Is WordPress Secure? Insights from Best Industry Experts


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“Is WordPress secure?” remains one of the most frequently asked questions.

The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. For some users, WordPress offers a high level of security, while others have concerns.

So, who should you trust?

To provide clarity, we have gathered opinions from leading figures in the WordPress community, including developers, security specialists, and platform co-founders, to shed light on the most pressing security concerns and best practices.

Running a secure website is crucial to protect user data and maintain credibility while avoiding SEO penalties.

By exploring their expert data and advice, you’ll learn how to effectively protect your WordPress website from potential vulnerabilities and enhance its overall security.

Read More: Is WordPress Good for Ecommerce? Let’s Find Out!

Let’s dive into their expert opinions below.

Here are 10 expert opinions on WordPress Security

1. “Security is largely influenced by user actions”

WordPress Expert: Tony Perez (CEO of CleanTalk Security)

What he said: The core of WordPress is secure, but vulnerabilities often arise from the surrounding ecosystem, such as plugins, themes, and improper configurations. Security is largely influenced by user actions rather than the platform itself.”

Tony Perez emphasises that while WordPress itself is built with strong security measures, the real risks come from how users manage their site’s ecosystem. By choosing and configuring themes and plugins wisely, downloading them from reputable sources, and maintaining good security practices, users can significantly reduce potential vulnerabilities.

2. “Security is a process, not a product”

WordPress Expert: Matt Mullenweg (Co-Founder of WordPress)

What he said: Security is a process, not a product. With WordPress, we actively monitor, update, and secure the platform, but users need to do their part by choosing reputable plugins and keeping everything up to date.”

Matt Mullenweg highlights the dynamic nature of security, emphasising that it requires ongoing effort and vigilance. Hosting providers also play a significant role by offering features like free SSL certificates to enhance website security. While the WordPress team is dedicated to maintaining the platform’s security through regular updates and monitoring, he stresses that users play a crucial role in this process. By selecting trustworthy plugins and ensuring that all components of their WordPress site are current, users can contribute significantly to their site’s security. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks and ensures a more robust defense against potential threats.

Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to On-Page SEO

3. “Users play a crucial role in complementing security”

WordPress Expert: Aaron D. Campbell, WordPress Core Security Team Lead

What he said: Aaron emphasises the importance of user responsibility in maintaining website security. In his talk “What WordPress is Doing to Keep Your Site Safe,” he states:

Security is important, but can also be complex, overwhelming, and downright scary. Thankfully, as a WordPress user you don’t have to do it all yourself.”

Using a security plugin provides valuable protection and enhances overall site security. Campbell highlights that while the WordPress Security Team works diligently to protect the platform, users play a crucial role in complementing these efforts by implementing good security practices on their own sites.

4. “WordPress is as secure as you make it”

WordPress Expert: Syed Balkhi (Founder of WPBeginner)

What he said: WordPress is as secure as you make it. If you follow best practices—strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and security plugins—it’s very reliable and secure.”

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Syed Balkhi says that the security of a WordPress site largely depends on the actions of its users. By keeping the WordPress core software updated, implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and utilising reputable security plugins, users can transform their WordPress site into a fortress against cyber threats. His advice underscores the importance of an active approach to security, where users take responsibility for the safety of their website by adopting these essential practices. This proactive mindset ensures that WordPress remains a trustworthy and secure platform for all users.

Read More: Best WordPress SEO Plugins In 2025

5. “WordPress is inherently secure if you keep it up to date”

WordPress Expert: Rachel McCollin (WordPress Developer and Author)

What she said: “WordPress is inherently secure if you keep it up to date. The key is to regularly audit your site, remove unnecessary plugins, and monitor for threats.”

Rachel McCollin points out that the security of WordPress is inherently strong, but it requires users to stay vigilant. By keeping the platform up to date, conducting regular audits, and removing any unnecessary plugins, users can maintain a secure environment for their WordPress site. Her insights highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ward off potential threats. By taking these steps, including regularly updating WordPress plugins to mitigate vulnerabilities, users can ensure their WordPress site operates smoothly and securely, safeguarding against vulnerabilities.

6. “WordPress core is highly secure”

WordPress Expert: Mark Maunder (CEO of Wordfence)

What he said: The WordPress core is highly secure. However, the vast plugin and theme ecosystem requires careful selection and monitoring to avoid vulnerabilities.”

Mark Maunder stresses that while the WordPress core itself is highly secure, users must be cautious with the plugins and themes they choose to integrate. It is also important to limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks. This extensive ecosystem offers great flexibility but also demands careful selection and regular monitoring to prevent vulnerabilities. His perspective encourages users to be discerning and proactive, ensuring that their choices enhance rather than compromise their site’s security. By adopting this approach, users can leverage the full potential of WordPress while maintaining a robust defense against potential threats.

