WordPress Security Scan: How to Protect Your Website from Hidden Threats

Key highlights

• Understand how to detect hidden threats like malware and malicious code with automated WordPress security scans.
• Learn how to fix vulnerabilities early by identifying the weak points before hackers exploit them.
• Explore ways to strengthen website access by enforcing strong passwords, limiting login attempts and enabling two-factor authentication.
• Know how timely scans ensure your site stays fast, secure and compliant with data protection standards.

Introduction

What would you do if your WordPress site was compromised overnight, and you didn’t even know it? Hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit any WordPress vulnerability — from outdated plugins and misconfigured settings to even the smallest overlooked flaw.  

Despite these risks, many WordPress site owners still underestimate the importance of regular WordPress security scans. Without proactive checks, vulnerabilities can go unnoticed until it’s too late. 

In this article, we’ll explain website security scanning, why it matters and which tools or add-ons can help you stay protected. 

What is a WordPress security scan?

A WordPress security scan is your website’s first line of defense. It inspects your WordPress site for hidden security risks. These risks typically include malware, discovered vulnerabilities and any potentially malicious code.

Fortunately, running a WordPress security scan is simple. With the help of a reliable WordPress vulnerability scanner or trusted security plugins, you can monitor your site’s core files and key pages around the clock. These tools are capable of detecting even the threats that aren’t immediately visible — the kind hackers love to exploit. They also help block threats before they can cause major website errors or long-term damage.

New types of security issues are constantly emerging. To stay fully protected, it’s smart to pair vulnerability scanners with a reliable backup solution like SiteLock and CodeGuard.

CodeGuard not only performs automatic daily backups but also monitors your site in real time. This makes it easy to recover quickly if something goes wrong.

Also read: WordPress Security: How To Keep Your Website Safe

Now that we understand what WordPress security scan is, let us see why it is really important. 

Why WordPress security scans are important?

Running regular WordPress security scans is one of the most effective ways to protect your website from security threats. Security scans detect threats like malware, outdated plugins and exploitable vulnerabilities before hackers can act.

• Protect against ongoing security threats
  WordPress security scans identify and block potential security threats. These threats typically include known malware, SEO spam, malicious code and other hidden risks. These are common causes behind a hacked site and can severely damage both performance and reputation.
• Prevent a hacked site before it happens
  Vulnerability scanners allow site owners to spot risks early on, such as out-of-date plugins, weak access points and configuration flaws. Fixing vulnerabilities early is key to maintaining a secure, stable website.
• Get actionable security reports
  Each scan generates a detailed security report that highlights discovered vulnerabilities, infected files, outdated WordPress versions and other issues. These reports help site owners understand what needs to be fixed and where their defenses are weakest.
• Stay compliant with data regulations
  If your WordPress website handles sensitive information, regular scans ensure compliance with privacy laws like GDPR. Addressing security issues on time reduces the risk of legal action and helps protect user data.
• Improve site performance and stability
  Security scans often flag performance-related problems such as website errors, slow loading times and conflicts caused by outdated or poorly configured installed plugins. Fixing these issues contributes to a smoother user experience.
• Enable real-time threat monitoring
  Many WordPress vulnerability scanners come with real-time alerts and automated monitoring. These features notify site owners instantly if any new threat, malware or unusual activity is detected, enabling faster response times.
• Promote safe admin practices
  Most scanning tools encourage strong passwords, regular plugin updates and secure login procedures. Keeping out-of-date plugins and weak credentials in check is vital for protecting your site from attackers.
• Stay ahead of evolving security issues
  Cyber threats are constantly changing. Consistent scanning, coupled with timely updates to your WordPress version and installed plugins, ensures that site owners stay one step ahead of hackers and protect their online presence.

Now that we have explored the importance of WordPress security scans, let us look at the key benefits.

What are the key benefits of WordPress security scan? 

With WordPress powering millions of websites, it’s no surprise that it’s a top target for cyberattacks. Regular site scans are essential for spotting hidden threats like malicious code, outdated software and common website security issues before they can be exploited. Using the right scanner ensures that vulnerabilities pop up in your scan results quickly, so you can take action before any real damage is done.

