How to Secure a WordPress Site
IntermediateQuick Answer
TL;DR
Secure a WordPress site by keeping core, themes, and plugins updated, enforcing strong passwords with two-factor authentication, installing a security plugin (Wordfence or Sucuri), limiting login attempts, changing the default admin URL, enabling SSL/HTTPS, setting correct file permissions, disabling XML-RPC if unused, and maintaining regular backups. Remove unused plugins and themes — every inactive extension is an unmonitored attack surface.
Key Takeaways
- Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins immediately when security patches release
- Enforce strong passwords, 2FA, and login attempt limits on all accounts
- Use a web application firewall (WAF) and security plugin for real-time threat monitoring
- Audit and remove unused plugins and themes; abandoned plugins never receive security fixes