Key highlights
- Implement essential security practices to shield your WordPress site from evolving threats like malware, brute force attacks and data breaches in 2025.
- Use trusted tools and plugins such as Wordfence, Jetpack and iThemes Security to automate protection, monitor activity and block vulnerabilities in real-time.
- Secure your infrastructure by choosing a reputable hosting from Bluehost that offers built-in SSL, firewalls, DDoS protection and automated backups.
- Avoid critical security mistakes such as using weak passwords, ignoring plugin updates and installing nulled themes that expose your site to attackers.
- Take proactive control of your site’s safety through regular malware scans, file access restrictions and two-factor authentication without needing to be a tech expert.
Introduction
Every thriving WordPress website you see today is prioritizing WordPress security best practices. Whether it’s a stay-at-home mom’s cooking blog or an artist’s print-on-demand online store, every site has one thing in common: they all invest in website security.
Think about it: you’re launching a brand-new fitness course, selling hand-crafted ornaments or publishing top tech hacks. The last thing you need is a malware attack sabotaging your hard work, scaring away visitors or hijacking your SEO rankings.
In 2025, securing your WordPress site isn’t just about “being safe”—it’s about protecting your momentum, your credibility and your dreams.
The good news? You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to build a rock-solid WordPress fortress. With the right practices, plugins and a few smart choices, you’ll stay two steps ahead of even the craftiest cyber threats.
Let’s dive into exactly how you can secure your success.
Why WordPress security best practices matter in 2025?
According to W3Techs Survey (2025), WordPress powers over 43.5% of all websites globally. This popularity makes it a favorite target for cybercriminals. In 2025, security threats like brute force attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) and malicious code injections continue to evolve, making WordPress site security more important than ever.
A single breach could lead to stolen data, a ruined reputation or even complete site loss. The good news? You can drastically reduce your security risk by implementing the right website security measures.
Before diving into the exact steps, let’s compare common risks with protective measures.
Risk vs. protection: A quick comparison
Implementing basic defenses can protect your site from the most common attacks. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Risk factor | Consequence | Protection strategy |
| Weak passwords | Unauthorized access | Use strong passwords + 2FA |
| Outdated plugins/themes | Known vulnerabilities | Update all software regularly |
| Nulled themes/plugins | Malware injection | Avoid pirated downloads |
| Shared hosting with no security | Data breaches | Choose a reputable hosting provider |
| File editing from dashboard | Code tampering | Disable file editing in WordPress |
We will talk about the additional common mistakes to avoid later in the blog. Now that you have a snapshot of the threat landscape, let’s walk through the top strategies you should implement right away.
Also read: Website Security 101: Easy Steps to Protect Your Site from Cyber Threats
What are the top WordPress security best practices you must follow in 2025?
Ensuring a secure WordPress website doesn’t have to be complicated. These 10 actionable WordPress security tips will help you stay one step ahead of cyber threats in 2025:
- Keep WordPress core, themes and plugins updated.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Install a reputable WordPress security plugin.
- Use a secure WordPress hosting provider.
- Activate an SSL certificate.
- Back up your WordPress site regularly.
- Limit login attempts and monitor user activity.
- Disable file editing in the WP dashboard.
- Restrict access to sensitive files like wp-config.php.
- Scan for malware and security issues frequently.
Let’s walk through them one by one.
1. Keep WordPress core, themes and plugins updated
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in older versions of WordPress, plugins and themes.
Best practice: Enable auto-updates for your WordPress core software, trusted plugins and themes. Before updating, back up your site to prevent data loss.
Also read: 9 Best WordPress Security Plugins to Protect Your Website in 2025
2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Weak login credentials are a goldmine for attackers. Using a predictable password or reusing one across platforms increases the risk of unauthorized access.
Best practice: Use a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords. Also, enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection during login.
