WordPress Website Security Best Practices

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With over 13,000 WordPress sites hacked daily, your business website faces unprecedented cyber threats. From AI-enhanced brute force attacks to supply chain vulnerabilities, hackers are evolving faster than ever. This comprehensive security guide reveals proven strategies used by InMotion Hosting to protect thousands of business websites since 2001. Learn essential security measures, compliance requirements, and recovery techniques to safeguard your WordPress site from malware, data breaches, and reputation damage that could cost your business everything.

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet and holds a 62% share of the Content Management System (CMS) market, making it the most popular CMS.

However, with more than 500 new WordPress sites launched daily, its widespread use makes it a prime target for cyber threats. WordPress website security issues, like malware, hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access, damage a website owner’s business, reputation, and customer trust.

As a web hosting provider that has secured thousands of business websites since 2001, InMotion Hosting has developed proven strategies for protecting WordPress websites.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through WordPress website security best practices to safeguard your site. You’ll learn to mitigate common security risks and recover from a hack.

Table of Contents

Why WordPress Security Matters to Your Business

With the vast amount of sensitive data and personal information stored on websites, security is a top priority for any website owner. Here are some reasons why securing your WordPress website is crucial:

Protect customer data: WordPress websites often contain sensitive customer data or financial records. A security breach can lead to the loss of this valuable data, resulting in legal and financial consequences for your business.
Preserve your reputation: A hacked website can damage your reputation as a trustworthy business. Customers may lose confidence in your ability to protect their personal information, leading to lost sales and a damaged brand image.
Avoid downtime: A security breach can lead to downtime, making your website inaccessible to users. It can result in lost revenue, missed opportunities, and decreased website traffic.
Maintain search engine rankings: If hackers compromise your website, Google may flag it as unsafe and remove it from search results. It can severely impact your website’s visibility and hurt your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts.
Comply with regulations: Depending on your business and customer location, you may be subject to data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Failure to comply can result in heavy fines and legal consequences.

Threat Categories and Vulnerabilities for a WordPress Website

Cybercriminals exploit various vulnerabilities, causing an estimated 13,000 WordPress sites to be hacked daily.

Outdated Software & Plugin Abandonment

Running outdated core software, themes, or plugins is one of the most common causes of compromise. What’s new is the growing number of abandoned plugins that are no longer maintained by their developers. These unpatched assets expose your site to known CVEs and zero-day threats. If your stack includes rarely updated tools, you’re likely a soft target.

Failing to update WordPress, themes, and plugins leaves websites vulnerable to security breaches. Updates often contain patches for newly discovered weaknesses, meaning outdated software is an open door for hackers. Plugins, in particular, are a common attack vector, as vulnerabilities can compromise an entire site.

Supply Chain & Access Control

Your site’s security is only as strong as the weakest link in your supply chain. Compromised plugin updates, unauthorized admin creation, and unprotected APIs or third-party services all expose you to lateral movement and privilege escalation. Coupled with CSRF vulnerabilities, attackers can manipulate user actions and gain access without ever needing credentials.

AI-Enhanced Automated Attacks

Brute-force attacks rely on automated bots attempting countless username and password combinations until they find the right one. And, as everything is evolving, so are automated attacks.

Brute-force login attempts are now assisted by AI models that adapt to defenses, mimic human behavior, and intelligently select targets. These bots don’t just guess passwords – they leverage leaked credentials, behavioral data, and natural language to bypass security measures more effectively than ever before.

Learn more about Concerns with Open AI.

Infrastructure & Platform Security

Your WordPress site isn’t isolated; it runs on a hosting stack, and that stack must be hardened. Shared hosting can expose you to cross-site contamination. Insecure HTTP connections and inadequate DDoS protections can take your site offline or leak sensitive user data.

Websites that don’t use HTTPS encryption are more vulnerable to hacking attempts. User and site data can be intercepted and exploited without this security layer. Visitors may also see a “Not Secure” warning, which reduces trust and credibility. DDoS attacks flood a website with overwhelming traffic, causing it to slow down or crash entirely. By making a site inaccessible, these attacks disrupt businesses, frustrate users, and damage reputations.

