If you’re new to WordPress, you might think that setting up your website is the hard part. But once it’s live, there’s something even more important to focus on—security. WordPress is a powerful platform, but because it’s so popular, it’s also a common target for hackers and bots.

The good news is, you don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your website safe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps you can take to protect your WordPress site—even if you’re just starting out.

Why Is WordPress Security Important?

Imagine spending hours building your website—adding content, designing pages, and maybe even selling products—only to have it hacked or taken offline. That could mean lost data, lost income, or even damage to your brand’s reputation.

Here’s why securing your WordPress site matters:

• Protects your content and customer data
  
  
• Prevents your site from being defaced or deleted
  
  
• Keeps your site from being blacklisted by Google
  
  
• Builds trust with your visitors
  
  

Now, let’s look at how you can start securing your site today

1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated

One of the easiest ways to keep your site secure is to keep everything up to date.

The WordPress team and plugin developers often release updates that fix security issues. If you ignore those updates, your site becomes more vulnerable over time.

What to update:

• WordPress core
  
  
• Themes (even inactive ones)
  
  
• Plugins
  
  

How to update:

Go to your WordPress dashboard > Updates. Click the “Update Now” button for anything that’s out of date.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Change the Default Username

Weak passwords are one of the most common ways hackers break into WordPress sites. Avoid using simple passwords like “admin123” or “password.”

Use strong passwords for:

• Your WordPress admin account
  
  
• Your hosting account
  
  
• Your email account
  
  
• Your FTP or database (if you access those)
  
  

Also, never use “admin” as your username. That’s usually the first one hackers try. If you’re using it now, create a new admin user with a different name and delete the old one.

3. Install a WordPress Security Plugin

You don’t need to know how to code to secure your site. A good security plugin can handle most of the heavy lifting for you.

Popular security plugins:

• Wordfence – Great for beginners, with firewall and login protection.
  
  
• iThemes Security – Easy to set up, with lots of useful features.
  
  
• All In One WP Security & Firewall – Lightweight but powerful.
  
  

These plugins help you:

• Scan your site for malware
  
  
• Limit login attempts
  
  
• Add firewalls
  
  
• Get alerts if something suspicious happens

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection to your login. Instead of just a password, you also need to enter a code sent to your phone.

Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without your device.

How to set up 2FA:

• Install a plugin like WP 2FA or use 2FA settings in Wordfence or iThemes Security.
  
  
• Connect it to an app like Google Authenticator or Authy on your phone.
  
  

It only takes a few minutes but makes your site much safer.

5. Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress lets people try to log in as many times as they want. That means hackers can use “brute force” attacks to guess your password.

To stop this, limit how many login attempts are allowed.

Most security plugins let you do this, or you can use a simple plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. You can set it so users are locked out after, say, three failed attempts.

6. Use a Secure Hosting Provider

Your hosting company is your website’s foundation. A good host can protect your site at the server level, while a poor one can leave you open to attacks—even if you’ve done everything else right.

Look for hosting providers that offer:

• Free SSL certificates
  
  
• Daily backups
  
  
• Server-level firewalls
  
  
• Malware scanning
  
  

Some trusted WordPress hosts include SiteGround, Kinsta, and Bluehost.

7. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

Have you ever noticed websites that show a padlock icon in the browser bar? That means they’re using HTTPS, which is a secure connection. It protects any data that users send through your website—like passwords, messages, or payment info.

Most hosts now provide a free SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt.

To check if your site is secure:

• Go to your site and see if it starts with https://
  
  
• If not, ask your hosting provider or use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to set it up
  
  

8. Set Up Regular Backups

No matter how secure your site is, things can go wrong. That’s why it’s important to have backups of your site that you can restore if needed.

You can back up:

• Your entire website
  
  
• Just your database
  
  
• Your files (themes, uploads, etc.)
  
  

Backup plugins to try:

• UpdraftPlus – One of the most popular and beginner-friendly options.
  
  
• BackupBuddy – Great for full-site backups and migrations.
  
  
• Jetpack – Offers real-time backups if you have a paid plan.
  
  

Make sure backups are stored off-site (like in Google Drive, Dropbox, or cloud storage) so you can recover them even if your site is down.

9. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins

Every plugin or theme you install—even if it’s inactive—adds code to your site. That means more opportunities for vulnerabilities.

Once you’re sure you don’t need a theme or plugin, delete it completely from your dashboard. Keeping your site clean helps reduce risks and makes it easier to manag

10. Disable File Editing in WordPress

By default, WordPress lets you edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. This feature can be dangerous if someone gains access to your admin area.

You can turn it off by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

Or you can disable it using a security plugin like iThemes or Wordfence.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress site as a beginner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking just a few simple steps—like updating plugins, using strong passwords, and installing a security plugin—you can protect your site from most common threats.

You’ve already worked hard to create your website. Taking a little time to secure it means keeping your content safe, your visitors protected, and your peace of mind intact.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember—security is not a one-time task, it’s an ongoing habit.