How to Securing WordPress Site from Hackers: Ultimate Guide

Let’s be real: hackers are pretty much everywhere online, always on the lookout for websites with weak security. If you’re running a business site, blog, or an e-commerce store, sure, the chances of getting hacked aren’t exactly sky-high, but they’re definitely not zero either (and let’s be honest, nobody wants to take that chance).

Now, WordPress—yeah, you’ve probably heard of it—it’s crazy popular. Actually, almost 40% of all websites on the internet use WordPress. And while that’s cool, it also means that, well, WordPress sites are kind of a big target for hackers. Popularity has its downsides, you know?

But before you start panicking, let me tell you: WordPress is still safe. Like, for real. The problem usually comes down to users, not the platform itself. A lot of the time, websites get hacked because the people running them just don’t take the right security measures (I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count). So today, I’m going to go over a few ways to protect your WordPress site from those sneaky hackers.

How to Protect Your WordPress Site from Hackers: 7 Common Threats

WordPress websites, being open-source, are naturally more vulnerable to hacking and other cyber threats. Hackers love to exploit weak spots (and trust me, they’re always looking for them). They’ll try to inject harmful scripts or access sensitive info however they can.

Honestly, they keep trying to break in just because WordPress is open-source, meaning its code is out there for anyone to check out. So yeah, that’s why understanding the basic security precautions is super important. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late.

If your site gets hit, visitors might see an ugly warning pop up in their browsers saying your page isn’t safe to visit. Not only will that freak people out, but it’s also going to mess with your site’s SEO and reputation. And, well, recovering from that is no walk in the park.

Here’s a fun (well, not so fun) fact: according to Sucuri, around 4.3% of WordPress sites scanned with their SiteCheck tool in 2022 were hacked. That’s about one in every 25 sites—definitely not something you want to be part of.

Password Hacking: The Simple Yet Sneaky Way In

Here’s something that might surprise you: 8% of WordPress sites get hacked because of weak passwords. Seriously, passwords! You’d think people would’ve figured this one out by now, but nope.

We all know passwords are like the first line of defense, right? You need one to log into your site’s admin dashboard, but—here’s the thing—hackers know this too. They’ll try to crack your password using bots that fire off a bunch of random guesses. If they get in, they can steal stuff like credit card info or, even worse, cause a big hit to your revenue.

So, what’s the solution? It’s pretty simple: create a strong password. I know, I know, we’ve all heard it before, but trust me, the harder you make your password, the more of a headache it’ll be for hackers to crack it. Plus, it’ll save you a whole lot of stress later on (and who doesn’t want that?).

In this case, I highly recommend using the password generation tool. Try to generate a password with at least ten characters that include letters, numbers, and special characters.

SQL Injection

Alright, so let’s talk about why WordPress uses PHP server-side scripts—it’s all about speed and giving you that “what you see is what you get” experience (WYSIWYG, for short). Since WordPress runs on an SQL database, that’s where things get a bit tricky because, well, hackers love targeting those databases.

One of the big ones you’ve probably heard about is SQL injection. This happens when hackers sneak harmful SQL code into your website’s database, and it’s not pretty. They use this nasty code to get their hands on sensitive data or even lock you out of your own site (which is every site owner’s worst nightmare).

In fact, SQL injections are a huge problem—around 65.1% of all web application attacks are caused by them (yep, over half!). And the crazy part? That number just keeps growing year after year. Makes you think, right?

Now, here’s where things get real: you’re more likely to face this kind of attack if you’re using outdated software or poorly coded themes and plugins. I mean, it’s not uncommon. Actually, a whopping 61% of WordPress sites that got hit were running outdated software. Outdated plugins account for 52% of WordPress vulnerabilities, core WordPress files 37%, and themes about 11% (those stats don’t lie)(source).

So, what’s the takeaway here? Simple: keep your WordPress, themes, and plugins updated. It’s really that important. If you’re using an older version, your site could be an easy target for SQL injections.

Another thing that helps? Regular security scans. Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri can scan your site for vulnerabilities. They both have free versions that can catch the basic stuff, but if you want to dig deeper, you might want to look into the premium versions.

Brute Force Attacks: The Old-School Guesswork

Brute-force attacks are kind of like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks—hackers use automated tools to guess your password and username over and over. They literally just keep trying until something works.