A good malware scanner doesn’t just identify malware — it also checks for weak settings, outdated plugins and security misconfigurations that could put your site at risk. Whether you’re running a personal blog or a business site, consistent scanning is key to maintaining a safe and secure WordPress environment.

Here’s how WordPress security scans help protect your site:

1. Find weak spots

A WordPress vulnerability scanner checks your WordPress core, themes and installed plugins for known vulnerabilities. Many security issues stem from vulnerable themes, outdated plugins or misconfigured settings. Since a large number of vulnerabilities pop from themes alone, early site scans can help site owners block threats and avoid a hacked site.

2. Spot hidden malware

A reliable malware scanner performs deep malware scanning across your WordPress website. It detects malicious code, SEO spam or suspicious code hiding in vulnerable plugins or out of date software. These tools help with fast malware removal, keeping your site safe for users and off the blacklist status of search engines.

3. Check settings

Using a WordPress security scanner, you can review your WordPress version, configuration issues and WordPress backend settings. Additionally, you must look for weak or limited access credentials like weak passwords often lead to a site vulnerable to attacks. Strengthening your setup with strong passwords and two-factor authentication helps prevent future attacks.

4. Get clear reports

After a site scan, you’ll receive a detailed security report highlighting discovered vulnerabilities, outdated or vulnerable versions, plugin issues and more. These scan results include clear, actionable steps and even one-click fixes, making it easier to manage website security issues from your WordPress dashboard.

5. Easy and automatic protection

Using the right scanner, such as a trusted security plugin or remote scanner, gives you access to real-time monitoring, daily backups and instant access to threat alerts. Tools like CodeGuard and other free scanners offer automation and free version features. It is ideal for beginners, security professionals and advanced WordPress site users alike.

With a free account or pro version, you can scan WordPress regularly, access the latest vulnerability database and monitor your WordPress repository for release date changes or vulnerable plugins. Keeping your site updated and secure is easier than ever with modern vulnerability scanners and automated protection — ensuring your WordPress security is always one step ahead.

Having seen the benefits, we will now understand when to run security scans.

When to run a WordPress security scan? 

Regularly using a WordPress security scanner ensures that your WordPress core, backend, plugins and themes are free from malicious code and hidden dangers. Here are the best times to scan WordPress and why it matters:

1. Part of your regular routine

A scheduled WordPress security scan should be an integral part of your WordPress website’s maintenance standard. Frequent updates to installed plugins, themes and the WordPress version can create unnoticed security issues. Scanning after updates helps you catch theme vulnerabilities, vulnerable plugins and configuration issues before they become a problem. With tools like SiteLock and CodeGuard, daily backups run quietly in the background, offering instant access to previous versions if needed. 

2. At least once a month

Even if nothing seems wrong, run a site scan monthly. Updates from the WordPress repository may contain vulnerable versions or expose your site to new vulnerabilities. A consistent scan can detect known vulnerabilities, suspicious code and discovered vulnerabilities. Backed by a solid vulnerability database, modern vulnerability scanners help site owners keep their sites safe.

3. When something feels off

Noticed strange behavior? Sudden traffic spikes, website errors or unauthorized changes might mean your WordPress site is compromised. A quick run with a WordPress vulnerability scanner or malware scanner can reveal malware scanning results, SEO spam or even a hacked site. CodeGuard allows you to restore a clean version instantly — no downtime, no data loss.

4. After website structural changes

Making changes to your WordPress core or structure — such as modifying plugins, themes or server settings — can open website security issues. Scanning right after ensures those updates haven’t left your site vulnerable. CodeGuard creates backups of your WordPress backend with every change, so you can roll back quickly if something breaks. 

Now that we have learned when to run the security scan, let’s examine how to scan WordPress websites. 

How to scan your WordPress site for malware? 

To scan your WordPress site for malware, start by installing a trusted malware scanner or security plugin. Don’t rely on a one-time scan; schedule frequent scans instead. Monitor your scan results and keep everything updated to stay ahead of WordPress vulnerabilities and future attacks.

