WordPress Security Checklist 2025: Simple Steps to Protect Your Site

Is your WordPress site truly secure? Every day, thousands of WordPress websites are targeted by hackers, putting your business, customer data, and reputation at risk.

But here’s the good news: keeping your site secure doesn’t have to be complicated

With this WordPress security checklist for 2025, you’ll get simple, actionable steps to protect your site from common threats. It’s time to take control and ensure your website stays safe, so you can focus on growing your business without worry.

Secure your site today, and don’t leave it to chance!

Table of Contents

• Why Website Security is Important
• Common WordPress Security Threats
• The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist
• Secure Your WordPress Site Today
• WordPress Security Checklist FAQs

Why Website Security is Important

In 2025, protecting your WordPress website isn’t just important; it’s essential. With the average cost of a data breach at $4.4 million, the financial impact of a cyberattack can be devastating. But it’s not just about the money. A security breach can damage your brand’s reputation, erode customer trust, and lead to legal complications.

Here’s why a security checklist is a must:

• Defend Against Common Threats
  WordPress is a prime target for hackers. A security checklist helps you implement the right safeguards to protect against common threats to WordPress sites, including brute-force hacking, malware, and SQL injection.
• Protect Sensitive Information
  If your site handles personal data or customer information, a breach could expose sensitive details and damage your business. A checklist keeps your security measures up to date, protecting your users’ data from unauthorised access.
• Stay Compliant with Regulations
  Privacy laws such as GDPR require you to meet certain security standards. A security checklist helps ensure your site meets these requirements, avoiding costly fines and reputational damage.
• Preserve Your Reputation
  A compromised site can cause irreversible damage to your brand’s trust. By following a security checklist, you take proactive steps to protect your website, safeguarding your reputation in the process.
• Save Time and Money
  The average cost of a data breach might be high, but the cost of preventing it is much lower. A WordPress security checklist ensures that you’re investing time upfront to avoid expensive downtime, recovery efforts, and lost revenue in the future.

Common WordPress Security Threats

Even though WordPress is a secure platform, its open-source nature and flexibility mean that it’s only as safe as how well you maintain it.

Let’s go through the most common security risks that can harm your website and how they affect your business.

1. Outdated Plugins/themes

Every WordPress update fixes known bugs and security loopholes. If your core, plugins, or themes aren’t updated, you’re leaving old vulnerabilities open for hackers to exploit.

How it affects your business: Attackers can break your site, inject malware, or steal data, leading to downtime and loss of customer trust.

2. Weak Passwords

Simple or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access. Bots can guess common passwords in seconds, especially if usernames are predictable.

How it affects your business: A single weak password can expose your admin area, putting your website and customer data at serious risk.

3. Brute Force Attacks

These are automated attempts where bots try endless username and password combinations until they find one that works.

How it affects your business: Too many failed login attempts can lock you out or crash your website, disrupting sales and user experience.

4. Malware & Ransomware

Malicious software can sneak into your site through outdated code, infected plugins, or compromised files. Some attackers even hold your data hostage for payment.

How it affects your business: Malware can slow your site, spread spam, and damage your SEO, all while eroding customer confidence.

5. Plugin/theme Vulnerabilities

Plugins and themes add great features but can also introduce hidden risks if they’re poorly coded or not regularly updated.

How it affects your business: Vulnerable add-ons make it easy for hackers to gain backdoor access to your site or inject harmful scripts.

6. SQL Injection

Hackers use this method to insert malicious code into your website’s database through unprotected forms or URLs.

How it affects your business: They can steal, change, or delete your business and customer data, causing major operational and legal headaches.

7. XSS & CSRF Attacks

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) trick your website or users into performing unauthorised actions.

How it affects your business: These attacks can expose private data, redirect your visitors, or make your site display unwanted content.

8. DDoS Attacks

A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack floods your website with fake traffic to overwhelm the server.

How it affects your business: Your website can become slow or completely inaccessible, costing you leads and revenue.

