Keeping your WordPress website secure is one of the most important steps you can take as a website owner. While WordPress is secure by design, outdated software, weak passwords, and unverified plugins can create vulnerabilities. The good news? You can dramatically improve your site’s security with just a few proactive measures.
This guide walks you through the most important steps to protect your website even if you’re not technical.
- Why Website Security Matters
- Essential Steps to Secure Your WordPress Website
- 1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
- 2. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- 3. Install a Security Plugin
- 4. Limit Login Attempts
- 5. Disable File Editing in WordPress
- 6. Use an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
- 7. Perform Regular Backups
- 8. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins
- 9. Change the Default WordPress Database Prefix
- 10. Harden Your wp-config.php File
- 11. Limit User Permissions
- Our Scope of Support
- FAQs
- Additional Resources
Why Website Security Matters
Attacks on websites are usually automated. Bots scan the internet looking for outdated software, weak passwords, or unsecured plugins — not specific people. Securing your website reduces the risk of:
- Malware infections
- Redirect hacks
- Stolen data
- Website downtime
- Compromised emails
- SEO damage
A secure website protects your brand, reputation, and visitors.
Essential Steps to Secure Your WordPress Website
Below is a summary of the most important ways to keep your website safe. Each section includes a link to a full step-by-step guide in our Knowledge Base.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Updates often include critical security patches. Outdated versions are the number one way that websites get hacked.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Weak or repeated passwords make it easy for attackers to break in.
- Use long, unique passwords
- Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Enable 2FA for all admin users
3. Install a Security Plugin
A good security plugin provides:
- Firewall protection
- Malware scanning
- Login attempt limits
- File change alerts
Common examples include Sucuri, Wordfence, and iThemes Security.
4. Limit Login Attempts
Prevent brute-force attacks by limiting the number of failed login attempts.
Most security plugins include this feature automatically.
5. Disable File Editing in WordPress
This prevents attackers from modifying theme and plugin files if they gain access.
Add this line to your wp-config.php:
define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true ); 6. Use an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
HTTPS encrypts all data between your website and visitors. This protects passwords, checkout pages, and login details.
It is highly recommended to purchase a Paid SSL Certificate for hosting packages with 1-grid.
7. Perform Regular Backups
Backups are your safety net. If anything goes wrong, you can restore your site quickly.
- We recommend enabling Acronis Backups.
8. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins
Unused and outdated plugins/themes are major security risks. If you’re not using them, delete them entirely.
9. Change the Default WordPress Database Prefix
Using wp_ makes it easier for attackers to predict database structures.
- Use a unique database prefix when installing WordPress.
10. Harden Your wp-config.php File
You can increase security by:
- Limiting file permissions
- Moving the file outside the public root (if supported)
- Restricting write access
11. Limit User Permissions
Only give admin access to users who absolutely need it. Assign correct roles:
- Editor
- Contributor
- Subscriber
Reduce risk by controlling who can access settings, plugins, and themes.
Our Scope of Support
To ensure clarity, transparency, and trust, here’s what 1-grid can and cannot assist with if you get stuck:
What We Can Help With
- Hosting-side checks
- SSL installation
- Guidance on control panel password resets
- Guidance on WordPress best practices
- Restoring hosting-level Acronis backups
- Basic WordPress installation issues
What We May Assist With
- Advanced malware cleanup
- Custom security hardening
- File-level investigations
- Developer-level debugging
What We Cannot Assist With
- Editing or cleaning custom-coded themes/plugins
- Running or maintaining customer-made websites
- Removing malware injected into custom website content
- Rebuilding broken/malformed WordPress sites
FAQs
Q. Is WordPress secure?
Yes, as long as you keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
Q. Do I need a developer to secure my site?
Many security steps are simple, but malware removal may require a developer.
Q. Can 1-grid clean a hacked website?
We support the hosting environment, but file cleanup is the responsibility of your developer (with optional paid assistance).
Q. Is an SSL certificate enough to protect my website?
No, SSL protects data in transit. You still need updates, strong passwords, and security plugins.
Q. How often should I back up my site?
At least weekly, or daily for busy websites.
Additional Resources
Cleaning Malware Redirects on WordPress Sites
How to Purchase an Acronis Backup
How to Restore or Download Backups Using Acronis via cPanel
Fixing 10 Common WordPress Issues
Hacked WordPress Website: What It Means and How to Fix It
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Keeping your WordPress website secure doesn’t have to feel concerning with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!