Here’s a fun (okay, not so fun) fact: more than 26% of websites get hit with brute-force attacks every week, and that number’s been climbing by about 10% recently. According to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, around 80% of breaches involved brute-forcing or stolen login credentials. Yeah, 80%! Let that sink in.

Hackers usually have lists of common passwords and will run through every possible combo until they hit the jackpot. These attacks don’t just put your info at risk—they can also crash your website. And if that happens, well, they can steal all sorts of personal data from you or your users. Not good.

Hijacking When You’re Logged In

Hijacking is a bit more… old-fashioned, but it still happens. This one’s more about physical access. Let’s say you’ve got a team of people working on your site. If one of them logs in and then just leaves their computer unattended (we’ve all done it at some point), someone else could easily hop on and cause some damage. It’s especially common in shared workspaces.

So, yeah, it’s not just hackers online—you’ve got to think about real-life risks too. If someone gets into one person’s device, they can mess with your site’s code or scripts. To avoid this, you and your team should always log out when stepping away from your desks. I’m telling you, this simple habit can save you a ton of trouble.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Sneaky and Dangerous

Cross-site scripting (or XSS) is when a hacker slips malicious code into your WordPress site, which then gets executed in your visitor’s browser. It’s sneaky because, on the surface, everything might look normal to you, but your users could be exposed to all sorts of harmful scripts without even realizing it.

So, here’s the deal: more than 60% of web applications out there are at risk thanks to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Yeah, it’s that common—XSS shows up in about 30% of all web apps, which is pretty wild if you think about it. According to Forrester’s State of Application Security report from 2022, XSS vulnerabilities are a big reason why web app attacks are the third most common type of cybersecurity breach. And trust me, that’s not a good thing.

These sneaky little scripts can do some serious damage, like stealing personal info or even taking over your site completely. If your website’s software is outdated or you’re using poorly coded themes and plugins, you’re basically rolling out the red carpet for hackers.

But here’s the good news: it’s actually pretty easy to fix. Just make sure you’re always using the latest version of WordPress and keeping your plugins up to date. That way, you can be sure that the code on your site is solid and has been reviewed for security issues.

You don’t have to do this alone either. There are some great plugins that can help, like Anti-Malware Security and Brute Force Firewall, which can scan your site for vulnerabilities. Personally, I recommend using the SolidWP or Wordfence security plugins—they’re solid options.

DDoS Attacks: When Traffic Takes You Down

Ever heard of a DDoS attack? It stands for Distributed Denial of Service, and it’s as nasty as it sounds. Basically, a hacker floods your website with so much traffic that it crashes. Your site goes down, and boom—it’s game over for your visitors.

Here’s the scary part: 67% of website attacks come from ransom DDoS attacks, and that number’s been creeping up lately. On top of that, DDoS attacks have hit more than 10% of all HTTP requests for Palestinian websites. We’re talking 1.3 billion DDoS requests in total (that’s a lot of traffic, by the way).

These attacks happen because hackers use a network of compromised computers, called botnets, to flood your site with traffic. It’s like trying to fit a stadium full of people into a coffee shop—your site just can’t handle it.

But you can fight back. Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) service like Cloudflare is one of the best ways to prevent DDoS attacks. Whether you go for the free or paid plan, Cloudflare helps take the load off your site. Plus, using a plugin like Wordfence Security can block unauthorized traffic and reduce the risk of getting hit.

Database Attacks: Why Your WordPress Database is a Target

WordPress uses MySQL databases to run its websites, and since MySQL is one of the most common databases, it’s also a prime target for hackers. They love going after it. Why? Because if they can get in, they can cause some serious damage.

Human error plays a huge role in this—about 74% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by mistakes on the user’s end. Yeah, let that sink in. It’s why database attacks are so common(Source).

So, why do hackers go after databases? Well, if you’re using your server’s one-click install tool (you know, the ones that make life easier), the default database prefix is usually set to “wp_.” That’s the first thing hackers look for. If you’ve got that default prefix, you’re basically making their job a whole lot easier.

My advice? Use a unique database prefix. It’s a simple change that can go a long way in keeping hackers at bay. Now, if your site’s already been around for a while, changing the prefix might be a bit trickier, but it’s definitely worth looking into.