Below are key steps every site owner should take to strengthen their WordPress security and keep their site safe from common threats.

1. Choose a reliable security tool  

Select a WordPress scanner tool (like SiteLock, JetPack) that is reputable, regularly updated and specifically designed for WordPress websites. A trusted WordPress security plugin will be equipped to handle both known vulnerabilities and new vulnerabilities, thanks to a constantly updated vulnerability database. The right scanner will effectively detect malicious code, suspicious code and other website security issues, helping you prevent a hacked site.  

2. Conduct regular scans  

Make WordPress security scans part of your routine maintenance. Cybersecurity experts recommend running a full site scan of your WordPress site at least once a week. This helps detect security threats, SEO spam and vulnerabilities in your installed plugins, vulnerable themes and WordPress core. If your WordPress backend handles sensitive data or gets high traffic, increase the frequency using reliable vulnerability scanners or a remote scanner for ongoing protection.

3. Scan after updates

Always perform a WordPress vulnerability scanner check after updating the WordPress version, plugins and themes or the WordPress core. Even free plugins or those from the WordPress repository may contain vulnerable versions or out-of-date plugins. These updates can unintentionally introduce WordPress vulnerabilities or configuration issues. A prompt malware scanner or security scanner can detect discovered vulnerabilities, malware scanning issues and provide a clear security report. Watch out for vulnerabilities pop after updates, especially in vulnerable plugins and theme vulnerabilities.  

4. Utilize advanced security features  

Many WordPress security plugins go beyond basic scans. Look for advanced tools that offer protection against brute force attacks, limited access to the WordPress dashboard, user activity monitoring and two-factor authentication.

The best premium version tools or even a reliable free version can also scan for weak passwords, check your blacklist status and offer one-click fixes. Features like malware removal, backup integration and real-time alerts can help site owners and security professionals keep their site safe from future attacks.

Now, we will focus on the essential add-ons that make your website more secure.

Which are 5 of the best WordPress security plugins?  

This section will explore some of the best WordPress security plugins. Each plugin offers unique features tailored to different needs, whether you’re looking for daily scans, real-time monitoring or automatic threat removal.

Below are four top-rated WordPress security plugins that can help keep your site safe, secure and running smoothly.

1. SiteLock Security plugin

SiteLock is a powerful website security tool that protects your site from malware, hackers and other online threats. It offers daily WordPress security scans, automatic threat removal and vulnerability detection to keep your WordPress site safe and running smoothly.

Key features:

• Detects and removes known malware automatically using a reliable WordPress scanner.
• Identifies outdated plugins, weak points and security flaws that may surface during a security scan WordPress process.
• Blocks malicious traffic and cyberattacks before they reach your site.
• Speeds up your website by distributing content globally with CDN Integration.
• Keeps daily copies of your site for quick recovery after any threat is detected through a WordPress security scan.
• Alerts you if your site is flagged by search engines or spam filters.

2. Jetpack Security 

Jetpack Security is a trusted WordPress security plugin designed to keep your WordPress site safe from common online threats. With features like automated backups, malware scanning and real-time monitoring, Jetpack acts as a reliable WordPress scanner that helps you stay ahead of attacks and data loss.

Key features:

• Blocks brute force attacks to prevent unauthorized logins.
• Monitors your site for downtime and sends alerts if it goes offline.
• Performs a WordPress security scan to detect vulnerabilities and suspicious activity.
• Offers automatic backups with easy one-click restore to recover lost data.
• Filters spam and performs regular malware scans to catch known malware.
• Works as a solid option for routine security scan WordPress checks to keep your site clean and secure.

3. Shield Security 

Shield Security is a powerful WordPress security plugin designed to protect your WordPress site from unauthorized access and hidden threats. By focusing on login protection and real-time monitoring, Shield acts as a reliable WordPress scanner that keeps your site secure and under control—without slowing it down.

