Are you planning to put up a WordPress website? Are you wondering how you can secure it from cyber-attacks?
When it comes to preferences, WordPress leads the pack among the world’s leading content management systems (CMS). In 2019, WordPress controlled 63.1% of the CMS share.
A study revealed that 90% of CMS that experienced hacking were WordPress sites.
Thus, you need to install the best WordPress security plugins available. But with so many options out there, which one offers the best website security?
Continue reading below as we look at some of the best WP security plugins worth investing in.
The Value of WordPress Security
Before we deal with how to make WordPress site secure, let us first discuss the value of WordPress security. What happens when someone hacks your WordPress site? The worst that can happen is losing valuable data.
When this happens, cybercriminals can use the information. This can lead to damaging your business and reputation, and if you’re lacking competent security measures and proper reputation management software, your business can be severely compromised. To hijack your website, hackers install malicious software or steal your passwords.
Sometimes, they even spread malware to your users. In turn, the hackers may ask you to pay a huge amount of money as ransom to get your website back.
To address these, WordPress introduced basic security features. These features help you update passwords, manage password permissions, and backup solutions.
Furthermore, you may use some of the best free firewall protection available.
You also have the option to hire a reputable website developer like WhatArmy to handle all sorts of security fixes. But what if you don’t have a big budget at the moment?
Your best option, for now, is to use some of the best WordPress security plugins out there.
Best WordPress Security Plugins
Since not all plugins are the same, you need to look closely at what the plugins offer. Some plugins do stand out from the rest. Here are 10 of the best security plugins – in no particular order – that are worth checking out:
1. WP Force SSL
A secure connection is established using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. This is crucial if you want to create a trustworthy environment where users of your website feel 100 percent secure.
The installation of an SSL assures you that your website is 100 percent safe. Your potential consumers are continuously searching for dubious websites. Two indicators of a trustworthy site are green padlocks and branded URL bars.
WP Force SSL provides you with immediate outcomes and many features that can help you save time, money, and potential clients. Additionally, it combines all the resources and choices needed for the SSL setting.
2. Login LockDown
Every failed login attempt is recorded by Login LockDown, along with the IP address and date. The login function is turned off for all requests coming from that IP address if more than a specific number of tries is found in a short amount of time from the same IP range. By doing this, assaults and password discovery through brute force are reduced.
After three unsuccessful login attempts in a span of five minutes, the plugin automatically locks out an IP block for one hour. Options are provided to change this. From the panel, administrators can manually unlock IP ranges that have been blocked.
3. Wordfence
Wordfence is one of the best security plugins when it comes to covering the basics. This trait of Wordfence easily makes it a favorite, especially for WordPress beginners.
For starters, Wordfence can monitor hacking attempts in a real-time fashion. It can also identify the origins of the hacking, as well as the hacker’s IP address and time of the incident.
The plugin also alerts you if somebody breached your password. It also protects your site from brute force attacks.
As for the Wordfence pricing, it’s free!
4. Sucuri
Though Sucuri comes with a free version, it is the pro version that you need to use. It features firewall protection against brute force attacks.
It tracks activities on your website. These include failed login attempts, last logs, and file exchanges. It also cleans up your website from any malware. Moreover, it offers protection against XSS, SQL Injections, and other common forms of cyber-attacks.
The pro version, however, costs $299 a year. Nevertheless, it is a worthy expense.
5. iThemes Security Pro
For someone looking for extensive security coverage that is not as expensive as Sucuri, iThemes Security is your best bet. It boasts of 30 different ways of securing your site.
Some of its key strengths include plugin scans, 404 detections, and two-factor authentication. It also features scheduled backups and password enforcement.
It sends you email notifications whenever there are malicious file updates. It also locks dubious IP scans.
You can enjoy all of these and more for an annual fee of $80.
6. Defender
As the plugin’s name implies, you can expect the Defender to defend you through its multiple security layers. Not only that, but the Defender also features an interface that is easy to learn and use.
Its security layers include WordPress core file scanning, unlimited file scans, and a Google 2-step verification feature. It also comes with login screening masking, 404 limiter, and IP lockout reports.
7. Google Authenticator
What makes Google Authenticator a viable option is its two-factor authentication feature. This is a two-step process that prompts you to input your password, as well as a second method. The second one can be a one-time password (OTP), a phone call, or an SMS.
Keep in mind that only a few security plugins offer this feature.
In line with this feature, you can select the user types that also need to go through this process. Additionally, you can download this plugin for free.
8. MalCare Security
This is arguably one of the easiest security plugins to install. It will only take you a minute to do so. But when it comes to features, MalCare packs a punch.
It provides 24/7 firewall protection. It features an Auto-Clean feature that removes malware within a minute. And if it fails to remove malware, you will get three times your money back.
9. All In One WP Security & Firewall
The All in One WP Security & Firewall plugin comes with security categories: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each category contains features that are appropriate for the users’ WordPress skill level.
As a comprehensive security provider, it adds a firewall and checks for vulnerabilities. It also keeps you away from spam. It also protects you from brute force attacks and other suspicious activities.
10. Jetpack Security
Coming from WordPress’ parent company, Jetpack is the plugin for those who love SEO and analytics. On top of the basic malware scans and brute force attack-protection, Jetpack offers automatic comment filtering.
Additionally, it comes with site backups and automatic plugin updates.
11. Shield Security
If you want something that lets you go auto-pilot, Shield Security is the plugin for you. After installation, simply activate it and let it do its job.
It sends you real-time alerts whenever it detects malicious activities. It also features two-factor authentication and performs spam filtering.
Additionally, it can protect your site from brute force attacks.
12. Security Ninja
Last but not least is Security Ninja. This plugin comes with 50 different tests that determine how secure your WordPress site is.
Through the tests, you can check how strong your password is. You can also check if your enabled your debug mode for your database, and Javascript is open.
It also tells you if your themes and other plugins need some updating. If you go for the Security Ninja Pro version ($29/year), you can perform malware scanning. You will also get a cloud firewall.
Become a WordPress Expert
By using some of the world’s best WordPress security plugins, you won’t have to worry about cyber-attacks.
But if you wish to unleash the full potential of your site, continuous learning is the key.
Check out our other blog posts on WordPress. We feature different plugins and provide tips to help you become a WordPress expert.