WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, making it a prime target for hackers. In 2026, WordPress security is more important than ever with increasingly sophisticated attacks. Here are the 15 essential WordPress security tips to protect your website.
15 WordPress Security Best Practices for 2026
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
This remains the #1 security vulnerability. Use passwords that are:
- At least 16 characters long
- Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Unique for each account
- Generated by a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds a second layer of security beyond your password. Even if hackers get your password, they can't access your site without the second factor. Recommended plugins:
- Wordfence Security (includes 2FA)
- Two-Factor
- Google Authenticator
3. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Most WordPress hacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Enable auto-updates or check for updates weekly:
- Go to Dashboard → Updates
- Enable automatic updates for minor releases
- Test major updates on a staging site first
- Remove unused themes and plugins
4. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF filters malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Top options for 2026:
- Cloudflare (Free tier available)
- Sucuri Firewall
- Wordfence
5. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
SSL encrypts data between your server and visitors. In 2026, HTTPS is mandatory:
- Most hosts offer free SSL via Let's Encrypt
- Force HTTPS in WordPress settings
- Add HSTS headers for extra security
- Google ranks HTTPS sites higher
6. Change the Default Login URL
Bots constantly attack /wp-admin and /wp-login.php. Change your login URL to reduce brute force attacks:
- WPS Hide Login (simple and lightweight)
- Or use security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security
7. Limit Login Attempts
Block IPs after failed login attempts to prevent brute force attacks:
- Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
- Most security plugins include this feature
- Set to lock out after 3-5 failed attempts
8. Disable XML-RPC (If Not Needed)
XML-RPC is exploited for DDoS and brute force attacks. If you don't use the WordPress mobile app or Jetpack, disable it:
<Files xmlrpc.php> Order Deny,Allow Deny from all </Files>
Add this to your .htaccess file, or use a security plugin.
9. Regular Backups
Backups are your safety net. If hacked, you can restore quickly:
- UpdraftPlus - Most popular backup plugin
- Duplicator - Great for migrations
- Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3)
- Test restoring backups periodically
10. Secure wp-config.php
This file contains your database credentials. Protect it:
<files wp-config.php> order allow,deny deny from all </files>
Also move wp-config.php one directory above your WordPress root for extra security.
11. Change Database Table Prefix
Don't use the default 'wp_' prefix. Change it during installation or use a plugin:
- Use something unique like 'site7x_'
- Makes SQL injection attacks harder
- Change existing prefix carefully with database backup
12. Disable File Editing in Dashboard
Prevent hackers from modifying theme/plugin files via the dashboard. Add to wp-config.php:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
13. Use Security Headers
Add HTTP security headers to prevent XSS, clickjacking, and other attacks:
Header set X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff" Header set X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN" Header set X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block" Header set Referrer-Policy "strict-origin-when-cross-origin" Header set Content-Security-Policy "upgrade-insecure-requests"
14. Choose Secure Hosting
Your host is your first line of defense. Look for:
- Server-level firewalls
- Malware scanning
- Automatic backups
- PHP 8.2+ support
- Isolated accounts (not shared)
Recommended: Verpex, Cloudways, SiteGround, or Kinsta
15. Monitor and Audit Your Site
Regular monitoring catches issues early:
- Use Sucuri Security for malware scanning
- Enable activity logs to track user actions
- Set up uptime monitoring
- Review user accounts regularly
- Check for unknown admin users
Bonus: WordPress Security Checklist 2026
- ☑ Strong passwords + 2FA enabled
- ☑ WordPress, themes, plugins updated
- ☑ SSL certificate installed
- ☑ Security plugin active (Wordfence/Sucuri)
- ☑ Login URL changed
- ☑ Login attempts limited
- ☑ Regular backups configured
- ☑ wp-config.php protected
- ☑ File editing disabled
- ☑ Unused themes/plugins removed
Recommended Security Plugins
- Wordfence Security - Comprehensive security with firewall, malware scanner, and 2FA
- Sucuri Security - Security auditing and malware monitoring
- All In One WP Security - Free and feature-rich
- Solid Security (iThemes Security) - 30+ security hardening features
Implementing these WordPress security measures will significantly reduce your risk of being hacked. Start with the basics (strong passwords, updates, backups) and gradually add more layers of protection.
Related: WordPress Security Guide