9. Spam & Phishing

Fake comments, contact forms, or emails are used to spread malicious links or trick WordPress users into sharing sensitive details.

How it affects your business: Your site’s credibility can take a hit, and customers may stop trusting your brand.

10. Insider Access Risks (ex-staff, freelancers)

Sometimes the risk isn’t external. Former team members or contractors might still have active accounts or login access.

How it affects your business: If access isn’t removed, they can unintentionally or deliberately make harmful changes to your site.

11. Unsecured REST API Endpoints

WordPress uses REST APIs to communicate with plugins and other systems, but unprotected endpoints can expose sensitive data.

How it affects your business: Hackers could access site information or trigger admin actions without logging in.

The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist

🟢 Beginner Level (No Tech Skills Needed)

If you only do one thing to protect your website, start here.

These quick wins take a few minutes and block most common attacks, even if you’re not “techy”.

1. Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins.

Keeping everything updated is one of the strongest ways to protect your site. New WordPress releases fix bugs and close security gaps that hackers often target.

Go to Dashboard → Updates to check for updates to the core, themes, and plugins.
Update anything in use, and always back up your site first before bulk updates.

Pro Tip: Use a staging site to test updates safely before you make them live, especially for business websites.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords + Password Manager

Your password is the first door hackers try to break into. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to get into your site.

Create long and unique passwords for every account, especially Admin access.

A password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden can create and store secure passwords for you.

Pro Tip: Avoid basic usernames like admin, test or your name. They make brute-force attacks much easier.

3. Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

Even a strong password is not enough today. 2FA adds a second step, like a one-time code on your phone, before anyone can log in. It stops most unauthorised access even if a password is leaked.

You can enable 2FA with plugins such as WP 2FA, Wordfence, or Solid Security.

Pro Tip: Turn on 2FA for all users with dashboard access. One weak account puts the whole site at risk.

4. Install SSL (HTTPS)

An SSL certificate encrypts the data between your website and your visitors, keeping login details and personal information safe. It also builds trust and helps with SEO because Google prefers secure sites.

Most hosting providers include free SSL. Switch it on in your hosting dashboard and check your site shows the padlock icon in the browser.

Pro Tip: After installing SSL, make sure to force all traffic to the secure HTTPS version of your site, so users are automatically directed to the encrypted, safe version of your website.

5. Choose a Reputable Hosting Provider

Your hosting is the foundation of your website security. If the server is weak or poorly protected, your site becomes an easy target, no matter what plugins you install.

Choose a hosting company that offers:

• Free SSL certificates and automatic renewals
• Daily backups and one-click restore
• 24/7 monitoring and malware protection
• DDoS protection and firewalls
• Secure file transfer via SFTP or SSH
• Regular server patching and PHP updates
• Isolated hosting environments to prevent cross-site contamination

Managed WordPress hosting providers, like WP Engine, Kinsta, or SiteGround, includes these features and more. They also optimise for WordPress speed and reliability, which benefits both security and performance.

Pro Tip: Avoid cheap shared hosting plans. They often skip vital security updates and put your site at risk if another account on the same server is hacked.

6. Remove Unused Plugins/themes

Every inactive plugin or theme can become a weak point. Even if you are not using them, outdated code can still give hackers an entry.

Regularly review your dashboard and delete anything you no longer need. This makes your site lighter, faster, and safer. After cleaning up, run a quick malware scan to ensure nothing suspicious is left behind.

Pro Tip: Try to keep your total plugin count low. Only install tools you genuinely need and from trusted WordPress developers.

7. Limit Login Attempts

WordPress allows unlimited login attempts by default, which makes brute-force attacks very easy for bots and hackers. Limiting login attempts blocks repeated failed logins and locks out suspicious activity.

You can turn this on using a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Cloudflare, or Wordfence to block users after several failed tries. Many firewalls and managed hosts also include this feature automatically.

Pro Tip: Combine this with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to make your login page even harder to break.

