5 WordPress Security Plugins to Protect Your Website from Hackers

/ Web Development / By

Top WordPress Security Plugins

 

Let’s see

Being a business owner, despite the fact that your attention might be pulled in various directions, website security is something you need to pay close attention to. Especially when you collect customers’ sensitive information like the name, mailing address, date of birth or payment details, safeguarding those data against data breaches should be your top priority.

After all, due to the development of more sophisticated cyber forms, nowadays, every website is vulnerable to getting attacked anytime at any location. On top of that, the impacts of breached website security can not only lead to financial loss but also reputational damage.

Although there is an initial cost associated with investing in a dependable security plugin, the long-term advantages in terms of reducing overall WordPress website costs outweigh this initial investment.

So, adding WordPress security plugins can be a good starting point that ensures the protection of data privacy, minimises threats, and upholds the integrity of your brand’s reputation.

 

5 Best WordPress security plugins

WordPress security plugins can help with a range of functions. When choosing security plugins, you must consider the security features you are lacking. Suppose backups are something your hosting provider doesn’t handle, so keep backup functionality as your priority. Or you can simply go for plugins that offer an all-in-one solution.

Here, we have compiled 5 WordPress security plugins that can help you protect your website.

 

1. Sucuri

When it comes to the best WordPress security plugins, Sucuri comes first. From malware scanning to post-hack hardening features to core integrity file checking, the plugin is bundled with tons of features. Both the premium version and free version of the plugin provide users with the features they need to remove threats. If you think that you have to harden the security of your site all around, Sucuri will definitely be an excellent choice.

Some of its features include,

  • Secure configuration variation.
  • Malware scanning to detect threats.
  • Security activity auditing.
  • Blacklist monitoring.
  • File integrity monitoring.
  • Application program interface (API) key connection.
  • Web application firewall.

Price: The Sucuri WordPress plugin is available for free installation, and the premium plans start at $199.99 per year for the Basic Platform. The Pro Platform costs $299.99/year, and Business Platform costs $499.99/year. There are Multi-site and Custom Plans available at custom pricing as well.

 

2. Wordfence

Wordfence is another reliable plugin that provides a good level of security for websites. This plugin automatically scans and works well in preventing common attacks like brute-force logins, SQL injections or blocking malicious file uploads. Also, you can launch a full scan anytime. Wordfence prioritises comprehensive WordPress security, delivering a Threat Défense Feed that encompasses current firewall rules, lists of malicious IP addresses, and malware signatures to keep the website safeguarded.

Some of its features include,

  • Two-factor authentications.
  • Integrated malware scanner.
  • Login security.
  • Country blocking and redirects.
  • Threat assessment features.
  • Centralised management.

Price: You can download the Wordfence Security Plugin for free. For the premium version, three plans are available: Wordfence Premium at $119/year, Wordfence Care at $490/year, and Wordfence Response at $950/year.

 

3. WP Activity Log

If you want to keep track of every change and activity occurring on your site, go for the WP Activity Log. It is one of the most comprehensive real-time user activity and monitoring log plugins. Not only does it let you know about a post, a user profile or an object that has been updated, but it also informs you about the exact change that has been made within the post, the user profile or the object. So, this plugin can be really helpful if you have a multisite network or manage multiple users and want to gain more insight into your site activity.

Some of its features include,

  • Real-time user activity log.
  • Instant SMS alerts of critical site changes.
  • Email notification of important changes.
  • Built-in filters.
  • Store activity log.
  • HTML and CSV reports.
  • Multisite support.

Price: The WP Activity Log security plugin offers a free base version. Unlock premium features with these plans: Starter at $99/year, Professional at $139/year, Business at $149/year, and Enterprise at $199/year.

 

4. UpdraftPlus

The UpdraftPlus plugin is a high-ranking backup and migration plugin that is used to backup, restore and migrate the WordPress websites. In addition to the backup and restore features, UpdraftPlus includes several security features, including encryption, malware scanner and WordPress multisite support. So, with UpdraftPlus, you can effortlessly restore your website in just a few clicks, whether it’s a hack, an update mishap, or a human error.

Some of its features include,

  • Automatic backups before any update.
  • Incremental backup.
  • Provide a remote storage option.
  • Multi-network compatibility.
  • Database encryption.
  • Detailed reports, including cryptographic checksums.
  • Automatically resumes and retries failed uploads.

Price: There is a free version available of UpdraftPlus. You can upgrade for premium features: Personal at $70/year, Business at $95/year, Agency at $145/year, Enterprise at $195/year and Gold at $399/year.

 

5. Solid Security

Solid Security is another of the best WordPress security plugins that help to secure a website in multiple ways. The setup is crafted to empower anyone to fortify their WordPress website in less than 10 minutes without requiring a background in cybersecurity. So, if you are a beginner and looking for a user-friendly plugin with standard security features, you can get the Solid Security plugin.

Some of its features include,

  • Offer six different security templates such as e-commerce, blog, portfolio, non-profit, etc.
  • Real-time security tracking dashboard.
  • Two-factor authentication.
  • Scheduled backup.
  • Google reCAPTCHA.
  • Email alert.
  • Site scanner.

Price: A free version is available. For the paid version, the Basic plan is priced at $99 per year, the Plus plan comes in at $199 annually, and the Agency plan is available for $299 per year.
So, when it might seem complex to pick the right security plugin from the vast range of plugins, the above-mentioned plugins are some of the best ones we recommend to check out.

However, carefully evaluating the features of each plugin is crucial in selecting the one that aligns most effectively with the needed security requirements of your website.

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

1. Which plugin is best for WordPress security?

Wordfence is widely regarded as one of the best security plugins for WordPress, offering features such as firewall protection, malware scanning, and login attempt monitoring.

2. How do I secure my WordPress site using plugins?

To enhance WordPress site security with plugins, install reputable security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri, and regularly update both the plugins and WordPress core for the latest security features. Additionally, employ strong passwords and limit login attempts to fortify your site against potential threats.

3. Are WordPress plugins secure?

The security of WordPress plugins varies; while many are secure and well-maintained, it’s crucial to choose reputable ones from trusted sources. Regularly update plugins, use well-established ones like Wordfence, and follow best security practices to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

4. What is security in the WordPress website?

Security in a WordPress website involves implementing measures to protect it from unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious activities, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the site’s information. This includes using strong passwords, regularly updating plugins and themes, and employing security plugins.

5. What is a security plugin?

A security plugin is a software component that enhances the security of a system or website by providing additional protective features, such as firewall protection, malware scanning, and authentication controls. It is typically integrated into a platform to safeguard against various online threats and vulnerabilities.