Code Injection Attacks

From classic SQL injection to reflected and stored XSS or remote file inclusion, injection attacks remain one of the top risks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress websites to execute harmful code through file inclusion. WordPress sites with insufficient input validation, poor plugin hygiene, or misconfigured permissions often become hosts for malicious payloads, session hijacking, or data exfiltration.

XSS attacks involve injecting harmful scripts into trusted websites, affecting visitors without their knowledge. These scripts can steal sensitive data like login credentials and stored cookies. SQL injections exploit vulnerabilities in website forms, allowing attackers to manipulate databases. Hackers can gain access to sensitive information, modify site content, or even delete crucial data.

Hackers can exploit WordPress sites and inject spammy links or hidden keywords that harm your site’s SEO. This can result in search rankings dropping, blacklisting from search engines, and a loss of credibility. Many site owners don’t realize cybercriminals have compromised their websites until traffic and engagement drop.

Hackers use phishing tactics to trick site owners or users into revealing sensitive information. They may send fake emails disguised as legitimate messages, causing unsuspecting victims to share login credentials. Hackers can also create phishing pages within a compromised WordPress site to spread malware.

CSRF attacks trick users into performing unintended actions on a website without their knowledge. These actions could include transferring money, changing passwords, or altering website settings. Since the requests appear legitimate, they can be challenging to detect and prevent.

How to Make Sure Your WordPress Site is Secure

If unsure about your website’s security posture, use an online security scanner to perform a WordPress security check. These tools can help identify potential vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit lurking on your site.

Some of the recommended security scanners include:

Additionally, you can install reputable WordPress security plugins to scan your site for threats regularly. Some popular options include:

Learn the nine signs of a great WordPress security plugin.

WordPress Security for Different User Types

WordPress powers a diverse range of users, from solo entrepreneurs running a single blog to agencies managing dozens of client sites, and enterprises with strict compliance requirements. While the core security principles remain consistent, the priorities and responsibilities differ significantly depending on who’s behind the dashboard.

Developers and Agencies

For developers and agencies, managing security across multiple client sites means building repeatable, scalable processes. Automating backups, implementing firewalls, and using tools like WP-CLI or management dashboards are essential.

Business Owners

Business owners or content managers with limited technical knowledge need protection without complexity. They benefit most from security plugins with user-friendly dashboards and default configurations that “just work.” Their security must be proactive but not overwhelming.

Enterprise and eCommerce Sites

Enterprise and eCommerce sites face the highest stakes. Beyond uptime and malware prevention, they’re often subject to strict data privacy laws. Security here involves not only robust hosting and advanced authentication layers, but also detailed audit logs, regular penetration testing, and rigorous user access controls.

Despite the differences, one thread connects all user types: the need for layered security. From the basics of keeping plugins updated to complex compliance strategies, every WordPress site benefits from a thoughtful, role-aware security approach.

WordPress Security Best Practices

You can take several proactive measures to safeguard your WordPress site from attacks. These best practices consist of five main areas.

Secure Your Site from the Ground Up

Switch to a secure hosting provider: Your website’s security starts with your web host. Opting for a service like InMotion Hosting’s WordPress hosting, which includes automatic core updates and properly configured file permissions by default, can reduce the time you spend configuring site security.
Change the default WordPress login page URL: Hackers often target the default WordPress login URL (e.g. /wp-admin). Changing it to a custom URL can obscure the login page and make it harder for attackers to find.
Move the wp-config.php file: This file contains WordPress security keys and other sensitive site details. Moving it outside the web root directory can add an extra protective layer against potential attackers.
Disable file editing in wp-config.php: Prevent hackers from accessing your site’s file editor to make malicious changes. To do this, open the wp-config.php file and add this line of code: define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
Disable directory browsing in .htaccess: This prevents hackers from viewing your site’s directories and file structure. To do this, add this line of code in your .htaccess file: Options -Indexes
Restrict access to the wp?admin directory: You can restrict access to the wp?admin directory by using a password or limiting it to specific IP addresses. It prevents unauthorized users from accessing your site’s backend.
Use a trusted WordPress theme: Some themes contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Stick to themes from reputable developers and verify their security before installation.
Hide your WordPress version: Hackers often look for outdated versions with known security flaws. Concealing your version number makes it harder for them to target your site.
Use a CDN to help protect against DDoS attacks: Content delivery networks (CDNs) can significantly speed up your website’s load times. They can also quickly shut down a DDoS attack if your site becomes a target.