8. Installing Security Plugin (Wordfence, Solid Security)

A security plugin acts like a 24/7 bodyguard for your website. It monitors logins, scans for malware, blocks suspicious traffic, and notifies you if something goes wrong.

Look for one that offers:

• Real-time malware scanning
• Firewall protection (WAF)
• Login and 2FA control
• File change detection
• IP blocking and brute-force protection
• Activity logging and email alerts

Recommended options include Wordfence, Solid Security (iThemes), Sucuri Security or Jetpack Protect. For a full comparison of what each one offers, you can read our detailed guide on the Top 10 WordPress security plugins.

Pro Tip: Only use one main WordPress security plugin. Installing multiple can slow your site and create conflicts.

9. Set Up Automatic Backups (daily, stored off-site)

Backups are your safety net when things go wrong. They allow you to restore your site quickly after an attack or bad update.

Use a backup plugin such as UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or Jetpack VaultPress to schedule daily backups automatically. Save copies in a secure, off-site location like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon S3.

If your hosting provider includes backups, do not rely only on them. Keep your own separate copy in case the server is compromised.

Pro Tip: For busy or eCommerce sites, enable real-time or incremental backups. This ensures every order, form submission, or update is saved instantly.

🟠 Intermediate Level (Simple Setup or Dashboard Edits)

Once you have the basics in place, these steps tighten your security even further. They need a little setup, but you can handle them inside your dashboard or with simple tools.

10. Add a Web Application Firewall (DNS-level preferred)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts like a security guard for your website, screening traffic before it reaches your server. It blocks malicious requests such as SQL injections or cross-site scripting (XSS), which are common attack methods.

• DNS-Level WAF: This is the most effective option. It filters all incoming traffic before it even gets to your server, using cloud proxy servers to send only safe requests to your site. This means it won’t put any strain on your server. Services like Cloudflare or Sucuri offer excellent DNS-level WAFs.
• Application-Level WAF: This type of firewall works once the traffic reaches your server. It’s not as efficient as the DNS-level firewall and can add extra load to your site, but it still provides solid protection. A great example of this is the Wordfence firewall.

Pro Tip: If you want the best performance and security, always go with a DNS-level WAF. It’s a little extra setup, but worth it for the added peace of mind.

11. CDN & DDoS Protection

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) speeds up your website by caching and distributing your content across multiple servers worldwide. Services like Cloudflare or Jetpack Boost do more than just increase speed; they offer DDoS protection as well.

In case of a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack, where a hacker floods your site with fake traffic, a CDN acts as a buffer, filtering out malicious traffic and preventing your site from crashing.

Pro Tip: Even though setting up a CDN is not mandatory, it’s a smart move for both performance and security, especially if you’re expecting high traffic or want to safeguard your site from online attacks.

12. Leverage the WPScan Vulnerability Database

WPScan is an open-source security tool with a database of over 39,000 known vulnerabilities. Using WPScan on your site helps you stay informed about any outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress core vulnerabilities.

Once you know which components are vulnerable, you can act quickly to patch or replace them before an attacker finds and exploits the weakness.

Pro Tip: Pair WPScan with a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to get automatic alerts for vulnerabilities, so you can stay ahead of the game.

13. Disable File Editing in WordPress

By default, WordPress allows administrators to edit the PHP files of themes and plugins directly from the admin dashboard. While this feature is convenient, it can be a major security vulnerability. If an attacker gains access to your admin account, they can easily modify your site’s code from the dashboard, potentially causing severe damage.

To disable this feature, add the following line to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

Once this is done, your admin panel will no longer show the Theme Editor or Plugin Editor options.

Pro Tip: Always use SFTP or FTP to make code changes. It’s a much more secure method than editing directly in the dashboard.

14. Change the Default “Admin” Username & Update Login URL

The default admin username is a prime target for hackers. It makes brute-force attacks easier since attackers know the username and just need to guess the password.

To change the admin username:

1. Create a new admin user in Users → Add New with a unique name.
2. Log out and log in with the new admin account.
3. Delete the old “admin” user and assign all content to the new user.

