8 WordPress Security Updates to Stop Hackers

WordPress powers 43% of all websites, making it a prime target for hackers. Every day, over 90,000 WordPress sites are hacked, often due to simple security oversights that could have been prevented.

The good news? Most WordPress security breaches are avoidable. These 8 essential security updates will fortify your site against common threats without requiring technical expertise.

Why WordPress Security Should Be Your Priority

A hacked website means:

• Lost Revenue: Downtime and broken functionality cost sales
• SEO Damage: Google blacklists hacked sites, destroying your rankings
• Data Breaches: Customer information stolen, leading to legal liability
• Reputation Loss: Visitors won’t trust a compromised site
• Cleanup Costs: Professional malware removal costs $500-$2,000+

Prevention is always cheaper and easier than recovery.

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Outdated software is the #1 entry point for hackers. Updates patch known security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit.

What to do:

• Enable automatic updates for WordPress core (minor versions)
• Check for updates weekly in Dashboard → Updates
• Update plugins and themes within 48 hours of new releases
• Delete unused themes and plugins completely
• Subscribe to WordPress security bulletins

How to enable auto-updates:

1. Go to Dashboard → Updates
2. Click “Enable automatic updates” for each plugin/theme
3. Or use the Easy Updates Manager plugin for granular control

Warning signs of outdated software:

• Plugins not updated in 2+ years (abandoned)
• Compatibility warnings in plugin descriptions
• “Not tested with current WordPress version” notices

Impact: Reduces vulnerability to 60% of common attacks.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Weak passwords account for 8% of all WordPress hacks. Brute force attacks try thousands of password combinations until they succeed.

Password requirements:

• Minimum 16 characters
• Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid dictionary words, names, or personal info
• Use unique passwords for WordPress admin, hosting, and email

Best practices:

• Use a password manager (LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden)
• Change passwords every 90 days
• Never share admin credentials
• Remove unused user accounts

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) setup:

1. Install Google Authenticator or Wordfence plugin
2. Enable 2FA in plugin settings
3. Scan QR code with authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy)
4. Store backup codes in secure location
5. Require 2FA for all administrator accounts

Impact: Blocks 99.9% of automated password attacks.

3. Install a WordPress Security Plugin

Security plugins provide firewall protection, malware scanning, and real-time threat monitoring.

Best security plugins:

Free options:

• Wordfence Security (firewall, malware scanner, 2FA)
• Sucuri Security (malware scanner, security hardening)
• iThemes Security (brute force protection, file monitoring)

Premium options:

• Wordfence Premium ($99/year – real-time threat updates)
• Sucuri Firewall ($199/year – cloud-based protection)
• MalCare ($99/year – automated malware removal)

Essential features to enable:

• Web Application Firewall (WAF)
• Malware scanning (schedule weekly)
• Login attempt limiting (max 3-5 attempts)
• IP blocking for suspicious activity
• File integrity monitoring
• Security notifications via email

Setup checklist:

1. Install chosen security plugin
2. Run initial malware scan
3. Enable firewall (learning mode for 1 week)
4. Configure login security settings
5. Set up email alerts
6. Review weekly security reports

Impact: Prevents 80% of common attack vectors.

4. Change the Default “Admin” Username

The default “admin” username is the first thing hackers try. Changing it significantly increases security.

How to change admin username:

Method 1: Create new admin

1. Go to Users → Add New
2. Create new user with strong username (not “admin,” “administrator,” or your site name)
3. Assign Administrator role
4. Log out and log in with new account
5. Delete old “admin” user
6. Assign posts to new admin when prompted

Method 2: Use plugin

1. Install Username Changer plugin
2. Go to Users → All Users
3. Click Edit on admin user
4. Change username in plugin field
5. Save changes

Additional login security:

• Use email address for login instead of username
• Customize login URL (change from /wp-admin)
• Hide username from author archives and posts
• Disable username enumeration

Impact: Eliminates the easiest brute force attack vector.

5. Implement SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

SSL encrypts data transferred between your website and visitors, protecting passwords, payment info, and personal data from interception.

