The question “Are WordPress websites secure?” is one we hear all the time. The short answer is: No, not by default. However, like any technology, every website is vulnerable in some way. The good news is that while securing your WordPress site can be challenging, it’s far from impossible. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most effective ways to safeguard your WordPress website and reduce the risk of attacks.
Install Security Software
Your WordPress site is only as secure as you make it. A default WordPress installation lacks many of the security features needed to protect your site from threats. That’s why one of the first steps you should take is installing a security plugin. Here are two of the top security plugins for WordPress:
- Wordfence Security – Wordfence is a powerful security plugin designed to protect your site from hackers. While simply activating the plugin offers some protection, configuring it correctly provides much stronger defense. The plugin includes a step-by-step guide to help with setup. While Wordfence offers a free version, upgrading to the premium version unlocks superior features for maximum security. You can learn more about Wordfence on their website.
- Sucuri – Another popular option, Sucuri offers robust protection against hackers. The free version provides basic security, but the premium upgrade is needed to access the full Web Application Firewall (WAF) for complete protection. For those looking for high-level security, Sucuri’s premium plan is a strong option. Learn more about Sucuri on their website.
Regular Backups of Your Website
Along with installing security plugins, regular website backups are essential for keeping your WordPress site safe. Backups ensure you can restore your site in case of a hack or other catastrophic event. Here are two highly recommended backup plugins:
- Duplicator – This tool allows you to perform full backups of your WordPress site, including the database, enabling you to restore your site or move it to a new server if needed. Note that it only backs up your website, not associated email accounts. Learn more about Duplicator here.
- UpdraftPlus – Another excellent backup solution, UpdraftPlus lets you create secure backups of your website, which can be stored on third-party services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Like Duplicator, this plugin allows for easy restoration in the event of a failure. Learn more about UpdraftPlus here.
Regular Maintenance & WordPress Care Plans
The final key to securing your website is regular maintenance—or better yet, investing in a WordPress care plan. While you can handle some maintenance tasks yourself, it’s often better to leave it to professionals. Eventually, something will break, and having a skilled team handle the fix can save you time and stress.
WordPress sites are frequently updated by developers to address bugs and security vulnerabilities. These updates are crucial for keeping your site protected from potential threats. If you’re managing updates yourself, be sure to regularly update the WordPress core, themes, and plugins—checking for updates at least once a week.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional web design and development team to handle these tasks for you. Many businesses, like Define Marketing, offer WordPress maintenance and care plans that include ongoing updates, backups, and security monitoring. Choose a plan that suits your needs and offers peace of mind.
Conclusion
While WordPress sites are not inherently secure, taking the right precautions can greatly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Installing security plugins, performing regular backups, and keeping your site updated are essential steps in protecting your online presence. If you’re unsure how to manage these tasks, consider investing in a professional WordPress care plan for ongoing security and maintenance.