Additionally, you should update your login URL. WordPress uses default WordPress login URLs like wp-login.php and wp-admin, which are easy for hackers to find. You can use plugins like WPS Hide Login or Custom Login URL to change these.

Pro Tip: Changing your login URL is an extra layer of security, especially when combined with a security plugin that monitors login attempts.

15. Set Correct File & Folder Permissions (644/755)

File permissions define who can read, write, and execute files on your WordPress site. Setting them incorrectly can expose your site to unnecessary risks.

Here’s how to set the correct permissions:

• Files (e.g., .php, .html): 644 – The owner can read and write, and others can only read.
• Directories (e.g., wp-content/uploads): 755 – The owner can read, write, and execute, and others can read and execute.
• wp-config.php: 600 – Only the owner can read and write.
• .htaccess: 644 – The owner can read and write, others can read.

By setting the correct file and folder permissions, you ensure that sensitive parts of your site are protected.

Pro Tip: Check and adjust your file permissions using an FTP client or hosting control panel. It’s a simple task that can prevent serious security breaches.

16. Hide WordPress Version

Exposing your WordPress version can give attackers a clue about potential security vulnerabilities. Hackers often target specific versions with known exploits. By hiding your version, you add a small yet powerful layer of security.

To hide your WordPress version:

1. Open your theme’s functions.php file.
2. Add this line of code:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

This will stop WordPress from disclosing your version number in the source code of your site, making it harder for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.

Pro Tip: If you change themes or update your theme, remember to check this setting again. It’s a good practice to do this regularly as part of your security check.

17. Disable XML-RPC (if not needed)

XML-RPC is a feature that enables communication between WordPress and other apps, but it’s also a powerful tool for brute-force attacks. With XML-RPC, attackers can make thousands of login attempts in a single request, which greatly increases their chances of breaching your site.

If you don’t need XML-RPC (you likely don’t unless you use mobile apps or other services that require it), disable it:

1. Open your .htaccess file.
2. Add this code:

# Block WordPress xmlrpc.php requests
order deny,allow
deny from all

This simple change will block any access to the xmlrpc.php file, preventing hackers from exploiting it.

Pro Tip: A Web Application Firewall (WAF) can also handle disabling XML-RPC, saving you the manual step. If you’re using a WAF, check your settings to ensure it’s disabled.

18. Disable Directory Indexing

When directory indexing is enabled, anyone who knows your URL structure can access a list of files in a directory. This can expose sensitive files and provide hackers with valuable information to exploit.

To disable directory indexing:

1. Open your .htaccess file.
2. Add the following line:

Options -Indexes

This simple step ensures that if someone tries to access a directory without an index file, they’ll see a 403 error instead of a list of files.

Pro Tip: Check if directory indexing is disabled by trying to access one of your site’s directories. If it shows a list of files, you know it’s time to disable it!

19. Disable PHP File Execution in the Uploads Folder

WordPress allows file uploads in the wp-content/uploads folder, but this can be a potential vulnerability if attackers upload malicious PHP files. These files can then be executed, giving hackers full access to your site.

To prevent this, you can stop PHP execution in the uploads folder:

1. Create a .htaccess file in the wp-content/uploads folder.
2. Add this code:

<Files *.php> deny from all </Files>

This blocks PHP execution in the uploads directory, making it much harder for attackers to execute malicious scripts.

Pro Tip: While this step may seem small, it’s an essential part of locking down your WordPress site. It’s easy to implement, but highly effective at protecting your content.

20. Automatic Logout for Idle Users

An idle user who forgets to log out leaves your site vulnerable to session hijacking. Hackers can easily take advantage of abandoned sessions, especially for admin and editor accounts. Enabling automatic logouts helps ensure that idle sessions are automatically closed after a period of inactivity.

You can use plugins like Inactive Logout to set a time limit for user inactivity. Once the limit is reached, the user will be logged out automatically.