Also read: How to Enable and Disable Two Factor Authentication
3. Install a reputable WordPress security plugin
A reputable security plugin acts like a guard dog for your site. It can detect malware, monitor file changes and even implement a web application firewall (WAF).
Top plugins for 2025:
- Wordfence Security
- Sucuri Security
- iThemes Security
- MalCare
These tools help protect your WordPress files from malicious code, unauthorized login attempts and suspicious activity.
Also read: Why WordPress (+ Plugins) Make a Great No Code Tool
4. Use a secure WordPress hosting provider
Not every hosting provider offers the same level of protection or performance. A secure hosting environment greatly reduces the chances of compromise. Bluehost WordPress hosting gives you peace of mind when it comes to site security. Our WordPress hosting security features include:
- Free SSL
- Free malware scanning
- Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- DDoS protection included
- Daily website backups
Also read: Benefits of SiteLock Web Application Firewall
Best practice: Choose a reputable hosting provider that offers built-in firewalls, automatic updates, malware scans and server-level security measures.
5. Activate an SSL certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts data exchanged between the web server and user browser, safeguarding login credentials and sensitive user data.
Best practice: Ensure your site uses HTTPS. Most hosting companies now offer free SSL certificates which you can use.
6. Back up your WordPress site regularly
Even with robust WordPress security best practices, things can go wrong. That’s where backups save the day.
Best practice: Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy or BlogVault to schedule automatic backups to cloud storage. You can also back up your site with CodeGuard. Keep multiple backup versions and test restore points regularly.
Also read: CodeGuard: Back Up and Restore Your Site Like a Pro
7. Limit login attempts and monitor user activity
By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, making your site vulnerable to brute force attacks.
Best practice: Use plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or WP Limit Login Attempts. Monitor suspicious activity via audit trail plugins like WP Activity Log.
8. Disable file editing in the WP dashboard
Allowing direct edits to PHP files like themes and plugins through the dashboard invites trouble if an attacker gains access.
Best practice: Add this line to your wp-config.php file to disable file editing:
php
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); 9. Restrict access to sensitive files like wp-config.php
Files such as .htaccess, wp-config.php and php.ini contain critical configuration details.
Best practice: Change file permissions to prevent editing. Use the .htaccess file to deny public access:
apache
<Files wp-config.php>
order allow,deny
deny from all
</Files> 10. Scan for malware and security issues frequently
Regular scans help detect malicious code, injected scripts and outdated components before damage is done.
Best practice: Use WordPress security plugins that support malware scanning and real-time alerts. Don’t forget to scan certain WordPress directories like wp-content and wp-includes.
Following these security best practices creates a layered defense system that strengthens your WordPress installation against modern cyber threats. While implementing these practices will significantly boost your WordPress security, it’s just as important to understand the common security mistakes many website owners make.
Also read: WordPress Security Scan Guide: Protect Your Site from Threats in 2025
What are the common WordPress security mistakes you should avoid?
While implementing WordPress security best practices is key, there are certain mistakes that many website owners still make. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help further protect your site.
1. Ignoring plugin vulnerabilities
Neglecting to update plugins with known security vulnerabilities is a significant security risk. Always check the plugin update logs and security advisories before using or updating plugins.
Tip: Use a WordPress security plugin that alerts you about plugins with known vulnerabilities and immediately replace or update any flagged plugins to keep your WordPress site secure.
2. Using “admin” as username
Using admin as your default username for the WordPress admin panel is a poor practice. It’s the first username hackers will attempt during a brute force attack.
Tip: Create a unique username for your admin account to make it harder for attackers to guess.
3. Leaving unused plugins/themes active
Inactive plugins or themes still pose a security risk because they can contain known vulnerabilities. Make sure to delete any plugins or themes you no longer use.
Tip: Regularly audit your installed plugins and themes and remove any that are not in use.
4. Using nulled (pirated) premium themes
Nulled themes may seem like a great deal, but they often come with hidden malicious scripts that can compromise your WordPress site. These pirated themes may also lack regular updates, leaving your site vulnerable to attacks.
