WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet, making it a prime target for hackers. Implementing security best practices is crucial to protect your website from potential threats. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 steps for WordPress hack prevention, ensuring your site remains safe and secure.

1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress versions, plugins, or themes. Regular updates ensure you benefit from the latest security patches.

How to Update:
Navigate to Dashboard > Updates.
Update WordPress core, active themes, and plugins regularly.
WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:
Enable automatic updates for minor releases and plugins whenever possible.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Regularly

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your WordPress admin. Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols.

Tools for Strong Passwords:
Use password managers like LastPass or Dashlane to generate and store secure passwords.
WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:
Require strong passwords for all users by installing a plugin like Password Policy Manager.

3. Install a WordPress Security Plugin

A dedicated security plugin monitors your website for malicious activity, blocks attacks, and alerts you to potential vulnerabilities.
Recommended Security Plugins:
Wordfence
Sucuri Security
iThemes Security
WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:
Configure firewall rules and enable login protection to block brute force attacks.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step during login.

How to Enable:

Use plugins like Google Authenticator or WP 2FA.

WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:

Encourage all users with access to your site to enable 2FA for added protection.

5. Limit Login Attempts

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, leaving it vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Limiting login attempts can block attackers after a few failed tries.

How to Set Up:
Use a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or configure your server’s firewall.
WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:
Combine this step with IP blocking to restrict suspicious access.

6. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall acts as a barrier between your website and potential threats, blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your site.

Popular WAF Services:
Cloudflare
Sucuri Firewall
WordPress Hack Prevention Tip:
Opt for a managed WordPress hosting service with built-in firewall capabilities.

7. Secure Your wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file contains sensitive information like database credentials. Protecting it is crucial to avoid unauthorized access.

Steps to Secure wp-config.php:
Move the file to a higher directory outside the public root.
Add the following rule to your .htaccess file:
apache