The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist

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This blog covers the essential WordPress security checklist items you will need in 2025 if you’re running a WordPress site in. WordPress still powers a huge number of websites across the internet, which also means it’s a popular target for hackers. A single weak password or an outdated plugin can open the door to serious security issues. These problems aren’t always obvious. Sometimes hackers don’t break your site; instead, they sneak in quietly, steal data, or add harmful code without you even noticing. That can lead to lost visitors, lower search rankings, and damage your brand. That’s where the WordPress security checklist comes in, especially when paired with secure WordPress Hosting. We’ll explain everything you need to do to protect your site, from simple fixes to more advanced best practices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly to fix known security issues.
• Use strong passwords, two-factor login, and limit login attempts.
• Select secure WordPress hosting with built-in protection features.
• Set up regular backups and use a trusted security plugin.
• Hide the login page, disable file editing, and block access to risky files.
• Monitor your site, scan for malware, and check logs often.
• Act fast if hacked. Restore a clean backup and change all passwords.

Why a WordPress Security Checklist is Vital for Your Online Business

If you run a website, security should be your priority. A secure WordPress website keeps your business safe and ensures users’ comfort. When your site is protected, your customer data remains private, which helps build trust.

Security also keeps your website online. If someone hacks into your site, it could crash or get taken down. That means lost sales, fewer visitors, and damage to your reputation. In some cases, a data breach could even lead to legal issues if you’re collecting customer information.

Search engines also care about security. Google prefers sites that use HTTPS and may rank them higher in search results. Additionally, using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and other security tools demonstrates to visitors and search engines that your WordPress site is secure and safe to visit.

In short, a strong WordPress security checklist protects your data, keeps your site running, can improve trust, and assist SEO. It’s a smart investment for any online business.

Common Security Threats to WordPress

Although WordPress is a powerful platform, it’s not safe by default. Many attacks happen because site owners forget to update something or use weak settings.

Outdated versions of WordPress, themes, or plugins are one of the biggest risks. Hackers look for these weak spots to sneak in. That’s why you must update everything regularly.

Another common issue is using passwords that are easy to guess or having the same password in several places. If someone has access to your WordPress admin panel, they can change your site.

Sometimes the problem lies in the code of a plugin or theme. Vulnerabilities such as:

• SQL injection
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)

All these can be exploited to steal data or compromise your site’s control.

Other threats include brute-force attacks, where bots try many passwords until they gain access. You may also face malware, spam links, phishing pop-ups, or denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that flood your site and cause it to crash.

The good news is that most of these threats can be blocked with simple steps if you know what to look for. That’s what we’ll cover next in this website security checklist.

WordPress Security Checklist Essentials

Before you read about the advanced WordPress security checklist, it’s important to get the basics right. These easy steps form the foundation of a secure WordPress website, helping to prevent many common attacks before they occur.

Update WordPress Core, Themes, & Plugins

One of the easiest ways to keep your site safe is by updating everything regularly. Every time WordPress core, theme, or a plugin gets updated, it often includes fixes for known security holes. If you delay updates, you’re giving hackers more time to find and use those holes.

You can request automatic updates for minor changes, but it’s smart to test major ones first, especially on busy or custom-built sites. That way, you don’t break anything while trying to stay secure.

Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks. Hackers use tools to guess simple passwords, and once they gain access, they can take over your site.

To avoid this, ensure everyone with access to your site (admins, editors, even contributors) has a strong, unique password. You may also use a password manager to store them safely, so no one needs to remember every password. To make it even stronger, use a plugin that forces users to create better passwords when they sign up or change theirs.

Tip: Refer to the tutorial, How to Password Protect a WordPress Site – The Ultimate Guide for further details about how to secure your site with a password.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra login step. After typing your password, you must enter a code sent to your phone or app. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without the second code.

Many free plugins let you set up 2FA quickly. You can also pair it with login lockout tools that block users after many failed attempts. This combination makes it harder for hackers to gain access.

Regular Backups

No matter how strong your security is, things can still go wrong. That’s why regular backups are essential. If your site ever crashes or gets hacked, a backup lets you restore it quickly without losing all your data.

Backups should be stored off your server, so they’re safe even if your hosting account is compromised. Some people do it manually, but it’s easier to use a plugin that backs up your site automatically on a schedule. Look for options that support cloud storage and easy recovery.

Install a Web Application Firewall

A web application firewall (WAF) helps block harmful traffic before it reaches your site. It stops known attacks, filters out bad bots, and blocks fake login attempts.