Pro Tip: Set a reasonable time limit for admin and editor accounts (e.g., 15-30 minutes) to prevent unauthorised access in case of an unattended session.

21. Schedule Malware Scanning

Regular malware scans are vital to identifying any malicious files or activity on your site. By scanning your site regularly, you can quickly identify any security issues and address them before they escalate.

Plugins like Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security offer malware scanning features, which you can schedule to run daily or weekly. It’s a good practice to enable email alerts so you’re notified if anything suspicious is detected.

Pro Tip: Keep your malware scanning settings configured to run automatically. This way, you don’t have to remember to do it manually, and you’ll be notified immediately if any issues arise.

🔵 Advanced / Developer Level (Or Ask a Pro)

These advanced security steps are for those with technical expertise or access to a professional web developer. While the steps are powerful, they require careful execution as incorrect implementation could break your site.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a WordPress developer or security expert before proceeding.

21. Change Database Prefix

By default, WordPress uses wp_ as the prefix for all database tables. This is a common target for attackers because it’s well-known. Changing the default WordPress database prefix can make it more difficult for attackers to exploit your site using SQL injection attacks.

To change the default database prefix:

1. Backup your entire database.
2. Open phpMyAdmin and select your database.
3. Go to the Operations tab and change the prefix (e.g., from wp_ to wpnew_).
4. Update the wp-config.php file with the new prefix.
5. Rename all database tables in your database to match the new prefix.

Important: Changing the database prefix can cause your site to break if not done carefully. Always test on a staging site first and make sure you fully understand the process before proceeding.

Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable making these changes manually, consider using a plugin or consulting a developer to ensure everything is updated correctly.

22. Code Review & QA Process

A thorough code review and quality assurance (QA) process is essential for any WordPress site, especially for those with custom themes or plugins. This ensures that new changes don’t introduce vulnerabilities or break functionality.

Here’s how it helps:

• Regular code reviews catch bugs or security flaws before they go live.
• A structured QA process ensures that updates don’t disrupt your site’s performance or security.
• Test on a staging site before pushing changes to your live site to prevent any downtime or issues.

Pro Tip: Implement a checklist for reviewing code and make sure your team follows it. This could include checking for outdated functions, security risks, and performance issues.

23. Add HTTP Security Headers (HSTS, CSP, etc.)

HTTP security headers add an extra layer of protection to your site, helping to block attacks like clickjacking, cross-site scripting (XSS), and man-in-the-middle attacks. These headers control how browsers interact with your site, making it harder for attackers to inject malicious content or steal data.

Key security headers to consider:

• HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security): Forces browsers to always use HTTPS, preventing downgrade attacks.
• CSP (Content Security Policy): Specifies which sources are allowed to load content, reducing the risk of XSS attacks.
• X-Content-Type-Options: Stops browsers from interpreting files as a different MIME type, which helps prevent certain attacks.
• X-Frame-Options: Prevents your site from being embedded in a frame, protecting against clickjacking.

How to add them:
You can implement these headers by editing your .htaccess file (for Apache servers) or your server’s configuration if you’re using Nginx. This adds the headers to every page request.

Pro Tip: Many reputable security plugins like Sucuri and Wordfence can help automatically add these headers, saving you time.

24. Secure wp-config.php (Move + Lock)

The wp-config.php file stores critical information about your WordPress installation, including database credentials. If this file is compromised, an attacker can gain full access to your site.

To secure it:

1. Move the file: Place the wp-config.php file one level above the WordPress root directory to make it less accessible via the web.

2. Lock access: Edit your .htaccess file to block any external access to wp-config.php by adding the following code:

<Files wp-config.php> 
order allow,deny deny from all 
</Files>

3. Limit file permissions so only authorised users can access it (use permissions like 600 for wp-config.php).

Pro Tip: Regularly review file permissions for wp-config.php and other important files to ensure they are not set to a higher level than necessary.