Implement SSL Certificate (HTTPS) WordPress Security

Why SSL is critical:

• Google prioritizes HTTPS sites in rankings
• Browsers flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure”
• Required for payment processing and forms
• Builds visitor trust and credibility
• Prevents man-in-the-middle attacks

How to install SSL:

Free SSL (most hosting provides this):

1. Log into hosting control panel (cPanel)
2. Find SSL/TLS section
3. Click “Install Free SSL Certificate” (Let’s Encrypt)
4. Select your domain and install

Force HTTPS across entire site:

1. Install Really Simple SSL plugin
2. Activate plugin
3. Click “Go ahead, activate SSL” button
4. Plugin automatically redirects HTTP to HTTPS

Manual method (in wp-config.php): Add these lines before “That’s all, stop editing”:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
if ($_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO'] == 'https')
    $_SERVER['HTTPS']='on';

Verify SSL installation:

• Check for padlock icon in browser
• Test at ssllabs.com/ssltest
• Ensure all resources load via HTTPS (no mixed content)

Impact: Essential security baseline, required for PCI compliance.

6. Configure Regular Automatic Backups

Backups are your insurance policy. If hacked, you can restore your site to a clean version in minutes.

Backup best practices:

• Automate daily backups (never rely on manual backups)
• Store backups off-site (not on same server)
• Keep minimum 30 days of backup history
• Include both files and database
• Test restore process quarterly

Best backup solutions:

Plugin options:

• UpdraftPlus (free, backs up to Google Drive, Dropbox)
• BlogVault (premium, real-time backups, staging)
• BackWPup (free, flexible scheduling)
• Jetpack Backup (premium, one-click restore)

Hosting-level backups:

• Most quality hosts provide daily automated backups
• Check if your host includes this feature
• Hosting backups + plugin backups = double protection

UpdraftPlus setup (recommended):

1. Install UpdraftPlus plugin
2. Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups
3. Click Settings tab
4. Set backup schedule (daily for files, daily for database)
5. Choose remote storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
6. Connect storage account
7. Save settings and run manual backup to test

What to backup:

• WordPress database (posts, pages, settings)
• Themes and plugins
• Uploads folder (images, media)
• wp-config.php file

Impact: Ensures 100% recovery capability after attacks.

Read about 12 Easy WordPress Performance Tips

7. Disable File Editing in WordPress Dashboard

WordPress allows administrators to edit theme and plugin files directly in the dashboard. Hackers exploit this feature after gaining admin access.

How to disable file editing:

1. Access wp-config.php via cPanel File Manager or FTP
2. Add this line before “That’s all, stop editing”:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

3. Save file

This removes the “Editor” option from Appearance and Plugins menus.

Additional file security:

• Set correct file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
• Protect wp-config.php with extra .htaccess rules
• Disable PHP execution in uploads folder
• Use security plugins to monitor unauthorized file changes

File permission reference:

• wp-config.php: 440 or 400
• .htaccess: 644
• wp-content: 755
• Uploads folder: 755
• All files: 644
• All directories: 755

Impact: Prevents backdoor creation after compromised admin access.

8. Change the Database Prefix from Default “wp_”

WordPress uses “wp_” as the default database table prefix. Hackers target this known prefix with SQL injection attacks.

Why change it:

• Makes SQL injection attacks harder
• Adds obscurity layer to database structure
• Required for running multiple WordPress installations

How to change database prefix:

For existing sites (use plugin method):

1. Backup your database first
2. Install Brozzme DB Prefix plugin
3. Go to Tools → DB Prefix
4. Enter new prefix (example: “xyz123_”)
5. Click “Change DB Prefix”
6. Plugin updates all database tables

For new installations:

• Specify custom prefix during initial WordPress installation
• Use random alphanumeric prefix (keep it short)

Manual method (advanced):

1. Backup database completely
2. Use phpMyAdmin to rename all tables
3. Update wp-config.php with new prefix
4. Search/replace old prefix in options and usermeta tables
5. Test thoroughly

Best practices:

• Use lowercase letters and numbers only
• Include underscore at end (example: “abc789_”)
• Avoid obvious prefixes (site name, “secure_”, etc.)
• Document new prefix in secure location

Impact: Reduces risk of mass SQL injection attacks.

