Locking Down Your Website (WordPress Security for Beginners!)

Your website is your digital storefront—just like a physical store, it needs locks, alarms, and insurance. Hackers attack WordPress sites every 39 seconds, but don’t panic! This chapter teaches simple, no-code strategies to protect your site from malware, brute-force attacks, and downtime.

With this beginner’s guide to website security 2025, let’s turn your WordPress website into a fortress!

10.1 Why Website Security Matters?

This question—Why do WordPress sites get hacked?—might seem obscure to some, but the fact is that 43% of hacked websites are built on WordPress (Sucuri Report 2023).

10.1.2 Why do Hackers Target WordPress?

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, making it a prime target for hackers. Vulnerabilities often arise from:

1. Weak Admin Username and Passwords:
   Simple or commonly used credentials make it easy for hackers to gain access through brute-force attacks. Always use strong, unique passwords and change the default “admin” username.
2. Poor Hosting Security:
   A low-quality hosting provider may lack proper security measures, making your website vulnerable to attacks. Choose a reliable host with strong security protocols and regular monitoring.
3. Lack of Regular Updates:
   Running outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress versions exposes your site to security flaws. Regular updates ensure patches for vulnerabilities and keep your site secure.
4. Using Nulled Plugins and Themes:
   Nulled (pirated) themes and plugins often contain hidden malware and backdoors. Only download themes and plugins from trusted sources to protect your site.

Cybercriminals exploit these weaknesses to inject malware, steal data, or deface websites.

Consequences of Poor Security:

1. Financial Loss: Downtime costs small businesses $427 per minute (Gartner).
2. Reputation Damage: 88% of users avoid sites flagged as unsafe by Google.
3. SEO Collapse: Hacked sites get delisted from search results, killing traffic.

Steps to Safeguard WordPress Website:

By implementing strong security measures—including firewall protection, regular backups, and two-factor authentication (2FA)—you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks on your WordPress website.

Understanding these threats is the first step toward safeguarding your website. Explore the comprehensive security solutions below to fortify your WordPress website against all vulnerabilities and keep it protected from potential threats.

10.2 Essential Security Steps (No Coding!)

10.2.1 Install a Security Plugin

Top Free Plugins:

1. Wordfence:

• Features:
  • Firewall blocks malicious traffic in real time.
  • Malware scanner checks core files, themes, and plugins.
  • Login security (2FA, CAPTCHA).
• Setup:
  • Install → Activate → Run a full scan.
  • Enable the Web Application Firewall (WAF).

2. Sucuri Security:

• Features:
  • File integrity monitoring (alerts for unauthorized changes).
  • Blacklist monitoring (checks if Google/Safe Browsing flags your site).
  • Post-hack cleanup assistance (premium plan).

Pro Tip: Avoid using multiple security plugins—they can conflict and slow your site!

10.2.2 Enable SSL (HTTPS)

Why SSL Matters:

• Encrypts data (e.g., log in details, credit card info).
• Boosts SEO—Google prioritizes HTTPS sites in rankings.
• Builds trust: Visitors see the padlock icon in their browser.

How to Get SSL:

• Free SSL via Hosting:

1. Most hosts (Bluehost, SiteGround) offer free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.
2. Go to your hosting dashboard → Security → Enable SSL.

• Force HTTPS Site-Wide:

1. Install Really Simple SSL plugin → Activate.
2. Test your site: Ensure no “mixed content” errors (HTTP/HTTPS conflicts).

Case Study: John’s blog saw a 15% traffic boost after switching to HTTPS, as Google prioritized his secure site.

10.2.3 Regular Backups

Backup Best Practices:

• Frequency:
• Blogs: Daily backups.
• E-commerce: Real-time backups (every order matters).

Storage: Save backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox) or use a dedicated service like BlogVault.

Top Backup Plugins:

• UpdraftPlus (Free):

1. Schedule backups, and store them on Dropbox/Google Drive.
2. Restore with 1-click (no coding).

• BlogVault (Premium):

1. Real-time backups for WooCommerce stores.
2. Built-in staging sites and malware scans.

Pro Tip: Test backups monthly by restoring a dummy site to ensure they work.

Suggested Reading:

• “How to backup WordPress site for free?”
• “Best WordPress backup plugins 2025.”

10.3 Fortify Your Login Page

10.3.1 Strong Passwords

• Never Use:

1. “admin,” “password123,” or your pet’s name.

• Use Password Managers:

1. LastPass: Generates and stores random passwords.
2. 1Password: Securely shares passwords with team members.

Action Step: Reset all passwords (admin, FTP, hosting) to 12+ character mixes (letters, numbers, symbols).

10.3.2 Limit Login Attempts

Why It Matters: Blocks brute-force attacks (hackers guessing passwords).

How to Implement:

• Wordfence: Go to Login Security → Enable Brute Force Protection (blocks after 3 failed attempts).
• WP Limit Login Attempts (Free): Customize lockout duration and alerts.

