WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS), powering more than 40% of websites globally. However, its widespread use also makes it a prime target for hackers and cyber threats. As we move into 2025, the importance of implementing strong WordPress security practices cannot be exaggerated. If you handle a personal blogging site, an online store or a corporate site, safeguarding your WordPress website is essential for protecting your data, maintaining user trust and ensuring business continuity.
In this article, we’ll see the essential WordPress security practices you must follow in 2025 to keep your website safe.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes and Plugins Updated
One of the simplest yet most important WordPress security practices is keeping your core WordPress installation, themes and plugins updated. Developers continuously release updates to fix security vulnerabilities, improve functionality and patch bugs.
Why it matters:
Outdated plugins and themes are among the most common ways hackers gain access to WordPress sites. Automated bots regularly scan the internet for vulnerable websites using older versions.
Action step:
- Enable automatic updates for WordPress core.
- Regularly review and update all plugins and themes.
- Remove any plugins or themes that are no longer maintained by their developers.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Weak passwords are a hacker’s easiest entry point. An essential aspect of WordPress security is ensuring that all user accounts, especially admin accounts, use strong, unique passwords.
Why it matters:
Brute-force attacks—where hackers attempt millions of password combinations—are common. Without strong authentication measures, your website remains vulnerable.
Action step:
- Use complex passwords with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
- Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) using plugins like Google Authenticator or Wordfence Login Security.
3. Choose Secure Hosting Providers
Not all hosting providers are created equal. A secure and reputable web host plays a significant role in your website’s overall WordPress security.
Why it matters:
Even if you execute perfect WordPress security practices on your site, vulnerabilities in your hosting environment could expose your site to risks.
Action step:
- Choose hosting providers that specialize in WordPress hosting with strong security protocols.
- Look for features like malware scanning, firewalls, SSL certificates, DDoS protection and daily backups.
4. Install a Reliable WordPress Security Plugin
A trusted security plugin can help you automate many security tasks and provide real-time protection.
Why it matters:
Manual security monitoring can be tedious and error-prone. Security plugins actively observe suspicious activities and can block attacks before they reach your site.
Action step:
- Install popular WordPress security plugins such as Wordfence Security, Sucuri Security or iThemes Security.
- Set up regular malware scans, firewall protection and login attempt limits.
5. Limit User Roles and Permissions
WordPress allows multiple user roles such as Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor and Subscriber. Assigning the correct role with appropriate permissions is a key WordPress security practice.
Why it matters:
Giving users more access than they need increases the risk of accidental or malicious security violations.
Action step:
- Follow the principle of least privilege: users should only have the permissions necessary for their roles.
- Regularly audit user accounts and remove inactive or suspicious users.
6. Implement SSL Encryption
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate ensures that all data transferred between your website and your visitors is encrypted.
Why it matters:
Google considers SSL certificates a ranking factor and modern browsers label websites without HTTPS as “Not Secure,” impacting trust and SEO.
Action step:
- Install an SSL certificate on your site. Most hosting providers offer it free via Let’s Encrypt.
- Use plugins like Really Simple SSL to force HTTPS on all pages.
7. Regularly Back Up Your Website
Backups are your safety net. Even the best WordPress security practices cannot guarantee 100% protection. In the event of a hack, server failure or other issues, a clean, recent backup can save your website.
Why it matters:
Without a reliable backup, restoring your site after a major issue can be costly and time-consuming.
Action step:
- Schedule automatic daily or weekly backups.
- Store backups in multiple locations (such as cloud storage and offline).
Plugins like UpdraftPlus and BackupBuddy make this process smooth.
8. Hide Your WordPress Login URL
By default, WordPress login pages are located at /wp-admin or /wp-login.php. Hackers know this and frequently target them during brute-force attacks.
Why it matters:
Changing your login URL reduces the risk of automated attacks and adds an extra layer of security.
Action step:
- Use plugins like WPS Hide Login to easily change your login URL to something unique.
- Combine this with limiting login attempts for added protection.
9. Monitor and Protect the wp-config.php File
The wp-config.php file is the heart of your WordPress site’s configuration. Protecting it is required for maintaining WordPress security.
Why it matters:
This file contains database credentials, secret keys and other vital settings. Exposure could allow hackers to control your site.
Action step:
- Move wp-config.php one directory level above the root if possible.
- Set strict file permissions (preferably 400 or 440).
- Disable file editing within the WordPress dashboard using the define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true) command in wp-config.php.
10. Set Correct File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can allow hackers to read, write or execute sensitive files on your server.
Why it matters:
Proper file permissions ensure that only authorized users and processes can access your site’s essential files.
Action step:
- Set folders to 755 and files to 644 permissions.
- Avoid setting permissions to 777, which allows unrestricted access.
Use your hosting control panel or an FTP client to check and modify permissions.
11. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall filters out malicious traffic before it reaches your WordPress website.
Why it matters:
WAFs provide an essential layer of proactive protection against SQL injection attacks, XSS attacks and other common vulnerabilities.
Action step:
- Use cloud-based firewalls like Cloudflare or Sucuri for advanced website protection.
- Many WordPress security plugins also offer integrated firewall solutions.
12. Disable XML-RPC if Not Needed
XML-RPC is a WordPress feature that enables remote connections. However, it is often targeted for brute-force and DDoS attacks.
Why it matters:
If you do not use features like mobile app publishing or remote posting, disabling XML-RPC reduces potential attack vectors.
Action step:
- Disable XML-RPC using a plugin like Disable XML-RPC or by adding rules in your .htaccess file.
As cyber threats evolve, it’s essential to strengthen your WordPress security practices accordingly. By proactively applying these essential strategies in 2025, you can significantly reduce your website’s vulnerability to attacks. Remember, WordPress security is not a one-time setup but an ongoing commitment to maintaining your website’s integrity, reputation and success.
From choosing the right hosting environment to securing user access and installing trusted plugins, every step matters. Take the time to implement these measures today and safeguard your WordPress site for a secure tomorrow.
If you’re unsure where to start or need professional help enhancing your site’s security, don’t hesitate to consult with us. Your website and your peace of mind are worth it.
