This guide is designed for anyone who owns a WordPress website, regardless of your technical expertise. You may notice unusual activity on your site, such as multiple failed login attempts or an unexpected surge in unusual comments. These aren't just random glitches; they're often caused by automated bots trying to access or misuse your site.
The two main threats you'll face are:
1. Brute Force Attacks – where bots try to guess your login details over and over until they gain access.
2. Spam – when unwanted messages or links flood your site, often through comment sections.
But don’t worry—you have ways to protect yourself. This guide provides simple steps to enhance your site's security, ranging from easy fixes that anyone can implement to more advanced tips for those seeking stronger protection. Think of it as turning your website into a safe fortress.
Quick Tips
Use strong, unique passwords and activate Two-Factor Authentication if possible.
Limit the number of login attempts and consider changing your login page URL.
Block unwanted automated visitors with security tools, and use CAPTCHA on forms.
Protect important files like wp-config.php and .htaccess from unauthorized access.
Always keep backup copies of your website in case something goes wrong.
Understanding the Threats
While brute force attacks and spam might seem different, they’re often carried out by similar automated programs called botnets. Bots systematically try different login combinations or post spam messages to overwhelm your site.
By understanding these threats, you can better defend your website with simple tools and best practices, ensuring it stays safe and functional.
Layer 1: Foundational Security (The Very Important Stuffs)
Master Your Passwords
Your password is your first line of defense. A weak password is easy for attackers to guess.
How to make a strong one:
Use longer passphrases (a string of words you can remember) 12–16+ characters.
Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Be unique: don’t reuse the same password on different sites. If one site is breached, reused passwords can put your other accounts at risk.
Use a password manager (for example, 1Password or Bitwarden) to generate and store strong passwords. You’ll only need to remember one master password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds a second step to prove it’s you. You log in with your password plus a code from your phone.
Best practice: use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS codes, which can be intercepted.
If you run WordPress, many security plugins can help you add 2FA to your login page.
Keep Everything Updated
Updates fix security holes. Don’t skip them.
Turn on automatic updates for WordPress core, especially minor and security updates.
Regularly update themes and plugins.
Delete themes and plugins you don’t use. Even inactive ones can be exploited if they have vulnerabilities.
Layer 2: Fortifying Your Login & User Access
Limit Login Attempts
WordPress can allow unlimited login attempts, which helps bots guess passwords.
A simple fix: limit the number of failed login attempts from an IP address. After too many tries, block that IP temporarily.
This feature is common in security plugins (for example, All In One Security).
Change the Default Admin Username and Login URL
Attackers often target the default admin account and the standard login page at /wp-login.php.
Change the admin username: If you still have an account named “admin,” create a new Administrator account with a unique name, log in with that account, and delete the old “admin” account (transfer its content to the new account).
Change the login URL: Hide or change the login page URL to something unique (for example, /my-portal). Many security plugins can do this with one click.
Apply the Principle of Least Privilege
Give people only the access they need. Not everyone needs Administrator rights.
Regularly review users: go to Users > All Users, assign the right roles (Editor, Author, Contributor), and remove accounts that aren’t needed or haven’t been used in a while.