There are two types of WAFs. DNS-level firewalls protect your site even before a request reaches your server, while application-level firewalls work from inside your WordPress site using plugins. Both operate well, but DNS-level firewalls usually offer stronger protection.

Use Secure WordPress Hosting

The web hosting you use matters more than you think. Secure WordPress hosting can protect your site behind the scenes, even when you’re not aware of it. Always choose a provider with a strong focus on security and WordPress optimization that includes:

• Malware scanning
• Automatic updates
• A free SSL certificate
• Regular backups
• Protection from DDoS attacks
• Features like SFTP access and account isolation also keep your files safe.

The good thing is that you get all these on Hosted.com®, where we handle much of the hard work for you, so you can focus more on running your WordPress website and less on protecting it.

Establishing these basics provides your site with a solid foundation. Once you’ve covered this basic WordPress security checklist, you’re ready to move on to advanced steps that make your protection even stronger.

Advanced WordPress Security Checklist

Once you’ve handled the basics, it’s time to enhance your WordPress security further. These manual tweaks add an extra layer of protection that helps stop even more advanced attacks. While they may take a bit more effort, they’re worth it for long-term peace of mind.

Hide or Rename wp-login & wp-admin

Hackers find the default login page (wp-login.php) simple. If they know where it is, they can try to break in using automated bots.

You can make it harder for them by changing your login URL. Many plugins allow you to do this with a few clicks. You can also hide or block the default paths with server rules. This reduces the number of login attempts and makes your site less vulnerable to attacks.

Enforce HTTPS With SSL Certificates

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts the data sent between your site and your visitors. This keeps personal info, login details, and payment data safe. If your site isn’t using HTTPS, browsers may also mark it as Not Secure.

Most hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates. Once installed, you can force your site to always load with HTTPS by adding a rule to your .htaccess file or enabling it in your settings.

Rename Default Admin User

Using admin as your username is risky because it’s the first name hackers try. If they guess your password, they’ll get full access. Instead, create a new user with administrator rights using a different name, then delete the old admin account. Don’t forget to assign all posts and content to this new WordPress user before deleting the old one.

Change Default Database Prefix

By default, WordPress uses wp_ as the prefix for all database tables. Hackers are aware of this and often design attacks based on it. Thus, changing the prefix (to something like mywp_ or wp1_) makes automated attacks harder. You can manually do this through phpMyAdmin, but ensure you back up your site before making changes.

Disable File Editing via Dashboard

WordPress allows admins to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. While this feature might seem helpful, it’s also dangerous, especially if someone gets access to your admin panel.

To disable it, open your wp-config.php file and add this line:

define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

This keeps your code safe from accidental or harmful edits.

NOTE: Some plugins may stop working properly if they rely on current_user_can(‘edit_plugins’) in their code. If a plugin isn’t working as expected, this setting could be the reason.

Disable PHP Execution in Upload Folders

Hackers sometimes upload files that run harmful PHP code. These often hide in your wp-content/uploads folder. To deter them, block PHP execution in that folder. Just create a .htaccess file inside /uploads/ and add:

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

This prevents PHP files from running in that folder.

Disable Directory Indexing

If someone visits a folder on your site that doesn’t have an index file, they may see a list of all files in that folder. This can expose private or sensitive files.

To prevent this, open your public_html/.htaccess file and add:

Options -Indexes

This hides your folder contents from public view.

Hide WordPress Version

By default, WordPress shows its version in the code. If hackers know which version you’re using, they may target known bugs. To hide the version, add this to your theme’s functions.php file:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

This removes the version info from your page source.

Disable XML-RPC

XML-RPC allows remote access to WordPress features. While some plugins or apps use it, it’s often abused by attackers to run brute-force attacks or send spam.

If you’re not using it, it’s best to disable it. You can do this by adding the following to your public_html/.htaccess file:

<Files xmlrpc.php>
order deny,allow
deny from all
allow from xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
</Files>

Replace xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx with the IP address you want to allow access to xmlrpc.php or delete the line completely if you don’t want any IPs to access it.

Tip: We’ve written a separate detailed tutorial on this that you can find at: xmlrpc.php in WordPress: What It Is & Why Disable it

Set File & Folder Permissions

Correct file permissions help control who can read, write, or run your site files. Incorrect settings can allow hackers to upload or modify files. Here are safe settings to use:

• Files: 644
• Folders: 755
• wp-config.php: 600 (extra secure)

You can change these through your hosting control panel or by using an FTP client.

