You don’t need to be a web developer or cybersecurity expert to protect your WordPress website. With the right tools and a few best practices, anyone can lock down their site and prevent common attacks like malware, spam, and brute-force login attempts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, practical steps to secure your WordPress site – no coding required!
🔐 1. Keep WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes Updated
Outdated software is the #1 reason WordPress sites get hacked.
How to do it:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard regularly
- Go to Dashboard > Updates
- Click Update Now for WordPress core, plugins, and themes
💡 Tip: Use a tool like WP Foundry to view and manage updates across multiple sites from one place.
👮 2. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords
Avoid using “admin” as your username—it’s the first thing hackers try.
Best practices:
- Use a unique username (not your name or “admin”)
- Create a strong password with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password
🚫 Never reuse passwords across sites.
🛡 3. Install a Security Plugin
A good security plugin can help block brute-force attacks, scan for malware, and monitor suspicious activity.
Popular options include:
- Wordfence Security
- Sucuri Security
- iThemes Security
Just install the plugin, follow the setup wizard, and enable basic protections.
🔒 4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of login protection by requiring a code from your phone.
How to set it up:
- Install a plugin like Two Factor, WP 2FA, or Wordfence Login Security
- Connect it with an authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy)
🔐 Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without the code.
🚫 5. Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often try to guess passwords by logging in thousands of times.
To stop this:
- Install a plugin to prevent multiple login attempts, or enable this feature in your security plugin
- Set it to block IPs after a few failed login attempts
🌐 6. Use HTTPS (SSL)
An SSL certificate encrypts data between your site and your visitors, making it harder for attackers to steal information.
How to get it:
- Most hosting companies (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Kinsta) offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt
- Activate it in your hosting dashboard
- Use the Really Simple SSL plugin if needed to force HTTPS on all pages
🔒 Your site should show a padlock icon in the browser bar.
🧼 7. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes
Old, inactive plugins and themes are potential security risks.
How to clean up:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Deactivate and delete anything you’re not using
- Repeat under Appearance > Themes
🔍 Less clutter = fewer vulnerabilities.
📦 8. Regularly Back Up Your Site
Even with the best security, things can still go wrong. Backups let you recover fast.
Use backup plugins like:
- UpdraftPlus (free)
- BlogVault
- Jetpack Backup
Set it to back up daily (or weekly) and store copies off-site (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive).
🧠 Bonus: Monitor for Vulnerable Plugins
Some plugins can have known security holes. With WP Foundry, you can:
- Get alerts about vulnerable plugins
- See which sites need immediate updates
- Manage plugins across multiple sites without logging into wp-admin
✅ Final Checklist
Here’s a quick summary of the essentials:
- ✅ Keep everything updated
- ✅ Use strong usernames and passwords
- ✅ Install a reputable security plugin
- ✅ Enable 2FA
- ✅ Limit login attempts
- ✅ Use HTTPS
- ✅ Delete unused plugins/themes
- ✅ Back up your site regularly
- ✅ Monitor for plugin vulnerabilities
👋 You Can Do This – No Developer Needed
You don’t need to hire a pro or learn how to code. With these easy tools and habits, you can keep your WordPress site safe, fast, and reliable all by yourself.
And if you want to simplify site management even more, try WP Foundry, a free desktop app that makes it easy to update, audit, and secure your WordPress sites from one place.
Download WP Foundry and take control of your site’s security today.