25. Disable PHP Error Reporting

While PHP error messages can be useful for debugging during development, they can also expose sensitive information about your website to attackers. These error messages might reveal paths, file names, or database details that can be exploited.

To disable PHP error reporting:

1. Open your wp-config.php file.
2. Add the following lines of code:

ini_set('display_errors','Off'); 
ini_set('error_reporting', E_ALL); 
define('WP_DEBUG', false); 
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

This will turn off error messages and prevent them from being displayed to visitors on the front-end.

Pro Tip: Always ensure WP_DEBUG is set to false on live sites. Leave it enabled only on local development environments to avoid revealing any site-specific information.

26. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

While two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential, multi-factor authentication (MFA) takes security a step further by requiring additional forms of verification. This could include biometric scans, email verification, or security keys.

To enable MFA:

1. Use plugins like MiniOrange or Google Authenticator to add another layer of protection to your WordPress login process.
2. Require MFA for all users with admin or editor access, making it much harder for attackers to gain access even if they manage to steal a password.

Pro Tip: Ensure MFA is mandatory for all high-privilege accounts, as they are the prime targets for attackers.

27. Restrict wp-admin Access by IP

By default, anyone can access your wp-admin dashboard from anywhere. However, restricting access by IP address reduces the risk of unauthorised logins.

How to do it:

1. Identify the IP addresses that need access to your wp-admin (e.g., your team or trusted collaborators).
2. Edit the .htaccess file and add the following code to restrict access:

<Files wp-login.php>
    order deny,allow
    deny from all
    allow from YOUR_IP_ADDRESS
</Files>

This will block all access except from the IP addresses you’ve allowed.

Pro Tip: Use VPNs with static IPs for your team to ensure consistent access to the admin panel.

28. Use SFTP/SSH Instead of FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sends data, including passwords, in plaintext, which makes it easy for hackers to intercept. Switching to SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or SSH (Secure Shell) ensures all data transfers are encrypted, protecting your login credentials and files.

How to switch:

1. Check with your hosting provider to make sure they offer SFTP or SSH.
2. Use an SFTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck to securely connect to your web server.

Pro Tip: SSH is even more secure than SFTP because it uses public/private key pairs for authentication, reducing the risk of password-based attacks.

29. Keep PHP Version Updated

PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress. Older PHP versions are no longer supported with security updates, leaving your site vulnerable to known exploits. Keeping PHP up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your WordPress website.

How to update PHP:

1. Check your current PHP version by going to Tools → Site Health in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Contact your hosting provider to upgrade to the latest stable version of PHP (currently PHP 8.0 or later).

Pro Tip: If you’re on shared hosting, ask your provider about PHP version upgrades. Managed hosting platforms like WP Engine and Kinsta automatically keep PHP up to date for you.

30. Enable User Activity Logging

Tracking changes and activities within your WordPress site helps you identify unusual behaviour and respond to potential threats early. A user activity log records actions such as logins, content updates, plugin changes, and more.

How to enable:

1. Use WordPress plugins like WP Activity Log or Simple History to track user activity.
2. Set up email notifications for critical events like failed login attempts or content modifications.

Pro Tip: Regularly audit your user logs, especially if you have multiple contributors to your site, to detect any suspicious activity early.

31. Use a Staging Site to Test Updates

Before applying updates to your live website, test them on a staging site. A staging site is a clone of your live site where you can test new plugins, themes, or updates without impacting your users.

How to set it up:

1. Many hosting providers (e.g., SiteGround, WP Engine) offer one-click staging sites.
2. After creating your staging site, make any updates or changes there first. Once you’re confident everything works, push the changes to your live site.

Pro Tip: If your hosting doesn’t support staging, you can use plugins like WP Staging to create one manually.

32. Disable Directory Browsing

Directory browsing allows visitors to view a list of files in a folder if no index file (such as index.php or index.html) is present. While this may seem harmless, it can pose serious security risks. If attackers can view the contents of your directories, they might discover sensitive files or vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

By disabling directory browsing, you prevent unauthorised users from seeing your site’s directory structure and its files. This simple step helps protect your website from potential data theft or attacks.