Key features:

• Guards your login area against brute force attacks to stop unauthorized access.
• Runs a WordPress security scan to detect file changes and unusual activity.
• Includes a built-in firewall and regular malware scans to catch known malware.
• Sends alerts when any file on your live site is modified.
• Maintains detailed logs of all user actions for better visibility and control.
• Ideal for running a routine security scan WordPress to monitor and secure your site.

4. WPScan 

WPScan is a powerful WordPress scanner designed to uncover vulnerabilities in your WordPress site before hackers can exploit them. Whether you’re a beginner or a developer, WPScan helps strengthen your WordPress security using a trusted and constantly updated database.

Key features:

• Performs a detailed WordPress security scan of your core files, themes and plugins.
• Detects known vulnerabilities and flags risky configurations.
• Identifies weak passwords and simulates how easily they could be cracked.
• Uses a reliable, regularly updated database to detect threats and known malware.
• Available as a user-friendly plugin or an advanced command-line tool.
• Great for both manual and automated security scan WordPress routines.

5. CodeGuard

​CodeGuard is a cloud-based website backup and monitoring service designed to protect your website from data loss, malware and other threats. It offers automatic daily backups, continuous monitoring and easy restoration options to ensure your website remains secure and recoverable. ​

Key features

• Automatic Daily Backups: Performs daily backups of your website files and databases, storing them securely in the cloud. ​
• Change Monitoring: Monitors your site daily for any changes, additions or deletions and notifies you of any modifications.
• One-Click Restore: Allows you to restore your website or specific files to a previous version with a single click.
• WordPress Plugin Updates: Automatically updates your WordPress plugins to ensure they are secure and up to date.
• Mobile Access: Allows you to manage your website backups conveniently from your mobile device.

Now that we have reviewed 5 of the best plugins, let’s examine 2 essential add-ons for more reliable website performance. 

What are the essential add-ons for a safer website? 

Your website is a critical asset and keeping it secure and reliable is essential. With tools like SiteLock and CodeGuard, you can protect your site against cyber threats and ensure it stays up and running smoothly. 

Why choose SiteLock? 

Buehost web hosting is powered with SiteLock in certain plans. We offer daily malware scanning and basic protection. Premium SiteLock plans are also available for deeper protection and auto-removal features. Here are its features: 

• Comprehensive protection: SiteLock provides an all-in-one solution to safeguard your website from hackers, malware and other cyber threats. 
• Daily scans: Automated scans are conducted daily to detect vulnerabilities and threats before they cause harm and provide advanced reporting. 
• Automated malware removal: If malware is detected, SiteLock automatically removes it, keeping your site clean and secure. 
• Vulnerability patching: Proactively patches weaknesses in your website’s code, reducing the risk of attacks. 
• Web Application Firewall (WAF): Protects against common threats like SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS). 
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): Improves your site’s speed and performance by delivering content from multiple global locations. 

Also read: Protecting Your Website From CyberThreats With SiteLock Security

Why choose CodeGuard?

• Automated backups: CodeGuard automatically backs up your website, so you always have a recent version to restore if needed. 
• One-Click restore: Easily revert your site to a previous version with just one click; no technical expertise is required. 
• Change monitoring: CodeGuard monitors changes to your website and alerts you to any suspicious activity. 
• Data protection: Protects against data loss due to human error, cyber threats or system failures.

We will now take a look at 5 of the best WordPress security plugins.

Also read: CodeGuard: How to Protect Your Website 

Final thoughts

Cyber threats aren’t going away, but with the right tools and consistent security practices, protecting your WordPress site becomes simple and stress-free. From regular WordPress security scans to automated malware removal, staying one step ahead of hackers is no longer just for tech experts—it’s essential and accessible for anyone who owns or manages a website.

Tools like SiteLock offer everything you need—daily scans, vulnerability detection, real-time alerts and automated protection—all working quietly in the background to keep your site safe, fast and fully functional.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that takes the guesswork out of WordPress security, look no further than Bluehost. Our hosting plans come with SiteLock integration, giving you instant access to trusted security features without extra setup.

Protect your website, data and peace of mind—start with Bluehost SiteLock-powered hosting today.

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