Let’s be real—launching a WordPress site is a blast. You tweak the design, add some plugins, and suddenly your vision’s live. But then it hits you: Is this thing safe? I’ve been there, staring at my screen after a site got hacked, wishing I’d acted sooner. In 2025, with cyber threats popping up like weeds, securing your WordPress site is a must-do, not a maybe.

WordPress powers nearly half the web, which is awesome—until you realize that makes it a hacker magnet. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect it. I’ve put together this 23-Step WordPress Security Checklist based on my own trial-and-error (and a few hard lessons). It’s straightforward, practical, and built to keep your site safe without the overwhelmed.

Ready to lock it down? Let’s dive in!

Why WordPress Security Matters

Imagine logging in one day to find your site trashed—pages gone, data stolen, or worse, your visitors sent to some shady corner of the internet. It’s a gut punch. Beyond the headache, it can tank your SEO and scare off your audience. Securing your site isn’t just about code—it’s about protecting your work and the people who trust you. Let’s make it easy and get it done.

Here’s your checklist!

WordPress Security Checklist: 23 Steps to Keep Your Site Safe

1. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider (With Backups & Firewalls)

Your host sets the stage. Pick one with:

• Built-in backups, firewalls, and malware protection.
• Reliable options like SiteGround or WP Engine.

Quick Win: A good host handles half the battle for you.

2. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

Encrypt everything with HTTPS:

• Snag a free SSL from Let’s Encrypt through your host.
• It’s a trust signal for visitors and Google.

3. Keep WordPress Core, Plugins & Themes Updated

Updates patch holes hackers love:

• Check for WordPress updates weekly.
• Keep plugins and themes current—set auto-updates for small fixes.

4. Delete Unused Plugins and Themes

Less clutter, less risk:

• Remove anything you’re not using.
• Even inactive files can be exploited.

Lesson Learned: I once kept an old plugin “just in case”—it was my downfall.

5. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords

Weak logins are an open door:

• Think “Blizzard2025!” not “password123.”
• Use a password manager to stay sane.

6. Change Default “admin” Username

“Admin” is a hacker’s first guess:

• Pick something unique during setup.
• Change it later if needed—easy peasy.

7. Limit Login Attempts

Stop bots in their tracks:

• Use Loginizer or Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.
• Cap failed tries at 5 or so.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Double up on login security:

• Plugins like WP 2FA or Wordfence add a phone code.
• It’s a lifesaver—trust me.

Real Talk: 2FA stopped a hacker who’d cracked my password once.

9. Install a Security Plugin

Think of this as your site’s bodyguard:

• Wordfence: Firewall and scans.
• Sucuri: Hardening and monitoring.
• iThemes Security: All-around protection.

10. Schedule Regular Malware Scans

Catch issues before they blow up:

• Set your security plugin to scan weekly.
• Stay proactive—it’s worth it.

11. Backup Your Website Regularly

Backups are your safety net:

• Use UpdraftPlus or BlogVault for automation.
• Daily or weekly, depending on your updates.

12. Store Backups Offsite

Keep them safe from server crashes:

• Save to Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Test restores to avoid surprises.

13. Disable File Editing in Dashboard

Block hackers from tweaking code:

• Add to wp-config.php:

  define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

14. Disable XML-RPC if Not Needed

It’s a brute force hotspot:

• Block it in .htaccess:

  <Files xmlrpc.php>
  order deny,allow
  deny from all
  </Files>

• Keep it if you use Jetpack.

15. Protect wp-config.php and .htaccess Files

These files are hacker gold:

• Add to .htaccess:

  <files wp-config.php>
  order allow,deny
  deny from all
  </files>

• Do the same for .htaccess.

16. Set Correct File Permissions

Keep access tight:

• Folders: 755
• Files: 644
• Use SFTP for uploads.

17. Use Cloudflare or Other CDN

Boost speed and security:

• Cloudflare filters out bad traffic.
• Setup’s a breeze through your host.

18. Monitor User Activity

Stay in the know:

• WP Activity Log tracks every move.
• Spot trouble before it grows.

19. Hide the WordPress Version from the Source Code

Don’t tip off hackers:

• Add to functions.php:
  ( You can also hide the WordPress version if you use the Wordfence plugin. There is an option to do that easily. )

  remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

20. Change Login URL

Ditch the obvious /wp-admin:

• Use WPS Hide Login for a custom URL (e.g., /my-secret).
• Share it only with your team.

Extra Steps for That Added Peace of Mind

21. Change the Database Prefix

Outsmart SQL attacks:

• Swap wp_ for something like xyz_ during setup.
• Use a plugin if you’re updating later.

22. Block PHP in Uploads

Stop sneaky scripts:

• Add to /wp-content/uploads/.htaccess:

  <Files *.php>
  deny from all
  </Files>

23. Educate Your Team

People are your first line of defense:

• Share simple tips: strong passwords, no sketchy downloads.
• A little awareness goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Security Made Simple

Securing your WordPress site doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. Start with the basics—hosting, SSL, updates, backups—and build from there. I’ve seen what happens when you skip these steps (spoiler: it’s not pretty), but I’ve also seen how a little effort pays off big time.

Which step are you tackling first? Do you have a question or a hack to share? Leave a comment—I’d love to chat! Here’s to a safe, strong WordPress site in 2025 and beyond.

Happy (and secure) building!