Add Extra Security Features

Use an SSL certificate: SSL encrypts data transmitted between your site and visitors. Most web hosts, like InMotion Hosting, provide free SSL certificates to protect sensitive information like passwords and payment details.
Install a firewall: A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site, helping prevent cyber attacks.
Use a trusted security plugin: A reliable WordPress security plugin can add an extra layer of security to your site by identifying and blocking known threats.
Scan for malware regularly: Use a malware scanner to scan your site for malicious code, spam, and other security risks. If you discover any issues, take immediate action to remove them.
Disable XML-RPC if not needed: Hackers can exploit this feature through brute force attacks and DDoS attempts. If your site doesn’t require remote access to WordPress, turning off this service can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Prevent hotlinking: Hotlinking allows other sites to use your files or images, consuming your bandwidth. You can use a security plugin or add code to your .htaccess file to block hotlinking.
Block form and comment spam: Spam comments and form submissions can inject malicious code into your site. Use a plugin like Akismet or a CAPTCHA solution to prevent this type of spam.

Secure User Access

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This requires users to go through two or more authentication methods, beyond just a password, before accessing your WordPress site. This makes unauthorized access harder.
Limit failed login attempts: Brute-force attacks involve hackers trying numerous username and password combinations until they find the right ones. Limiting failed login attempts can thwart these attacks by locking out users after several unsuccessful tries.
Change the default “admin” username: Hackers often target the default WordPress username “admin” when attempting to gain access. Changing it to a unique username makes their job harder.
Create strong passwords and update them often: A strong password consists of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You can use a secure password generator to generate complex passwords periodically.
Automatically log out inactive users: If a user leaves their account logged in, anyone can access it. Auto-logging out inactive users after a set period reduces this risk.
Remove unused user accounts: Hackers sometimes exploit inactive and unused accounts. Reviewing and deleting these can reduce the chances of unauthorized access.
Assign the correct user roles: If you run a WordPress site with multiple contributors, assign user roles carefully. Only give the Administrator role to people you fully trust, as it grants full site control. Below are the different user roles you can assign.
- Administrator: Has full site control, including settings and plugins
- Contributor: Can write drafts but not publish them
- Author: Can publish and manage posts
- Editor: Can manage all posts and moderate comments

Manage User Permissions Wisely

Set proper file and folder permissions: Only trusted users should have access to critical files. Restrict unnecessary permissions to limit security risks.
Disable file editing: WordPress allows users to edit theme and plugin files directly in the dashboard. Disabling this feature prevents unauthorized changes if an account is compromised.
Track user activity: Monitor activity logs to track user actions like plugin installations or file changes. This helps you detect suspicious behavior early. With InMotion Hosting’s WordPress hosting, you receive real-time security monitoring and threat detection for added protection.

Keep WordPress Updated

Always update to the latest WordPress version: New versions often contain security fixes, so failing to update puts your site at risk. WordPress also regularly releases maintenance and security updates for older versions, so be sure to apply them as well.
Remove unnecessary plugins and themes: Inactive plugins and themes can be a security risk, as they may contain vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Keep only the ones you need and update them regularly.
Regularly update themes and plugins: Developers frequently release updates for their themes and plugins to fix bugs, add new features, and patch security holes. Outdated themes or plugins can leave your site vulnerable to attacks.

Pro tip: InMotion Hosting’s WordPress-optimized servers include malware scanning to detect compromised plugins.

Run security scans frequently: Use a security plugin or an online scanner to check for vulnerabilities and infected files. Fix any issues that arise immediately.
Back up your site regularly: A recent backup can minimize data loss and downtime in case of a security breach or malware infection. InMotion’s WordPress hosting simplifies backups by automatically including files and databases, ensuring complete restoration when necessary.