Additional Security Hardening Tips

Quick wins:

• Disable XML-RPC (prevents brute force attacks)
• Hide WordPress version number
• Disable plugin/theme installation from dashboard
• Use security headers (X-Frame-Options, CSP)
• Implement Content Security Policy
• Limit login attempts to 5 per 15 minutes

Advanced protection:

• Use Web Application Firewall (Cloudflare, Sucuri)
• Implement geolocation blocking for admin area
• Enable database query logging
• Monitor for unauthorized admin users
• Set up uptime monitoring (UptimeRobot)

Red flags indicating compromise:

• Unexpected admin accounts
• Unknown files in uploads folder
• Sudden traffic spikes
• Blacklist warnings from Google
• Redirects to suspicious sites
• Changed core WordPress files

Security Maintenance Schedule

Daily:

• Monitor security plugin alerts
• Check for failed login attempts

Weekly:

• Review security scan results
• Check for available updates
• Review user accounts and permissions

Monthly:

• Test backup restoration
• Audit installed plugins and themes
• Review site access logs
• Change critical passwords

Quarterly:

• Full security audit
• Update security protocols
• Review user permissions
• Test disaster recovery plan

What to Do If Your Site Gets Hacked

1. Take site offline immediately (maintenance mode)
2. Change all passwords (WordPress, hosting, FTP, database)
3. Scan for malware using security plugin
4. Restore from clean backup if available
5. Update everything (WordPress, themes, plugins)
6. Review access logs to identify entry point
7. Request Google malware review if blacklisted
8. Consider professional help for severe infections

Prevention checklist:

• ✅ WordPress/plugins/themes updated
• ✅ Strong passwords + 2FA enabled
• ✅ Security plugin active with firewall
• ✅ Daily automated backups running
• ✅ SSL certificate installed
• ✅ Default admin username changed
• ✅ File editing disabled
• ✅ Database prefix customized

The Bottom Line

WordPress security isn’t a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing commitment. These 8 essential updates create multiple layers of protection, making your site a hard target for attackers.

Most security breaches exploit basic oversights: outdated software, weak passwords, or lack of backups. By implementing these updates, you eliminate the vulnerabilities responsible for 90% of WordPress hacks.

Start with the highest-impact updates (security plugin, backups, SSL) and work through the remaining items systematically. Schedule monthly security reviews to maintain protection as threats evolve.

Need professional WordPress security setup? Logics Design offers comprehensive security audits and hardening services. Contact us for a free security assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update WordPress plugins and themes?

Check for updates weekly and install them within 48 hours of release. Security updates should be installed immediately. Enable automatic updates for trusted plugins to ensure timely patching of vulnerabilities.

Is WordPress secure enough for business websites?

Yes, when properly configured. WordPress core is secure, but vulnerabilities typically come from outdated plugins, weak passwords, or poor hosting. Following security best practices makes WordPress suitable for businesses of all sizes.

What’s the best free WordPress security plugin?

Wordfence Security is the most comprehensive free option, offering firewall protection, malware scanning, and two-factor authentication. Sucuri Security and iThemes Security are also excellent free alternatives with different feature focuses.

Can I use multiple security plugins simultaneously?

Avoid using multiple firewall/security plugins as they often conflict. Choose one comprehensive security plugin (Wordfence or Sucuri) and supplement with specialized plugins for backups or 2FA if needed.

How do I know if my WordPress site has been hacked?

Common signs include unexpected admin accounts, unknown files in uploads folder, redirects to suspicious sites, Google blacklist warnings, sudden traffic spikes, or changed core files. Run regular malware scans to detect infections early.

Do I need SSL if I don’t sell products online?

Yes, SSL is essential for all websites. Google prioritizes HTTPS sites in search rankings, browsers flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure,” and SSL protects all data transfer including login credentials and contact forms.

How many backups should I keep?

Maintain minimum 30 days of backup history with daily backups. This ensures you can restore to a clean version from before any infection. Store backups off-site (not on same server) for disaster recovery.

What’s the difference between hosting backups and plugin backups?

Hosting backups are created by your hosting provider (often included free). Plugin backups give you direct control and can store to external services like Google Drive. Use both for redundancy—if one fails, you have the other.

Should I hide my WordPress login URL?

Changing the login URL from /wp-admin adds security through obscurity, making brute force attacks harder. However, it’s not a substitute for strong passwords and 2FA. Use plugins like WPS Hide Login for easy implementation.

How strong should my WordPress password be?

Minimum 16 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, names, or personal information. Use unique passwords for WordPress admin, hosting account, and associated email. A password manager makes this easy.

Is two-factor authentication really necessary?

Absolutely. 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks even if your password is compromised. It’s the single most effective security measure after keeping software updated. Enable 2FA for all administrator accounts.

What file permissions should I use for WordPress?

Standard permissions: wp-config.php (440 or 400), .htaccess (644), wp-content (755), uploads folder (755), all files (644), all directories (755). Incorrect permissions create security vulnerabilities or functionality issues.