Basic WordPress Security Practices: What You Need to Do

Whether you’re running a blog or an e-commerce site, getting hacked is a costly nightmare. So let’s talk about some basic WordPress security practices you should absolutely be following.

Keep WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes Up to Date

Here’s a big one: about 50% of WordPress sites are running outdated versions. Yikes. That makes them way more vulnerable to attacks. Updating WordPress, along with your plugins and themes, as soon as new versions are released, is key to keeping your site secure.

Now, I get it—sometimes it’s hard to keep track of every update manually. It’s easy to let one or two slip through the cracks. So, what’s the solution?

Well, when you see those notifications in your WordPress dashboard telling you that a plugin or theme update is available, don’t ignore them. Click that update button. It only takes a minute, and it keeps your site safe and sound.

Look, the longer you stick with an older version of WordPress, the more you’re putting yourself at risk of getting hacked. It’s just the way it is.

I know I mentioned before how tough it can be to update all your plugins and themes the minute you get a notification. I mean, who has the time to do that instantly every single time, right? That’s where a plugin can really save you some headaches.

There’s this handy tool called Easy Updates Manager that’s perfect for the job. It automatically checks for updates and even lets you schedule when they’ll be installed. So, you don’t have to drop everything when an update pops up. Plus, it ensures that your site doesn’t crash while everything’s being updated. That’s a big bonus.

Use a Unique Username and Strong Password

We all know this, but it’s worth repeating: usernames and passwords are your first line of defense. If you don’t use them, or if they’re weak, you’re basically leaving the door wide open for someone unauthorized to waltz right into your site. Whether you’re flying solo or working with a team, strong passwords are key to making sure only legit people have access.

But, here’s the thing—hackers love brute force attacks, where they try to guess your login details. That’s why it’s super important to use a strong password that makes it harder for them to break in.

So, what makes a good password? Here’s a simple checklist:

• At least one uppercase letter
• At least one lowercase letter
• One digit (or more)
• At least one special character
• A minimum of 10 characters (the longer, the better!)
• No more than two identical characters in a row

Follow these rules, and you’re already way ahead of the game.

Set Limit Login Attempts

Once you’ve got those login credentials sorted, don’t stop there. You’ll want to add another layer of security by limiting the number of times someone can try to log in. Like I said earlier, hackers love brute-force attacks, where they just keep guessing your password over and over. Limiting their attempts makes it a lot harder for them to get in.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a plugin. There are some great options out there that can restrict login attempts and beef up your security. Here are a few to check out:

• Limit Login Attempts Reloaded: This one lets you set the maximum number of failed login attempts for specific IP addresses. You can add people to a safelist, ban them entirely, and even notify users about how long they’re locked out.
• Loginizer: Offers tools like reCAPTCHA, login challenge questions, and even two-factor authentication (2FA) to make your login page extra secure.
• Limit Attempts by BestWebSoft: Automatically blocks an IP address after too many failed attempts and adds it to a deny list.

Set a Custom Login URL

Here’s another pro tip: you can give your site an extra layer of security by changing your login page URL. By default, hackers know they can just tack on “/wp-admin” to your site’s URL to get to the login page. But if you customize the login URL, you’re making it a lot harder for them to even find the page in the first place. It’s a simple trick that can go a long way.

So yeah, changing the default login URL is a smart move. By doing that, you’re basically hiding the front door to your site, making it way harder for hackers to even find where to log in. It’s like giving them a puzzle to solve before they can even try anything shady.

There are a few ways to go about this, but honestly, the easiest way is to use a plugin. I’d recommend WPS Hide Login. It lets you change the default URL in just a couple of clicks—super simple, no fuss.

If you’re looking for a more all-in-one approach, you could also go with Perfmatters or SolidWP Security plugins. They do a bunch of other security tasks too, so it’s like hitting two (or more) birds with one stone.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Here’s another game-changer: two-factor authentication, or 2FA. If you want to make your login credentials more secure, this is the way to go.

So, how does it work? Think of it as adding a second password that changes every 30 seconds. Even if a hacker somehow manages to guess your password (which is already tough), they’d still need to crack that temporary security code—and they’ve only got 30 seconds to do it.

Needless to say, this massively improves your chances of keeping hackers out. It’s like putting an extra lock on your front door, but with a constantly changing key.

