Introduction: Why WordPress Security Is Not Optional

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world.

Unfortunately, that popularity also makes it a prime target for hackers.

From brute-force login attempts and malware injections to plugin vulnerabilities and phishing attacks — WordPress websites are under constant threat.

But here’s the good news: most WordPress hacks are preventable with the right security practices.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to secure your WordPress website from hackers using proven, up-to-date best practices.

Why Hackers Target WordPress Sites

WordPress sites get targeted because:

👉 Whether you’re running a blog, an e-commerce store, or a business website — if your site gets hacked, it can result in:

1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Outdated software is the #1 reason WordPress sites get hacked.

Best Practices:

📌 Pro Tip: Turn on automatic updates for minor releases, but manually test major updates to prevent conflicts.

📖 Resource: WordPress Official Update Guide

2. Use Strong Login Credentials

Many brute-force attacks succeed because of weak usernames or passwords.

What You Should Do:

🔐 Recommended Plugin: WP 2FA

3. Install a Reliable WordPress Security Plugin

A good security plugin monitors for threats, blocks malicious traffic, and alerts you when something goes wrong.

Top Security Plugins:

📌 Choose one — running multiple can cause conflicts.

4. Limit Login Attempts

WordPress allows unlimited login attempts by default — making brute-force attacks easier.

Fix:

5. Change the WordPress Login URL

The default login URL (/wp-login.php) is widely known and often targeted by bots.

Secure Alternative:

Use plugins like WPS Hide Login to change your login URL to something unique.

Example:
yourdomain.com/wp-login.php → yourdomain.com/domiz-login-access

6. Secure Your Hosting Environment

Not all hosting is created equal. Poor hosting leaves your site vulnerable — even if you follow best practices.

What to Look for in Secure Hosting:

🔒 Recommended Hosts:

7. Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates

SSL encrypts data between your site and visitors. Google also ranks HTTPS sites higher than HTTP.

Steps:

🔗 Check your SSL: SSL Labs Test Tool

8. Regularly Backup Your Website

Backups won’t stop a hack — but they save your site in case one occurs.

Backup Best Practices:

🧠 Related: Best Practices for Mobile-First Web Design

9. Disable XML-RPC (If Not Needed)

xmlrpc.php is a file in WordPress that allows remote access to your site — and is often exploited by bots.

Solution:

10. Hide WordPress Version Number

Hackers use your WordPress version to target known vulnerabilities.

Hide It:

Add the following line to your theme’s functions.php:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

Or use a security plugin to automate this.

11. Disable File Editing in Dashboard

By default, WordPress lets admin users edit plugin and theme files directly from the dashboard — dangerous if compromised.

Disable It:

Add this line to your wp-config.php file:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

✅ This small tweak prevents attackers from injecting malicious code through the backend editor.

12. Set Proper File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can expose sensitive files to unauthorized access.

Recommended Permissions:

📌 You can set these through your hosting panel or an FTP client.

13. Monitor User Activity

If your site has multiple users (e.g., blog authors, contributors), keep an eye on what’s happening.

Tools:

Track:

14. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF filters out malicious traffic before it reaches your site.

Options include:

💡 Bonus: WAFs also protect against DDoS attacks and SQL injection.

Real-World Story: WordPress Hack Recovery

A Nairobi-based NGO approached DomizWebs after a sudden drop in Google rankings. Their WordPress site had been infected with hidden redirect malware.

What we did:

Results:

Final Thoughts: Prevention is Cheaper Than Recovery

A hacked website doesn’t just affect your SEO — it damages your brand, your business, and your trust with users.

The good news? You don’t need to be a developer to secure your site.

With the right tools, best practices, and regular maintenance, you can keep your WordPress site safe, fast, and fully optimized for business growth.

Secure Your WordPress Site with DomizWebs

At DomizWebs, we don’t just build websites — we secure them.

✅ Security plugin setup
✅ Backup automation
✅ SSL integration
✅ Firewall configuration
✅ Malware cleanup
✅ Ongoing protection plans

Whether you’re running a personal blog, NGO website, or e-commerce store, our team will make sure you’re protected — 24/7.

📞 Let’s lock down your website. Contact us today.

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External Resources Linked