7. “WordPress security boils down to discipline”

WordPress Expert: Chris Lema (VP of Product at Nexcess)

What he said: “WordPress security boils down to discipline. Consistently updating plugins, monitoring site traffic, and investing in quality hosting are key to minimising threats.

Chris Lema highlights that the foundation of WordPress security lies in user discipline. He advocates for regular updates of plugins, vigilant monitoring of site traffic, and investing in quality hosting solutions as fundamental practices to minimise security threats. Additionally, using web application firewalls to block malicious traffic and protect against attacks is crucial. His advice encourages users to adopt a disciplined approach to their site’s security, emphasising that these consistent efforts are crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment. By following these guidelines, users can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and ensure a safe experience for their site visitors.

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8. “No platform is perfect, but WordPress does an exceptional job”

WordPress Expert: Dre Armeda (Founder of Sucuri)

What he said: No platform is perfect, but WordPress does an exceptional job in offering tools to secure your site. The challenge is ensuring site owners know how to use them effectively.”

Dre Armeda acknowledges that while no platform is flawless, WordPress excels in providing a wide array of security tools. Ensuring secure websites prior to their public launch is crucial to avoid vulnerabilities. The real challenge, he notes, lies in educating site owners on how to effectively utilise these tools. His insights emphasise the importance of user knowledge and understanding when it comes to implementing security measures. By familiarising themselves with the available tools and learning how to apply them properly, users can maximise the security of their WordPress site, safeguarding it against potential threats.

9. “Security is not just a technical issue; it’s also a mindset”

WordPress Expert: Brian Krogsgard (Founder of Post Status)

What he said: Security is not just a technical issue; it’s also a mindset. WordPress allows flexibility, but with great flexibility comes the need for accountability in securing your site.”

Brian Krogsgard highlights that security extends beyond technical measures; it’s also about adopting the right mindset. A reliable hosting provider is crucial in ensuring the performance and security of WordPress sites, especially under high traffic conditions. While WordPress offers remarkable flexibility, it also requires users to take accountability for their site’s security. His perspective encourages users to be mindful of their security practices, understanding that their actions play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment. By embracing this mindset, users can ensure their WordPress site remains protected while taking full advantage of the platform’s capabilities.

Read More: Top 10 WordPress Security Tips from Experts to Prevent Hacking

10. “Most WordPress vulnerabilities are preventable with simple precautions”

WordPress Expert: Cory Miller, CEO, SolidWP (Ithemes) Security

What they said: Most WordPress vulnerabilities are preventable with simple precautions: frequent backups, strong passwords, and using well-maintained plugins and themes.”

The Ithemes Security Team underscores that many WordPress vulnerabilities can be easily prevented through straightforward precautions. By conducting frequent backups, employing strong passwords, and selecting well-maintained plugins and themes, users can effectively shield their sites from potential threats. Their advice highlights the simplicity of these measures, encouraging users to adopt these basic practices to ensure a secure WordPress environment. By taking these steps, users can protect their sites and enjoy peace of mind knowing they have fortified their defenses against security breaches.

Common WordPress Security Challenges & Solutions

Outdated WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes

One of the most significant challenges in maintaining WordPress security is dealing with outdated WordPress themes, plugins, or even the WordPress core software. Failing to update these components can introduce vulnerabilities, providing opportunities for hackers and malicious software to exploit your site. To ensure your WordPress site remains secure, it’s crucial to keep the WordPress core software updated by regularly updating it. Once that’s addressed, the next step is to consistently update your plugins and themes. We have numerous guides on updating these elements, and it’s advisable to set a regular schedule, perhaps monthly, to check for updates. While major updates may not be needed every month, it’s wise to routinely verify that everything is current and functioning correctly, minimising potential security risks.

Wordpress plugin

Weak Passwords and Brute Force Attacks

The second most common security challenge for WordPress websites is the use of weak passwords, which can easily fall victim to brute force attacks. Alarmingly, majority of WordPress users still opt for “admin” as their username, and some even use it as their password. These predictable credentials are a hacker’s dream, making it straightforward for anyone with basic hacking knowledge to gain access. To enhance your site’s security, it’s crucial to avoid obvious passwords. Instead, use complex, unique passwords that are difficult to crack, and consider employing a password manager for added security.

Read More: How to Add Google Reviews to WordPress Website?

Insecure Hosting Environment

One of the primary security issues stems from an insufficient or insecure hosting environment. Hosting providers play a crucial role in offering secure hosting solutions, including free SSL certificates, to protect against vulnerabilities and enhance website security. Many users still rely on shared hosting solutions, where hundreds of websites are often hosted on the same server. If one site falls victim to malware, Trojans, or any vulnerability, it can compromise the entire server, affecting all hosted websites. Even with security tools like Sucuri or Wordfence, removing such threats can be challenging. The best course of action is to migrate your website to a more secure hosting option. Consider using a dedicated hosting solution, a virtual private server, or a more secure shared hosting service to protect your site from these vulnerabilities.