Also read: WordPress Nulled Plugins & Themes: Why You Must Avoid Them
Tip: Always use reputable themes and plugins from trusted sources, such as the official WordPress theme repository or respected premium theme providers.
Now that we’ve identified some of the most common WordPress security mistakes, you might be wondering how to avoid them and strengthen your site’s defenses. Fortunately, Bluehost provides a robust set of tools and features designed to address these security issues head-on.
Also read: 10 Warning Signs Your WordPress Site Is Compromised (And How to Fix It)
How Bluehost can help secure your WordPress website?
Bluehost offers a robust set of tools and services designed to safeguard your WordPress website from common security risks. Here’s how Bluehost can help:
1. Jetpack Security suite integration
Jetpack offers a comprehensive security suite that integrates seamlessly with WordPress.
Key features of Jetpack include:
- Brute force attack protection: Blocks unauthorized login attempts, preventing attackers from gaining access to your site.
- Spam filtering: Automatically detects and filters out spam comments to keep your site clean.
- Downtime monitoring: Alerts you if your site goes down, ensuring you can react quickly.
- Automated site backups: Regularly backs up your site so you can restore it in case of an attack or error.
These features help reduce the risk of common security breaches and keep your site running smoothly.
Also read: Jetpack Security Suite for Bluehost Cloud: Backup & Malware
2. CodeGuard for automated backups
CodeGuard provides daily automated backups, ensuring your website’s data is always safe.
Additional CodeGuard features include:
- Security monitoring: Keeps track of changes to your site, alerting you to unauthorized changes.
- One-click restoration: In the event of a breach, you can easily restore your website to its previous state, minimizing downtime.
Automated backups are a vital safety net, ensuring you can recover from a breach without losing crucial data.
Also read: CodeGuard: How to Protect Your Website
3. SiteLock security
Bluehost partners with SiteLock to offer advanced security features:
- Daily malware scanning: Scans your site for malicious code, identifying and removing any malware.
- Automated malware removal: Automatically fixes any security issues detected, reducing manual intervention.
- Vulnerability patching: SiteLock regularly updates your site to fix known vulnerabilities.
- DDoS protection: Protects your site from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, ensuring it remains available during traffic surges.
These features provide peace of mind, knowing that your site is actively monitored and protected from various security threats.
Also read: Protecting Your Website From CyberThreats With SiteLock Security
4. Secure WordPress hosting features
Bluehost’s hosting environment is designed to protect your WordPress site with:
- Global Cloudflare CDN integration: Improves site speed and security by distributing your site’s content across global servers, reducing load times and enhancing protection.
- Free SSL certificates: Encrypts the data exchanged between your site and visitors, enhancing privacy and trust for enhanced data security.
- Advanced DDoS protection: Safeguards your site against large-scale cyberattacks that attempt to overwhelm your server.
Also read: Is My Website Protected Against DDoS Attacks?
These features ensure your site runs smoothly and securely, even in the face of external threats.
5. Additional security best practices with Bluehost
Beyond integrated tools, Bluehost encourages the following best practices for securing your WordPress site:
- Regular updates: Keeping your WordPress core software, themes and plugins up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent security vulnerabilities.
- Strong passwords & two-factor authentication: Use complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This will help you add an extra layer of protection to your login process.
- Web application firewall (WAF): A WAF filters and monitors incoming traffic, blocking malicious attempts to exploit vulnerabilities on your site.
By adopting these practices, you’re taking an active role in preventing potential attacks and minimizing security risks.
Next, let’s explore some of the top-rated WordPress security plugins that can further strengthen your site’s defenses in 2025.
What are the best WordPress security plugins to keep your site safe?
With countless cyber threats targeting WordPress sites daily, choosing the right WordPress security plugin can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with brute force attacks, malware or cross-site scripting (XSS), a reputable plugin can help protect your website from known and emerging vulnerabilities.
