allow attackers to modify your files or execute malicious code. Here’s the secure permission scheme you should implement:

• Directories: 755 (owner can read/write/execute, others can read/execute)
• Files: 644 (owner can read/write, others can read)
• wp-config.php: 600 (only owner can read/write)

Protect sensitive files through .htaccess rules. This adds another layer of security even if an attacker manages to bypass WordPress:

# Protect wp-config.php and .htaccess
<Files wp-config.php>
    Require all denied
</Files>

<Files .htaccess>
    Require all denied
</Files>

# Prevent directory browsing
Options -Indexes

# Protect includes directory
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteRule ^wp-admin/includes/ - [F,L]
    RewriteRule !^wp-includes/ - [S=3]
    RewriteRule ^wp-includes/[^/]+\.php$ - [F,L]
</IfModule>

Database Security: Protecting Your Data

Database security extends beyond strong passwords. Attackers often use SQL injection attacks to access or modify your database. Restrict your database user’s privileges to only what’s necessary for WordPress operation – typically SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE privileges. Don’t grant administrative privileges like DROP or ALTER unless necessary for updates or maintenance.

Implement regular database backups with encryption. Attackers sometimes target backup files, which often contain complete copies of sensitive information. Store backups securely off-site, and regularly test your restoration process – a backup is only valuable if you can restore from it.

Consider implementing a database firewall or security plugin that monitors for suspicious queries. Many SQL injection attacks follow recognizable patterns that can be automatically blocked.

Choosing Your Theme

The theme you choose for your WordPress site is more than just a visual template – it’s a substantial piece of code that interacts deeply with WordPress core, your plugins, and often your site’s content. An insecure theme can compromise your entire website, regardless of other security measures you’ve implemented.

When selecting a theme, look beyond aesthetics and consider these critical security indicators:

• Update Frequency: Themes that are updated regularly show active maintenance. Look for themes updated within the last 3-6 months that indicate that they’ve been tested with the latest versions of WordPress.
• User Base: Popular themes with large user bases benefit from community testing and quick identification of security issues. For premium themes, higher sales numbers often indicate better support.
• Developer Reputation: Research the theme developer or company. Do they have a history of maintaining their themes? Do they respond quickly to security issues?
• Support Quality: Check support forums or tickets. Look for quick, professional responses to security-related issues.
• Code Quality: If possible, review the theme’s code or have a developer review it. Clean, well-documented code typically indicates attention to security.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation often indicates a professional development approach and attention to detail.

Avoid themes that:

• Haven’t been updated in over 6 months
• Have unresolved security issues in support forums
• Include built-in plugin functionality that should be separate plugins
• Come from unknown sources or nulled (pirated) theme sites
• Have poor reviews mentioning security issues
• Lack proper documentation or support channels

Plugin Security

Plugins extend WordPress’s functionality but also expand your site’s attack surface. Each plugin you install is potentially another door for attackers to exploit. Outdated or abandoned plugins are among WordPress hacks’ most common entry points. Best practices include:

• Maintain a Plugin Inventory
• Regularly audit installed plugins
• Remove unused plugins completely
• Document why each plugin is necessary
• Keep a record of plugin updates and changes
• Update Management
• Enable automatic updates for security patches
• Test updates on a staging site first
• Monitor plugin changelogs for security updates
• Set up notifications for plugin updates
• Selection Criteria
• Check update frequency and last update date
• Review the developer’s security track record
• Verify compatibility with your WordPress version
• Check user ratings and reviews
• Confirm active support and bug-fixing
• Verify download numbers or sales figures

Remove plugins that:

• Haven’t been updated in the last year
• Show compatibility warnings
• Have unresolved security issues
• Are no longer maintained
• Have functionality you no longer need
• Have been superseded by better alternatives

Security Monitoring and Maintenance

Security isn’t a one-time setup – it requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Implement a comprehensive logging system that tracks:

• Failed login attempts (pattern could indicate brute force attacks)
• File changes (unexpected changes often indicate compromise)
• Database modifications (unusual changes might signal SQL injection)
• Admin actions (tracking what administrators do helps identify account compromise)

Use security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or SolidWP to automate monitoring and implement features like:

• IP-based access control
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• File integrity monitoring
• Malware scanning
• Brute force protection
• Real-time threat defense

Regular security scans help identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. Combine automated scanning with manual reviews of your security logs and file changes.