If you’re setting up two-factor authentication (which you totally should), a great option is the free Wordfence Security plugin. It makes the whole process simple. You can also use SolidWP or really any other two-factor authentication plugin that works for you.

Another cool way to secure your login is by linking it to your Google account with the Google Apps Login plugin for WordPress. This way, you get the extra security of your Google credentials.

Once you’ve got your login locked down, go ahead and whitelist the IP addresses of your trusted users in your security plugin. This way, even if someone manages to crack your password, only people from approved IPs can actually access your site. Pretty handy, right?

Add Captcha to Any Forms

Let’s not forget about protecting the other open spaces on your site, like your comment section, checkout pages, or any other forms. These areas are prime targets for hackers who love to spam malicious links. Sure, this might not hurt you directly, but if one of your visitors clicks on a bad link, they could end up in trouble. And, well, that’s not great for your site’s reputation or your user experience.

To avoid that nightmare, you can install the Google Captcha (reCAPTCHA) plugin by BestWebSoft. It’ll help keep those forms safe from bots and hackers.

Activate SSL Certificate

Finally, let’s talk about SSL—Secure Socket Layer. This has been the global standard for web security ever since the days of Netscape Navigator (yeah, we’re going way back). SSL encrypts the connection between your site and your users, which means any data exchanged stays secure. It’s also super important for SEO and user trust, so don’t skip this step!

If you’ve got an SSL certificate, you’re already limiting the chances of hackers and fraudsters getting their hands on sensitive data like credit card numbers, passwords, or even your own site’s information. SSL creates a secure, encrypted connection between your visitors’ computers and your website, making it much harder for anyone to intercept that data.

So, if you haven’t activated your SSL certificate yet, you really should. Head over to your hosting control panel, and you’ll usually find an option to activate it there. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer free SSL (which, honestly, some still don’t), no worries—you can always use Cloudflare to get SSL for free, and it’ll last you a lifetime.

Use HTTPS

Now, let’s talk about HTTPS. It’s basically the secure version of HTTP, and it adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting the connection between your visitors’ browsers and your server. This encryption makes it a lot harder for hackers to snoop on that connection and grab any data they shouldn’t have.

How to Set Up HTTPS

Before you dive into setting up HTTPS, you need to make sure SSL is installed on your site. You can do this through your hosting control panel, but if you’re unsure how to go about it, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider’s support team. They’re usually more than happy to help with this kind of stuff.

Step #1: Open Your WordPress Dashboard

First things first, log in to your WordPress dashboard. Once you’re in, take a look at the left-hand side of your screen—you’ll see a bunch of menu options. Hover your mouse over Settings, and from the drop-down that appears, click on General.

Step #2: Update URLs to HTTPS

Now, here’s the important part. You’ll see two fields: WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL). All you need to do is change both from HTTP to HTTPS. Easy, right? After that, scroll down a bit and hit Save Changes. Once you save, WordPress will automatically log you out, and you’ll have to log back in again (don’t worry, that’s normal).

Step #3: Set Up a Redirect from HTTP to HTTPS

Now, you want to make sure that anyone trying to access your site through HTTP gets redirected to the secure HTTPS version. To do this, you’ll need to add a small piece of code to your “.htaccess” file. Just copy and paste the following code into that file, and you’re good to go:

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
  RewriteEngine On
  RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
  RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>

All In One Solution With Plugins to Protect Your WordPress Site From Being Hacked

It is impossible to cover all of the steps in a single post or to enable them manually. So I strongly advise you to use security plugins. You can use the plugins listed below to enable all the necessary steps to protect your site from hacking.

1. Security plugin (SolidWP, WordFences or Hide My WP Ghost)
2. Security and speed booster plugin (Perfmatters)
3. Custom Login URL  plugin (WPS Hide Login)

From the list above, I highly recommend using SoldWP and Perfmatters because they both cover all of the features you need.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Following these simple steps can make a huge difference for your WordPress site. By keeping hackers out, you’re making sure your visitors have a smooth, secure experience, and you’re also protecting your SEO in the long run.

To avoid any major issues or crashes, make it a habit to follow proper WordPress security precautions every day. It might seem like a bit of work, but a little effort now will save you a lot of money and stress later—especially if you want to avoid dealing with ransomware.

And one last thing: don’t forget to back up your site’s content and database regularly. That way, if the worst happens and your site gets hacked, you won’t lose any valuable data.