Let’s explore some of the best WordPress security plugins in 2025 that are trusted by developers and site owners alike:
| Plugin | Top features | Best for | Pricing |
| Wordfence Security | Web application firewall (WAF), malware scanning, live traffic, login protection | Full-scale security with real-time alerts | Free / Premium |
| Sucuri Security | Malware cleanup, DDoS mitigation, firewall, integrity monitoring | Sites needing advanced malware defense | Free / Premium |
| iThemes Security Pro | Two-factor authentication, brute force protection, file change detection | User management & login protection | Free / Premium |
| Jetpack Security | Automated backups, downtime monitoring, brute force blocking | Bluehost users & content-heavy sites | Premium (via Bluehost) |
| All-In-One WP Security & Firewall | Firewall rules, user login lockdown, database prefix change | Beginners needing easy setup | Free |
| Defender Pro (by WPMU DEV) | Malware scanning, 2FA, blacklist monitoring, 404 detection | Visual UI with strong reporting | Free / Premium |
| BulletProof Security | .htaccess hardening, login security, manual malware removal | Advanced users and developers | Free / Premium |
What should you look for in a WordPress security plugin?
When comparing plugins, consider the following:
- Real-time threat detection to spot issues before they spread
- Firewall protection to block malicious traffic
- Brute force protection to limit login attempts
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) for login safety
- Regular malware scanning to find and fix issues early
- Backup integration to restore your site quickly if something goes wrong
Pairing one of these plugins with our reliable hosting ensures your WordPress site stays protected on both the application and server level.
Final thoughts
Your WordPress site isn’t just a digital asset—it’s your brand’s heartbeat and it deserves real protection. Think of securing your WordPress website like locking the front door of your house. Would you leave it wide open? Probably not.
In 2025, cyber threats are smarter, faster and more aggressive. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a security expert to stay protected. The right tools—like firewalls, malware scanners and regular backups—can make a big difference.
By applying these WordPress security best practices, you can shield your content and customer data. You’ll also boost your SEO, increase user trust and strengthen your business for the long term.
Take the first step now:
- Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Jetpack.
- Update all your plugins and themes today.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your WordPress dashboard.
- Switch to Bluehost for secure hosting and get built-in protection, backups and 24/7 support.
Need help securing your WordPress site? View Bluehost WordPress hosting plans today and get the peace of mind your website deserves!
FAQs
The quickest path to a secure WordPress site is to combine a reputable security plugin (like Wordfence or Sucuri) with strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). This trio blocks most brute-force attempts, alerts you to suspicious activity and encrypts your login process—all without touching server configurations.
Absolutely. By hardening your wp-config.php and .htaccess files, you can:
1. Disable file editing (define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);)
2. Restrict PHP execution in /wp-content/uploads/
3. Password-protect your wp-admin directory
4. Change the default database prefix from wp_ to something unique
5. Enforce HTTPS via your SSL certificate
However, doing this manually requires comfort with FTP and server settings.
For most sites, a weekly malware scan strikes the right balance. If you run an eCommerce store or handle sensitive customer data, consider daily scans. Pair automated scans with real-time file-change monitoring to catch malicious scripts the instant they appear.
Shared hosting can be secure—provided your hosting provider implements strong isolation between accounts, robust web application firewalls (WAFs) and regular server-level patching. Look for hosts offering free SSL, automatic updates and integrated DDoS protection to minimize the security risk inherent in a shared environment.
Yes. Bluehost’s managed WordPress plans include:
1. Free SSL certificates for encrypted traffic
2. Jetpack-powered brute-force protection and downtime monitoring
3. SiteLock malware scanning and DDoS defense
4. CodeGuard automated daily backups with one-click restores
5. A built-in web application firewall (WAF) to filter harmful traffic before it reaches your wp-admin
These layers work together to keep your WordPress site secure out of the box.
