WordPress security plugins

If you don’t take some security precautions on your website, you should consider adding some. You can never be too careful when it comes to your online presence. Let’s look specifically at WordPress and its security plugins, which include both free and paid options. 

No website is entirely secure. Your server could crash, a hacker could take over your website, a malicious ex-employee could attempt to lock you out, or a routine plugin update could break your website. While there’s nothing you can do to protect against those possibilities completely, there are some plugins that will help.

Security backups

All good security starts with regular backups. We currently use ManageWP to manage our clients’ websites, and that includes backups. However, that isn’t your only option.

Other options include:

• UpdraftPlus WordPress Backup Plugin – Simplifies backups and restoration with a single click, is the world’s highest ranking backup plugin, and is reputable with both free and premium options.
• BackupBuddy – Backs up your entire WordPress website within your WordPress dashboard with simple steps but is paid only. It’s considered the granddaddy of all WordPress plugins and just turned 11 years old!

Secure WordPress login

Two Factor Authentication is a plugin that secures your login by requiring a one-time code when you or someone else attempts to log in. By default, your accounts are already protected by your password. But, if someone manages to get your login information through phishing or some other method, a password won’t help!

Two Factor Authentication adds a second requirement. It will typically send a code to a device that you own, so if the hacker doesn’t have your device, they can’t get into your account.

General security plugins

There are other general security plugins that you can use for free, though some offer premium versions. A few of these options include:

• Sucuri Security – Free to all WordPress users and is a security suite with multiple features, including security activity auditing, remote malware scanning, post-hack security actions, and more.
• iThemes Security – Gives more than 30 advanced features to secure and protect your site, including password security, two-factor authentication, user action logging, and more.
• Wordfence Security – Has a firewall and malware scanner, and it has many other features, including two-factor authentication.

Of course, a professional will take security measures in addition to these plugins, or in some instances instead of them. We provide basic backups and security for all of our website clients, and we also have hosting options where they can invest more for additional protection.

If you’re managing your own website, having good security plugins and a backup plugin will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. It’s better to be prepared and protected before anything happens, rather than assuming it won’t happen to you.