10.3.3 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

How It Works: Users enter a code (sent via SMS/app) after their password.
Top Plugins:

• Google Authenticator (Free):

1. Supports time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
2. Works offline once configured.

• Wordfence Login Security (Free):

1. Integrates with Wordfence’s firewall.
2. Supports backup codes for emergencies.

Case Study: Lisa added 2FA and stopped 200+ brute-force attacks in a week.

10.4 Protect Against Common Threats

10.4.1 Brute-Force Attacks

What It Is: Hackers use bots to try thousands of username/password combos.

Prevention:

• Rename Login URL: Change /wp-admin to /my-secret-login using WPS Hide Login.
• Never use: “admin” or “login” in the new URL.
• Disable XML-RPC: Install the Disable XML-RPC plugin to block this common attack vector.

10.4.2 Malware

Signs of Infection:

• Strange pop-ups, redirects, or spammy links.
• Google warning: “This site may be hacked.”

Solutions:

• Scan with Wordfence/MalCare:

1. Free scans detect most malware.
2. Premium tools (Sucuri) remove complex infections.

• Manual Cleanup:

1. Compare files with a clean WordPress install.
2. Hire a pro via Sucuri or Wordfence Premium if unsure.

10.4.3 Outdated Software

The Risk: 58% of hacked sites run outdated plugins/themes (Wordfence Report).
Action Plan:

• Auto-Updates:

1. Go to Plugins → Select All → Enable Auto-Updates.
2. For themes: Appearance → Themes → Enable Auto-Updates.

• Delete Unused Plugins/Themes:

1. Hackers target inactive plugins (e.g., old sliders or contact forms).

Suggested Reading:

• “How to remove malware from WordPress.”
• “WordPress auto-updates best practices.”

10.5 Advanced Security Strategies

10.5.1 Web Application Firewall (WAF)

What It Does: Blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site.

Top WAFs:

• Cloudflare (Free Plan):

1. Includes DDoS protection and SSL.
2. Easy setup: Change DNS nameservers to Cloudflare.

• Sucuri Firewall (Premium):

1. Malware cleanup + firewall combo.
2. Ideal for high-traffic sites.

10.5.2 Disable File Editing

Why: Prevents hackers from editing theme/plugin files via the dashboard.
How:

1. Access wp-config.php via FTP or hosting file manager.
2. Add define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); above the line /* That’s all, stop editing! */.

Pro Tip: Use iThemes Security to automate this setting.

10.5.3 Change Database Prefix

Default Risk: Hackers target the default wp_ prefix in SQL injection attacks.

How to Rename:

1. Install WP-DBManager.
2. Go to Database → DB Prefix → Change (e.g., mydb_123_).

Warning: Back up your site first—this can break your site if done incorrectly!

10.6 Disaster Recovery

10.6.1 Restoring from Backup

Step-by-Step:

1. Install UpdraftPlus if not already active.
2. Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups → Restore.
3. Select backup date → Restore Files + Database.
4. Test site functionality (forms, checkout pages).

Pro Tip: Use BlogVault’s staging environment to test restores without affecting your live site.

10.6.2 Request a Google Blacklist Review

If Google Flags Your Site:

1. Clean your site (remove malware).
2. Submit a review request via Google Search Console:

• Go to Security & Manual Actions → Security Issues.
• Click “Request Review” and explain the fixes.

Case Study: Tom’s site was blacklisted for phishing. After cleaning and submitting a review, rankings recovered in 72 hours.

10.7 Common Security Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Nulled Plugins:

1. Pirated plugins often contain backdoors.
2. Example: A nulled page builder plugin injected spam links into Sarah’s site.

• Ignoring Updates:

1. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
2. Fix: Enable auto-updates and review changelogs weekly.

• No Backups:

1. 43% of small businesses shut down after data loss.
2. Action: Schedule daily backups with UpdraftPlus.

10.8 Monitoring & Alerts

10.8.1 Uptime Monitoring

Tools:

1. Jetpack Monitor (Free): Alerts via email if your site goes down.
2. UptimeRobot (Free): Checks site availability every 5 minutes.

10.8.2 Security Alerts

• Wordfence Alerts: Notifies you of failed logins or malware.
• Sucuri Security: Email reports on blacklist status and file changes.

10.9 Security for E-Commerce Sites

10.9.1 WooCommerce Hardening

• Disable Guest Checkout: Forces users to create accounts (trackable activity).
• PCI Compliance: Use SSL and avoid storing credit card data.

10.9.2 Payment Gateway Security

• Trusted Providers: Stripe, and PayPal (handle security on their servers).
• Avoid DIY Solutions: Never code your payment system.

Case Study: Sarah’s bakery site was hacked, causing a week of downtime. After implementing Wordfence, SSL, and daily backups, her site stayed secure—and sales grew by 25%!

Chapter 10: Checklist

1️⃣ Why WordPress gets hacked.
2️⃣ Essential security steps without coding.
3️⃣ Fortifying WordPress login page.
4️⃣ Protecting WordPress website against common threats.
5️⃣ Following advanced security strategies.
6️⃣ Restoration from backups.
7️⃣ Avoiding common security mistakes.
8️⃣ Website monitoring.
9️⃣ Security for E-Commerce sites.