Unmonitored User Access and Permissions

Another prevalent security issue with WordPress involves user access and permissions. Many users lack a thorough understanding of how these permissions work. When adding new users to their website, they often mistakenly grant them admin access instead of limiting them to editor or viewer roles. Granting admin access gives the user complete control over the site, allowing them to make significant changes, remove content, or even compromise the site’s security. This oversight can introduce a substantial security vulnerability, as it opens the door for potential misuse or accidental damage to your WordPress website.

wordpress user access for security

Vulnerable Plugins and Themes

Another significant cause of security issues in WordPress websites stems from plugins and themes sourced from unverified or insecure platforms. It is also important to use WordPress security plugins to protect against threats. Users often fall into the trap of downloading paid plugins or themes for free from questionable websites, unknowingly introducing malware or Trojans into their content management system. These plugins and themes are frequently pre-infected, and users only realise the problem once their site is compromised. At that point, the damage is done, and the best course of action is often a clean installation, which unfortunately results in data loss and the need to rebuild the site from scratch. To prevent such scenarios, it’s crucial to only download plugins and themes from reputable sources, such as the official WordPress repository, and to regularly scan your site for any signs of malicious code.

Read More: Top 10 WordPress Security Plugin to Secure Your Site (2025)

Lack of Regular Backups

While not a direct cause of security issues, the lack of regular backups can significantly complicate recovery efforts if your website becomes compromised. Without consistent backups, restoring your site to a previous, uninfected state becomes impossible, leading to data loss and potential financial setbacks. Regular backups act as a safety net, allowing you to quickly recover from any of the aforementioned security threats without losing crucial data. Ensuring you have proper backup procedures in place is essential to minimise inconvenience and protect your business from potential financial losses.

FAQs on WordPress Security

How often should I update my WordPress site, plugins, and themes?

Experts recommend updating your WordPress site, plugins, and themes as soon as updates become available. These updates often include critical security patches and performance improvements. It’s also a good idea to check your site regularly—at least once a week—to ensure everything is up to date and running smoothly. Staying proactive with updates helps minimise vulnerabilities and keeps your site secure.

What’s the best way to secure my WordPress admin area?

To secure your WordPress admin area, start by changing the default admin URL to something unique. This makes it harder for attackers to find. Next, use strong, hard-to-guess passwords that are resistant to brute-force attacks. Experts also recommend limiting login attempts to a maximum of 5, so if someone tries to brute-force their way in, they’ll be locked out. Lastly, consider whitelisting specific IP addresses, ensuring that only trusted users can access your admin area. These steps will significantly reduce the chances of unauthorised access.

How can I tell if my WordPress site has been hacked?

To check if your WordPress site has been hacked, experts recommend using security plugins that can alert you to suspicious activities. Look for any spammy content or plugins that seem out of place. You should also check for indexable links leading away from your site, either through Google Search Console or other tools.

Keep an eye on your site’s performance—if it suddenly slows down, that could be a sign of a breach. Additionally, watch for unexpected changes in content or your site’s hierarchy. It’s also a good idea to monitor your pages’ rankings to make sure you’re not affected by keyword hacks, such as those targeting Japanese keywords. There are many signs, and having the right security plugins can alert you to potential issues early, preventing major data loss or traffic disruptions.

Are free security plugins enough to protect my WordPress site?

Free security plugins can alert you to potential threats, but they often can’t fully protect your site or remove malicious viruses. Utilising a WordPress security plugin to perform regular scans for malware and vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining your site’s security. To effectively deal with vulnerabilities and malware, you’ll need premium security tools, as they offer features like automated patches and malware removal. However, not every website needs premium security. It’s important to assess your website’s size, traffic, and specific needs to make an informed decision about whether to invest in premium security tools.

Make WordPress Secure with WP Creative

Enhance your WordPress site’s security with WP Creative. Maintaining a secure website is crucial to protect user data and maintain credibility.

Our team of experts specialises in fortifying WordPress websites against potential threats, ensuring your site remains safe and reliable. We offer comprehensive security audits, implement robust security measures, and WordPress Support services to keep your site secure from vulnerabilities and cyber threats.

With WP Creative, you can trust that your WordPress site is in capable hands. Our tailored solutions include the integration of top-tier security plugins, regular security updates, and the deployment of a web application firewall to protect against brute force attacks and malicious code.

Contact Us and Take the first step towards a secure WordPress site today

Get Your Free Website Audit

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  • Uncover performance issues
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Updated on: 22 January 2025 |


Nirmal Gyanwali, Director of WP Creative

Nirmal Gyanwali

With over 16 years of experience in the web industry, Nirmal has built websites for a wide variety of businesses; from mom n’ pop shops to some of Australia’s leading brands. Nirmal brings his wealth of experience in managing teams to WP Creative along with his wife, Saba.