How to Secure WordPress for Multiple Sites

Managing the security of multiple WordPress sites can quickly become overwhelming. Regular monitoring for updates, security breaches, and backups is essential, but can be time-consuming.

Fortunately, WordPress management tools simplify this process by allowing you to manage and secure all your websites from one centralized dashboard.

With these tools, you’ll be able to:

perform security checks across all your sites from one dashboard
update plugins, themes, and WordPress versions instantly for every site
back up sites regularly to prevent data loss
monitor for malware and vulnerabilities automatically
manage user access securely and efficiently

Some of the popular WordPress management tools include:

Learn more about Essential Website Management Tools.

Proactive Security Workflow

Security isn’t a task you check off once, but a continuous workflow that should be embedded into every phase of your website’s lifecycle, from development to daily operations. A clear and consistent security workflow is key to maintaining the safety of all your sites.

Start with automated threat intelligence. Instead of waiting for headlines about zero-day exploits, tap into real-time vulnerability feeds or use plugins that monitor known issues across the WordPress ecosystem. Alongside threat awareness, implement a vulnerability management process. This means maintaining a clear inventory of all installed plugins, themes, and integrations, with versioning, update schedules, and a patching timeline.

Equally important is setting up clear incident response triggers. What happens when someone tries to access a non-existent admin page or uploads an unexpected file type? A good response plan defines specific actions for different types of alerts, such as automatically disabling suspicious plugins, locking down admin access, restoring from a clean backup, or notifying your hosting provider.

Compliance Requirements to Consider

Security is no longer just about avoiding breaches; it’s also about meeting the legal and regulatory requirements tied to your business model, customer location, and industry.

Online Stores/ Financial Transactions

If you’re running an online store or handling financial transactions, PCI DSS 4.0 compliance is essential. The latest version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requires stronger authentication, tighter access controls, and regular testing of security systems. Even if you’re using a third-party payment processor like Stripe or PayPal, your hosting environment, plugins, and admin access still play a role in overall compliance. Misconfigured or outdated WordPress components can jeopardize your PCI posture, so documentation, regular updates, and secure hosting are critical.

EU Operators

For businesses operating in or selling to the European Union, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) introduces new obligations. It applies to digital products and connected services. The CRA emphasizes security by design, proper vulnerability disclosure handling, and mandatory updates to address known threats. If your site includes downloadable software, customer login areas, or smart integrations, you may fall under the CRA’s scope.

GDPR compliance remains another ongoing concern for any site collecting personal data, whether it’s email addresses through a contact form or behavioral data via analytics tools. WordPress site owners must implement clear consent mechanisms, provide easy access to data deletion or export, and document how user data is stored and protected. While plugins can help automate parts of this process, it’s your responsibility to ensure the data flow is secure, encrypted, and compliant.

Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform

Selecting the right hosting for your eCommerce site is crucial for security and business success. Some options include:

Select a Secure Payment Gateway

Your payment gateway is responsible for securely processing online payments. Choose a secure gateway, like WooPayments, which partners with Stripe to offer real-time fraud protection and customizable anti-fraud settings.

Become PCI-Compliant

Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ensures your website can safely handle and store payment data. While it’s not mandatory for all businesses, following PCI standards can protect you against fraud and help reduce penalties in the event of a security breach.

Require Strong Passwords from Customers

Strong passwords are a simple yet effective way to protect your site from unauthorized access. Encourage your customers to create passwords with a mix of characters, and use plugins like Password Policy Manager to enforce strong password requirements on your WordPress site.

Use Secure SFTP and SSH Connections

Always use secure SFTP or SSH connections when transferring files manually on your WordPress site. These secure channels ensure that your files are transferred safely, unlike regular FTP, which lacks the same level of protection.

WordPress Recovery and Incident Response

Even after implementing all the necessary security measures, a website can still experience a security incident. In such cases, a recovery and incident response plan can help minimize damage and downtime.

