WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms, with a variety of flexible website builders available for all types of projects. However, as its popularity has grown, so have the security threats that come with it. It comes as no surprise you’ve landed here after wondering: What is the best WordPress security plugin?
WordPress is constantly updating its core files and security measures to protect its users, but there is still a need for additional security to protect you from malicious code, brute force attacks, and other security vulnerabilities that could threaten your website. To mitigate these risks, the best solution is to install a WordPress security plugin.
In this article, we will review the best WordPress security plugins that offer a variety of features including malware scanning, file integrity monitoring, brute force protection, login protection, two-factor authentication, and much more to secure your WordPress website from a plethora of security threats.
But first, let’s take a closer look at why WordPress is so popular.
Why use WordPress?
WordPress websites remain a popular option since they are incredibly easy to install, customise, and maintain. They offer a vast array of themes, plugins, and other design options that enable users to create a website tailored to their business needs.
Plus, WordPress has an incredibly supportive community that constantly updates the platform with new and innovative feature ideas. WordPress has an incredibly user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to manage their website content without the need for coding or technical expertise.
Its popularity also means that there’s a vast pool of resources available, from tutorials to support forums, making it easier for WordPress website owners to find solutions when they encounter problems.
Why use a WordPress security plugin?
Every week, countless websites suffer from malware infections. On a daily basis, the average website falls victim to 44 attacks, regardless of whether it is a WordPress or non-WordPress site.
Your business can face severe consequences due to a security breach on your website.
- This breach exposes you to the risk of hackers stealing your data, as well as the sensitive data belonging to your users and customers
- A compromised website can also be used to spread malicious code to other users and sites
- As a result, you may lose access to your website, valuable data, or even be held hostage. Additionally, security breaches can harm your brand reputation and SEO rankings, potentially leading to the destruction or defacement of your website
What is the best WordPress security plugin?
When it comes to the best WordPress security plugins, there is no definitive answer, as it depends on your specific needs and the size of your website.
However, we have compiled a list of the best WordPress security plugins for you to choose from, based on their popularity, advanced features, security measures and positive user feedback:
1. iThemes security
iThemes Security is a popular WordPress security plugin that helps in providing brute force attack prevention, security hardening, two-factor authentication, and several other security features. Its free version provides impressive features, but it’s in the paid version with advanced features like file change detection, WP-CLI integration, and support that make this plugin stand out.
2. Wordfence Security
Wordfence Security is one of the most popular WordPress security plugins, protecting millions of WordPress websites. It provides powerful malware scanning and real-time endpoint protection, as well as login protection, which limits login attempts to prevent brute force attacks.
The paid version of the plugin provides advanced features such as advanced country blocking, real-time firewall rules, and scheduled scanning.
3. Sucuri Security
Sucuri Security is a web application firewall that provides advanced security measures to protect your WordPress website from a wide range of threats. This plugin provides malware scanning, file integrity monitoring, and brute force protection, along with a lot of other advanced features. The paid version has added features like blacklist monitoring, advanced DDoS protection, and security analyst support.
4. All in One WP Security Plugin
All in One WP Security plugin provides the best security features for your WordPress website. This plugin includes a user-friendly dashboard that allows you to manage all security features, including brute force protection, file integrity monitoring, login protection, and a lot more. Limit login attempts and HTTP error logging, making this plugin an excellent solution for all those who want to keep their website secure.
5. MalCare Security
MalCare Security is an impressive security plugin that provides file scanner, brute-force attack prevention, one-click malware removal and login protection. This plugin also has a Pro version with extra features like Vulnerability Scanner, Security Audit Logs, Firewall Protection, and Security Hardening, to better protect the WordPress site.
6. Bulletproof Security
Bulletproof Security covers an array of security features like login protection, Malware scanning, spam protection, and a Web Application Firewall. Its pro version adds extra features such as real-time file monitoring, bad bot blocking, scheduled Malware scans, and login session tracking.
7. Security Ninja
Security Ninja is a powerful security plugin that can run over 50 security tests to check your website’s vulnerabilities. This plugin also includes brute force protection, malware scanning, file change detection, and much more. Its pro version provides even more robust features, like an advanced Malware scanner, Auto Fixer, and Database Optimizer and Repair.
8. Jetpack Security plugin
Jetpack Security is an all-in-one plugin that offers various security features, including site scanning, malware removal, site backups, and two-factor authentication. It also includes an automatic downtime monitoring feature that checks for site accessibility every five minutes.
9. Cerber Security, Anti-spam & Malware Scan
This is a robust security plugin that includes a firewall, malware scanner, and anti-spam tool, amongst other features, protecting WordPress sites from a variety of security threats.
There is a free version available, as well as premium plans, for extra protection. We have used Malcare security in the past to clean a website from malware!