These manual tweaks secure your WordPress site and make it hard to attack. When combined with the basic WordPress security checklist, you’re building a strong wall that keeps both your data and your visitors safe.

Automatically Log Out Idle Users

If someone forgets to log out, their session could be hijacked, especially on public or shared devices. You can fix this by setting idle timeouts. For this, use a plugin that logs out users after a set time of inactivity. This lowers the incidence of unauthorized access.

Block Image Hotlinking

Hotlinking occurs when another site uses your images by directly linking to them. This uses your bandwidth and slows down your site. You can block hotlinking with a few lines in your .htaccess file. It stops other sites from displaying your images while keeping them visible on your site.

Use Security Plugins

If you want to keep your WordPress site safe without having to do everything manually, security plugins are the best. These tools can block attacks, scan for problems, and automatically fix issues, even when you’re asleep.

However, when picking a security plugin, ensure it has these key features:

• Firewall: Blocks bad traffic before it reaches your site.
• Malware Scanning: Discovers harmful code and warns you about it.
• Login Protection: Adds 2FA, limits login attempts, and stops brute-force attacks.
• Activity Logging: Tracks changes made by users or plugins.
• Automatic Fixes: Repairs common issues without needing tech skills.

There are plenty of great options available, but here are some of the best security plugins to consider in 2025:

• Wordfence: Full-featured protection with a strong firewall and live traffic view.
• Sucuri: Great for malware scanning and performance-friendly WAF.
• Solid Security: Offers a simple setup with strong login security tools.
• Jetpack Protect: A lightweight option with daily scans and brute-force protection.
• NinjaScanner: A fast file scanner that works well for spotting hidden malware.

Select one that suits your needs and works with your site setup. You don’t need to install them all. Instead, just one solid plugin can make a big difference.

Monitor & Scan Your Website

Website security doesn’t stop after this WordPress security checklist. You need to check your site regularly to ensure nothing goes wrong behind the scenes.

Start with free online scanners, such as VirusTotal, Qualys, or SiteLock. These let you check your site by typing in your domain name. They’ll scan for malware, blacklisting, or other issues.

Remember, your security plugin should also run regular internal scans. These go deeper into your files and database to find hidden threats that online tools might miss. Most plugins allow you to schedule these scans on a daily or weekly basis.

Also, don’t forget to check your activity logs. Look for failed login attempts, new admin users, or files that have changed suddenly. These can be signs that something’s not right.

Protect WordPress Site from Hackers

Getting hacked can be stressful, but don’t panic. The key is to act quickly and follow the correct steps to restore your WordPress site. Here’s a simple plan to help you recover safely and fast.

1. Isolate Affected Site: If you’ve got more than one site on your server, take the hacked site offline. This prevents the issue from spreading and protects your visitors while you resolve the problem.
2. Restore from a Clean Backup: If you have a recent backup, use it to restore your system. This is the quickest way to remove harmful changes. Ensure the backup is clean before using it.
3. Change All Passwords & Salts: Update all admin passwords, including WordPress, FTP, database, and cPanel hosting. Then, update the security salts in your wp-config.php file. This logs out everyone and resets session tokens.
4. Run Malware Scans: Use your security plugin or an online tool to scan for malware. Check all files, themes, and plugins. Look for anything that doesn’t belong or was recently changed.
5. Remove Suspicious Files & Users: Delete any strange files that were added recently. Also, remove unknown users, especially those with admin access. Ensure you double-check all roles and permissions.
6. Clean Database: Malware can also stay in your database. Use your security plugin to scan and clean it. Remove spam content, hidden links, or strange scripts added to posts or settings.
7. Replace Security Keys in wp-config.php: In your wp-config.php file, you will see lines called AUTH_KEY, SECURE_AUTH_KEY, and others. Replace these using the WordPress secret key generator, which forces all users to log in again.
8. Notify Site Users if Data May Be Exposed: Inform your users if there is any chance that user data has been affected, e.g., emails, usernames, or passwords. Being honest builds trust and helps them take steps to stay safe.

Getting hacked isn’t fun, but it happens. What matters most is how quickly and carefully you respond. Once your site is clean, ensure you strengthen your security to prevent it from reoccurring.

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Other Blogs of Interest

– Website Security Audit: Ensuring Your Site Is Safe From Threats

– Risks And Realities Of Unsecure Websites

– How To Secure A Website: Best Practices For Online Safety

– Shared Hosting for Fast and Secure Websites

– Secure Website Hosting: 6 Important Facts You Need To Know