To disable directory browsing on your WordPress site, you should:

1. Access the .htaccess file: You’ll need to connect to your website using FTP or a file manager from your hosting control panel. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress site to find the .htaccess file.
2. Add the directive: Open the .htaccess file and add the following line at the end of the file:Options -Indexes
3. Save and upload: After adding the line, save the file and upload it back to your server.
4. Check if it works: Now, if someone tries to access a directory on your site directly (e.g., yourwebsite.com/wp-includes/), they should see a 403 Access Forbidden error instead of a list of files.

Pro Tip: Most reputable WordPress hosts disable directory browsing by default. If yours hasn’t, this simple change can protect your site from exposing unnecessary data.

Secure Your WordPress Site Today

As hackers continue to find new ways to exploit WordPress vulnerabilities, the need to protect your website has never been greater. Without proper security, your business, data, and reputation are at risk.

By following our WordPress security checklist for 2025, you can implement simple yet powerful measures to protect your site, safeguard sensitive data, and prevent costly downtime. However, securing your website can be overwhelming.

With decades of experience as WordPress security experts, WP Creative provides a complete Website Security Plan that includes regular updates, proactive security checks, server monitoring, off-site backups, and more.

Let us take care of your site’s security so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about cyber threats.

Get started with WP Creative Website Security Plan today and protect your site from evolving threats.

WordPress Security Checklist FAQs

Is WordPress secure?

WordPress is generally secure, but its popularity makes it a frequent target for attackers. Security depends on how well you manage updates, plugins, and configurations.

How often should I use the WordPress security checklist?

You should review and update your WordPress security checklist at least once a month. Additionally, perform updates immediately after WordPress core software, themes, or plugins release security patches to ensure your site remains protected from the latest threats.

Why are people moving away from WordPress?

Some people move away from WordPress due to its complexity, security concerns, or the need for constant updates. Others prefer simpler, more customisable platforms or those with built-in security features.

How to make your WordPress site safer?

To make your WordPress site safer, regularly update your software, use strong passwords, install WordPress security plugins, enable two-factor authentication, and back up your site frequently.

Why does WordPress have so many vulnerabilities?

WordPress has many vulnerabilities due to its open-source nature and the vast ecosystem of third-party plugins and themes. While WordPress itself is secure, outdated plugins or themes are often exploited.

Does WordPress have built-in security?

Yes, WordPress has basic security features, such as password protection and automatic updates, but it’s not enough on its own. Additional security measures like plugins, are necessary for comprehensive protection.

How do I check if my WordPress site has a virus?

Use a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your site for malware. You can also check for unusual behaviour like slow performance, unexpected redirects, or unfamiliar files.

Why is the WordPress site not secure?

Your WordPress site might not be secure if it’s using outdated software, weak passwords, or insecure plugins. Regular WordPress maintenance and security practices are necessary to keep your site safe.

How do I secure a WordPress website from hackers?

To secure your WordPress website from hackers, follow these essential steps:

1. Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Use long, unique passwords for all accounts, especially admin and user logins, and consider using a password manager.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone.
4. Install SSL: Enable SSL (HTTPS) to encrypt data transmitted between your website and visitors, ensuring sensitive information is secure.
5. Choose a Reputable Hosting Provider: Select a host that provides strong security measures, including regular backups, malware scanning, and DDoS protection.
6. Limit Login Attempts: Prevent brute-force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts from the same IP address.
7. Use a Security Plugin: Install a trusted security plugin, such as Wordfence or Sucuri, to monitor your website and protect it from malicious attacks.
8. Regular Backups: Schedule automatic backups of your website and store them off-site so you can quickly restore your site if needed.
9. Disable File Editing: Turn off the ability to edit theme and plugin files directly in the WordPress dashboard to prevent unauthorised changes.
10. Monitor User Activity: Keep an eye on user activity logs to spot any suspicious actions early.