Security is a concern for all serious website owners. If you have operated WordPress sites for a number of years, there is a good chance you have encountered a security issue at some point. Hackers target vulnerable themes and plugins, basic passwords, and server issues, often with great success. A hacked site can lose income, damage visitor trust, and destroy valuable content, so it is important to bolster security at every level. The following plugins can be used to upgrade the security level of a typical WordPress install.
Wordfence is a free plugin with the option of a premium upgrade that guards against a variety of security issues. Wordfence can provide login security to prevent brute force attacks, block IP addresses in real time, and updates your firewall as new threats are recognized. This plugin has a number of other security options, with the flexibility to amend settings to your needs. It is probably the most popular security plugin, with the number of features and updates making it a go-to for countless site owners.
Sucuri Security is another broad plugin, offering a suite of tools. Sucuri will scan for any unusual logins or site changes, reporting immediately if anything suspicious arises. One popular feature is the CloudProxy which protects against DDOS and brute force attacks. The complexity of this plugin makes it perfect for advanced users looking to remove all likelihood of a successful attack.
All In One WP Security & Firewall
All In One WP Security is designed to simplify the process of securing your site. The plugin provides a score that lets you know the status of your site, helping you to quickly make any adjustments. Along with securing login attempts and the database, you can also backup your files. The user-friendly design makes a complex issue more accessible to less tech-savvy site owners.
iThemes Security has been designed with simplicity in mind. Many people are unfamiliar with databases and coding, so iThemes have tried to make complex ideas as simple as possible. The plugin alters common vulnerabilities, searches for any suspicious changes to your site, and limits login attempts. You can quickly see a priority list of actions, allowing you to focus on the most serious areas first.
Clef Two-Factor Authentication
Along with outdated themes and plugins, brute force attacks are the biggest causes of WordPress security issues. Clef Two-Factor Authentication addresses these attacks by changing the entire login process. Rather than the usual password system, Clef allows you to keep an encrypted key on your mobile device. The two-factor login involves using the encryption on your phone, while also adding a fingerprint or pin code in case you lose the device.
It is virtually impossible to be secure in every possible scenario, but using one or more of these plugins can often be enough. Rather than singling out your site, most hackers are sweeping for vulnerabilities to exploit. By ensuring you are protecting yourself, along with always backing up your files, you can ensure your site remains secure.