10. SecuPress
SecuPress provides hassle-free security for your WordPress site, protecting it from malware, DDoS attacks or brute force attacks, with time-limited sessions, and a firewall that blocks specific IP ranges or countries. It also performs automated backups and sends them to your email, along with email notifications of any security issues.
11. Jetpack Security
Jetpack Security is an all-in-one plugin that offers various security features, including site scanning, malware removal, site backups, and two-factor authentication. It also includes an automatic downtime monitoring feature that checks for site accessibility every five minutes.
Why you need to protect your login URL
Your login URL is one of the most critical elements of your WordPress website’s security because it is the primary point of entry for hackers. If a hacker gains access to your login URL, they can implement malware immediately by guessing a combination of usernames and passwords to gain control over your WordPress site.
By changing your login URL, you can make it more challenging for hackers to access your login page, thereby reducing the risks of brute force attacks or any other attempted login at unauthorised access.
Using a plugin to customise your login URL
One of the simplest and most effective ways to customise your WordPress login URL is by using a WordPress security plugin. There are tons of free and premium plugins available that can modify your login URL with a few clicks. Popular plugins like iThemes Security, All In One WP Security & Firewall, and WP Limit Login Attempts allow you to customise your login URL to make it harder for hackers to find.
These plugins provide an additional layer of security to your website by limiting the number of login attempts, blocking IP addresses that have failed to log in, and monitoring failed login attempts.
The importance of using a hard password and username
Using a ‘hard’ password and username on your WordPress website is of utmost importance. Whenever you install WordPress, the default username is often set as ‘admin,’ which is a weak and commonly used username that can be easily guessed by hackers. It is essential to use a unique username that is complex and challenging to predict. Don’t be afraid to use numbers and a combination of upper and lowercase letters in your username!
Additionally, using a ‘hard’ password with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it much more challenging for anyone to guess or crack the password. If you use a simple password, hackers use brute force attacks, attempting to guess millions of password combinations to gain unauthorised access.
Using a hard username and password combination gives hackers a significant challenge and makes it more challenging for them to access your site. Therefore, remember to choose a unique username and use a strong password when setting up your WordPress site.
Using two factor authentication
Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your WordPress website can provide an additional layer of security and make it much more challenging for hackers to gain access to your account.
Two-factor authentication requires users to provide two forms of identification – something they know, like a password, and something they have, like a mobile device – to log in.
This authentication process significantly reduces the risks of unauthorised access. Two-factor authentication plugins like Google Authenticator and Clef work by sending a unique code to your mobile device, which you must then input into the login page to complete the authentication process. With two-factor authentication, even if a hacker gains access to your password, they won’t be able to log in without this unique code.
Keeping your WordPress website updated
Keeping your WordPress website updated is crucial when it comes to website security. WordPress is constantly adding new features and fixing any potential security vulnerabilities in its core files, so it’s important to stay up to date. By not updating your website, you are leaving your site susceptible to potential security threats that could be easily fixed by updating.
Hackers can exploit known security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to your site, inject malicious code, or distribute spam. However, through regular updates, security patches and other security improvements are installed to prevent these issues from harming your site.
Furthermore, regular updates also help to ensure better performance, functionality, and compatibility with the latest internet technologies. Therefore, keeping your WordPress website updated is critical to maintain optimal website functionality and improve your website’s security, ensuring your website is always running smoothly and free from potential security threats.
‘What can I do if my website has malware?’
If you suspect that your WordPress website has malware, the first thing you need to do is to isolate and identify the malware. There are several malware removal plugins that help scan and clean infected files from your WordPress website, including Sucuri, MalCare, and Wordfence.
All you have to do is install one of these plugins, run a malware scan, and fix any issues found. Regular backups of your website can help in identifying the exact time when the infection occurred, allowing you to restore the site to its previous state before the website got infected.
Furthermore, ensure to change all login credentials, scan all local computers to remove viruses, and install a security plugin like iThemes Security Pro or WordFence Premium to provide an added layer of security to your site. Suppose your site is heavily infected, it may require professional help from a dedicated WordPress security specialist to clean infected files and help restore your website to its original state.
Additionally, continually monitoring your site and regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins to their latest version can help prevent future malware infections.
Summary of WordPress security plugins
There’s no denying that protecting your WordPress website is crucial in today’s online world. There are various security threats, including malware, brute force attacks, and unauthorised access attempts, amongst others, that can harm your WordPress website.
Fortunately, there are effective WordPress security plugins available that can help you protect your website from these threats. From malware scanning to two-factor authentication, these plugins provide several security features to ensure your website remains safe and secure.
It is also essential to keep your WordPress website updated, use hard passwords and usernames, and customise your login URL. By adopting these security measures and installing quality security plugins, you can keep your website protected and safeguard your website for good.