Below are some steps to include in your WordPress recovery and incident response plan:

Activate Maintenance Mode

Putting your WordPress site in maintenance mode will prevent visitors from seeing a compromised site while you work on fixing it. It gives you time to address the issue without affecting the user experience.

Reset Your WordPress Passwords

Changing your admin and user passwords is crucial to stop hackers from accessing your site. Be sure to use strong, unique passwords for added security.

Update WordPress and Plugins

Ensure that WordPress, your theme, and your plugins are up to date to patch any security vulnerabilities. Keeping everything current helps protect your site from future attacks.

Deactivate Themes and Plugins

Temporarily turning off all plugins and themes enables you to determine if one is the source of the breach. Then, reactivate them one by one to pinpoint the problem.

Reinstall WordPress

Reinstalling WordPress can replace compromised core files and restore the site’s security. This step can ensure that no malware remains within your system.

Remove Suspicious Admin Users

Check for new users with admin privileges that hackers may have created. Remove any unauthorized users to prevent further issues.

Scan for Malware

Run a security scan to look for malware or malicious code that hackers may have left behind. Removing these threats is essential for restoring your site’s integrity.

Disable PHP execution

Disabling PHP execution in specific folders, like the uploads folder, can prevent hackers from running harmful scripts and safeguard your site from further exploitation.

Clean Up the Database

Clean your WordPress database by removing unwanted or suspicious entries left behind by hackers. It can help restore your site to its normal working state.

Fix the WordPress Sitemap

Make sure your WordPress sitemap is free from malicious entries. Hackers may modify your sitemap to direct traffic to harmful websites.

Contact Your Hosting Provider

Contact your hosting provider for assistance securing your site. InMotion Hosting’s 24/7 technical support team helps customers quickly recover from security incidents.

Get Your Hacked Website Fixed Quickly and Safely

Our experts quickly remove malware, recover lost files, and restore your WordPress site’s security – getting you back online fast and ready for business.

Fix My Hacked Website Now

Final Thoughts

Keeping your WordPress site secure requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. A well-protected website defends against attacks, enhances customer trust, strengthens your reputation, and safeguards your business from financial loss.

By following the steps in this guide, you can fortify your WordPress site and minimize security risks.

For a secure hosting solution tailored to businesses and eCommerce sites, explore InMotion’s business hosting plans. With advanced security features and expert support, you can have peace of mind knowing your site is well-protected.

Start protecting your WordPress website with InMotion’s security-first hosting platform.

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FAQs

Does WordPress Need a Firewall?

Yes, a website firewall helps protect your WordPress site from cyber attacks and hacking attempts. Since WordPress doesn’t have a built-in firewall, you can add a plugin like Sucuri to block unwanted traffic and enhance security.

Is WordPress Easily Hacked?

WordPress is secure, but your site can still be hacked if you don’t take extra precautions, such as using strong passwords and updating your site. It’s important to stay proactive about security.

Is a Security Plugin Necessary for WordPress?

Yes, security plugins like Jetpack or Sucuri can help keep your site safe by scanning for malware and threats. However, avoid overloading your site with too many plugins, which can cause issues.

Can I Secure My WordPress Website Without Technical Expertise?

Yes, you can improve security by using strong passwords, keeping your site up to date, and enabling Two-Factor Authentication. For more advanced protection, consider consulting a professional.

How Often Should I Update My WordPress Website?

You should update WordPress, themes, and plugins as soon as new versions are available. To maintain site security, check for updates at least once a week.

Are Free Themes and Plugins Safe to Use?

Free themes and plugins can be safe if you use them from trusted sources like the official WordPress repository. Always review ratings, read reviews, and ensure you regularly update these themes and plugins.

What Should I Do If My WordPress Website Is Hacked?

If your site is hacked, change all passwords immediately, restore from a backup, and scan for malware. Consider consulting a professional to fix any vulnerabilities.

Can a Security Plugin Alone Protect My Website?

Security plugins are helpful, but should be part of a broader strategy. Use them alongside regular updates, strong passwords, and secure hosting for complete protection.

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