WordPress is one of the most secure Content Management Systems in the world. Because of this, many users assume that site security and updates aren’t their responsibility. They believe WordPress will handle everything automatically.
However, even WordPress can’t protect your site without your active participation. If your site gets hacked, it’s not WordPress’s fault—it’s the lack of proper security and updates.
Here’s a surprising fact: in 2016, 61% of hacked WordPress sites were running outdated installations. This clearly shows that keeping your site updated is crucial for security—a detail many beginners overlook.
You might also think, “Why would anyone target my small, low-traffic site?”
- Hackers don’t discriminate. They often don’t need your data or files; they just want a server to send spam emails.
- Smaller sites are easier targets. Simple setups are faster to breach than complex ones.
If you haven’t paid attention to updates and security so far, now is the time to start. Keeping your WordPress site updated and protected is the simplest way to stay safe online.
WordPress Site Secure And Updated
1. Security Updates You Need To Check
One of the easiest ways to protect your WordPress site is by keeping everything up-to-date. WordPress regularly releases updates for:
- Core WordPress software
- Themes
- Plugins
Here’s what I noticed when I tested updates: sites that are regularly updated are far less likely to face compatibility issues or security breaches.
Tips for updates:
- Minor updates are installed automatically, but major updates need to be done manually.
- Don’t delay updates for themes or plugins—they often contain important security patches.
- Backup your website before making major updates. I always create a backup first—it saved me once when an update caused a temporary glitch.
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2. Keep A Strong Password And Keep Track Of User Permissions
If you manage your WordPress site individually, implementing two-factor authentication on your WordPress site is the best security measure. I cannot stress this enough: weak passwords are the easiest way for hackers to gain access. Here’s what worked for me:
Strong Password Tips
- Use at least 12 characters combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid obvious words like “password” or “admin.”
- Consider a password manager—it saves time and keeps your passwords unique.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding 2FA is like locking your door with two keys instead of one. Even if someone guesses your password, they still can’t get in. I use 2FA on all my sites now, and it’s been a game-changer.
Manage User Roles Wisely
If your WordPress site has multiple users, pay attention to their permissions:
- Only give admin access if absolutely necessary.
- Understand the different roles: Contributor, Author, Editor, and Admin.
- Remove accounts that are no longer active.
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3. Ensure That You Obtain The Best Managed WordPress Hosting
One of the most important steps for site security is picking the right hosting. Your hosting provider plays a huge role in protecting your site from hackers. Here’s what I discovered:
Shared Hosting vs Managed WordPress Hosting
- Shared Hosting: Your site shares server resources with many other sites. This can be risky because if one site gets hacked, others on the same server could also be affected.
- Managed WordPress Hosting: This is the safer option. Managed hosting providers handle all the technical aspects for you, including:
- Security monitoring
- Automatic updates
- Speed optimization
- Regular backups
- High uptime and scalability
Some of the managed hosting providers I’ve tested and found reliable include WPEngine, BlueHost, and SiteGround. Choosing managed hosting reduces stress and keeps your WordPress site more secure.
4. Backup Your Site With Incredible WordPress Backup Solutions
According to stats, 95% of breached records in 2016 were from government, retail, and technology. These are the industries with the most powerful websites in the market. Yet, they are the ones who were majorly attacked. This implies that nothing in the world can be deemed 100% safe and secure.
Cyberwarfare statistics: A decade of geopolitical attacks
We have already mentioned earlier that nothing is completely safe on the internet ( IT Consultant ). However, we also believe that prevention is always better than cure. Hence, we would recommend you follow the steps mentioned above and make your site more secure than ever.
Even the most secure websites can be hacked. According to statistics, even government, retail, and tech websites—some of the most powerful online platforms—have been breached. That’s why frequent backups are essential.
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My Backup Strategy
- Backup your WordPress site at least once a day.
- Store backups in a remote location, not just on your hosting account. Good options include Amazon S3, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
- Use trusted backup plugins. I’ve personally tested these:
- UpdraftPlus – Easy to schedule automatic backups.
- BackupBuddy – Good for full-site backups.
- VaultPress – Reliable for real-time backups and restores.
Having backups gives you peace of mind. If your site is ever compromised, you can restore it quickly without losing content or revenue.
Final Thought
Securing your WordPress site isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing responsibility. Throughout this blog, I’ve shared why regular updates are vital to protect your site from vulnerabilities, and offered practical tips I’ve personally tested to strengthen your site’s defense.
Thanks to these updates and security strategies, you can minimize the risk of hacking, improve your site’s performance, and maintain a safe environment for your users. Don’t let complacency set in—make updates and strong security habits part of your routine.
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