Developer’s Guide to WordPress Security

Using WordPress APIs Securely

WordPress provides robust APIs that are safer than raw PHP functions. Here’s why and how to use them:

// DON'T do this
$user_input = $_POST['user_input'];
$query = "SELECT * FROM wp_posts WHERE post_title LIKE '%$user_input%'";
$results = $wpdb->query($query);

// DO this instead
$results = get_posts(array(
    'post_type' => 'post',
    'post_status' => 'publish',
    's' => sanitize_text_field($_POST['user_input'])
));

Input Handling Best Practices

Never Trust User Input

All input should be considered potentially malicious:

// DON'T
function update_user_meta_unsafe($user_id, $meta_key) {
    update_user_meta($user_id, $meta_key, $_POST['meta_value']);
}

// DO
function update_user_meta_safe($user_id, $meta_key) {
    if (!current_user_can('edit_user', $user_id)) {
        return false;
    }

    $meta_value = sanitize_text_field($_POST['meta_value']);
    return update_user_meta($user_id, $meta_key, $meta_value);
}

Escape Late

Escape data at the point of output, not when receiving it:

// DON'T
function save_post_title($title) {
    $safe_title = esc_html($title);
    update_post_meta($post_id, '_custom_title', $safe_title);
}

// DO
function save_post_title($title) {
    update_post_meta($post_id, '_custom_title', $title);
}

// Then when displaying:
echo esc_html(get_post_meta($post_id, '_custom_title', true));

Proper Data Escaping

Use context-appropriate escaping functions:

// URLs
echo esc_url($url);

// HTML attributes
echo esc_attr($attribute);

// HTML content
echo esc_html($content);

// JavaScript
echo esc_js($javascript);

// SQL queries
$wpdb->prepare("SELECT * FROM $wpdb->posts WHERE ID = %d", $post_id);

Validation Over Sanitization

Prefer rejecting invalid data over trying to fix it:

// DON'T just sanitize
$phone = sanitize_text_field($_POST['phone']);

// DO validate and reject
$phone = $_POST['phone'];
if (!preg_match('/^[0-9]{10}$/', $phone)) {
    return new WP_Error('invalid_phone', 'Phone number must be 10 digits');
}

Security Capabilities

Always check capabilities before performing actions:

function delete_custom_post() {
    if (!current_user_can('delete_posts')) {
        wp_die('Unauthorized access');
    }

    // Verify nonce
    if (!wp_verify_nonce($_POST['_wpnonce'], 'delete_post_action')) {
        wp_die('Invalid nonce');
    }

    // Proceed with deletion
    wp_delete_post($_POST['post_id']);
}

Use WordPress Security Functions

WordPress provides many security-focused functions:

// Nonces for forms
wp_nonce_field('my_action');

// Check referrers
check_admin_referer('my_action');

// Capability checking
current_user_can('edit_posts');

// Safe redirects
wp_safe_redirect($url);

// Safe JSON encoding
wp_send_json($data);

Remember: Security isn’t about making your code impossible to hack – it’s about making it difficult enough that attackers move on to easier targets. Following these practices creates multiple layers of security that work together to protect your site and its users.

Emergency Response Planning

Despite best efforts, breaches can occur. Prepare an incident response plan that includes:

• Emergency contact information
• Step-by-step recovery procedures
• The clean backup restoration process
• Communication templates for users/customers
• Documentation of your normal system state
• List of security specialists to contact if needed

Regular testing of your response plan ensures you can act quickly when needed. How quickly you can detect and respond to security incidents often determines the difference between minor inconvenience and major compromise.

Remember, security is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and updates. Your security measures must adapt as new threats emerge and attack methods evolve. Regular security audits, updates, and monitoring form the foundation of a robust WordPress security strategy.

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Originally Published on Martech Zone: WordPress Security: A 10 Step Guide To Hardening and Securing Your Website in 2024