WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. That popularity makes it one of the most targeted platforms by hackers, bots, and cybercriminals. Whether you run a small business blog or a full-scale e-commerce store, a compromised website can mean lost revenue, damaged reputation, and hours of cleanup.
The good news? Most WordPress security issues are 100% preventable with the right habits in place.
At Pat’s Marketing, we work alongside some of the best website designers in Toronto to build websites that are not only beautiful and high-performing, but also locked down tight from day one. Here are 10 practical, proven tips to help you keep your WordPress site secure in 2026 and beyond.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Outdated software is the number one entry point for hackers. Every update WordPress or a plugin releases often includes security patches that close known vulnerabilities.
Here is what you should do:
- Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases
- Regularly check your dashboard for plugin and theme updates
- Delete any plugins or themes you are no longer using
- Only install plugins from reputable developers with strong update histories
Pro Tip: Set a reminder to audit your plugins every month. Even one outdated plugin can leave your entire site exposed.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager
This sounds basic, but weak passwords remain one of the most common causes of website breaches. “admin123” or your business name is not a password. It is an open invitation.
Best practices for passwords:
- Use a minimum of 16 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Never reuse passwords across multiple platforms
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store credentials securely
- Change your passwords immediately if you suspect a breach or if a service you use reports one, rather than on a fixed schedule
Every user account on your WordPress site, including editors and contributors, should follow the same rules.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if someone gets hold of your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection that stops unauthorized logins cold.
How to set it up:
- Install a plugin like Google Authenticator or WP 2FA
- Require 2FA for all administrator accounts at minimum
- Use an authenticator app rather than SMS-based codes for stronger protection
This one step alone can block the vast majority of brute-force login attempts.
4. Limit Login Attempts
By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts. This makes it easy for attackers to run automated brute-force attacks, trying thousands of password combinations until something sticks.
Fix it fast:
- Install a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or WP Cerber Security
- Set a maximum of 3 to 5 failed attempts before a lockout
- Configure lockout durations that increase with repeat failures
- Whitelist your own IP address so you are never accidentally locked out
5. Change the Default Admin Username
When WordPress is installed, it often defaults to “admin” as the username. Hackers know this and specifically target it. If you are still using “admin” as your username, change it today.
Steps to take:
- Create a new administrator account with a unique username
- Log in with the new account
- Delete the old “admin” account and reassign its content to the new user
- Avoid using your name, business name, or any publicly visible information as a username
6. Install a WordPress Security Plugin
A dedicated security plugin acts like a security guard for your website, monitoring for threats, blocking suspicious activity, and alerting you to potential issues before they become real problems.
Top security plugins to consider:
- Wordfence Security – offers a firewall, malware scanner, and real-time threat intelligence
- Sucuri Security – excellent for malware removal and website hardening
- iThemes Security – user-friendly with over 30 ways to secure your site
- All-In-One WP Security – great free option for beginners
Most website breaches are discovered weeks or even months after the fact. A security plugin with real-time monitoring helps you catch problems the moment they happen, not after the damage is done.
7. Use HTTPS and an SSL Certificate
If your website is still running on HTTP rather than HTTPS, search engines are penalizing you, browsers are warning your visitors, and your data is being transmitted without encryption.
Why HTTPS matters:
- Encrypts data transferred between your site and your visitors
- Builds trust with users (the padlock icon in the browser)
- Is a lightweight but confirmed Google ranking signal that can give you an edge over HTTP competitors
- Required if you accept any form of online payment
Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. There is no reason not to have one. If your WordPress site still lacks HTTPS, talk to your web team or host today.
8. Perform Regular Backups
No security setup is foolproof. If the worst happens, a recent backup is the difference between a quick recovery and a complete nightmare.
A solid backup strategy includes:
- Daily automated backups stored off-site (not just on your server)
- Backups of both your database and your files
- Testing your backups periodically to make sure they actually restore correctly
- Keeping at least 30 days of backup history
Recommended backup plugins:
Think of backups as your insurance policy. You hope you never need it, but you will be very glad it exists if you do.
9. Harden Your WordPress Configuration
Beyond plugins and passwords, there are several technical tweaks that can significantly reduce your attack surface.
WordPress hardening checklist:
- Disable file editing from the WordPress dashboard by adding
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);to yourwp-config.phpfile - Move your
wp-config.phpfile one directory above the root folder - Disable XML-RPC if you do not use it (it is a common attack vector)
- Restrict access to your
wp-adminfolder by IP address if possible - Hide your WordPress version number from public view
- Set proper file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
These changes may require some technical knowledge. If you are not comfortable making them yourself, a professional developer or a trusted digital agency can handle them quickly.
10. Choose a Secure, Reputable Hosting Provider
Your hosting environment is the foundation of your website security. Even the most locked-down WordPress installation can be compromised if it sits on a poorly managed server.
What to look for in a secure WordPress host:
- Managed WordPress hosting with server-level firewalls
- Automatic malware scanning and removal
- DDoS protection
- PHP version control (always run a supported version)
- Isolated hosting environments so one hacked site cannot affect others
- 24/7 technical support with WordPress expertise
Cheap shared hosting might save you money upfront, but the cost of a breach, in time, money, and reputation, far outweighs the savings.
Bonus: Keep an Eye on User Roles and Permissions
Not everyone on your team needs administrator access. Giving users more access than they need is a common mistake that creates unnecessary risk.
- Assign the lowest permission level each user needs to do their job
- Regularly audit who has access to your WordPress dashboard
- Remove accounts for employees or contractors who no longer work with you
- Use plugins like Members or User Role Editor to customize permissions
Quick Security Checklist
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Is Your Website as Secure as It Should Be?
Security is not a one-time setup. It is an ongoing commitment. And when your website is the face of your business online, you cannot afford to cut corners.
At Pat’s Marketing, we have been helping businesses across Toronto and the GTA build, manage, and protect their online presence for over 18 years. As Google Partners with deep expertise in SEO, PPC, and website design, we bring the same performance-first mindset to every aspect of your digital presence, including security.
Our team works closely with experienced website designers in Toronto to deliver sites that are fast, functional, and built with security at their core. Whether you need a full security audit, a new WordPress build, or ongoing management, we are here to help.
Call us today at 1-888-488-7287 for a free consultation and let us make sure your website is working for you, not against you.
