This article explains how to secure a business WordPress site using a small number of disciplined measures rather than installing every security plugin that appears in a search result.
1. Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated
Outdated components are a major cause of compromise. A realistic approach:
- Enable automatic minor updates for WordPress core.
- Schedule a monthly update window for themes and plugins.
- Remove unused themes and plugins instead of leaving them dormant.
2. Reduce plugin count
Every plugin increases the potential attack surface. Many sites have multiple plugins that duplicate functionality.
- Identify plugins that are no longer needed and remove them.
- Avoid plugins that have not been updated for a long time or have poor support.
- Prefer well maintained plugins from reputable providers.
3. Strengthen authentication for administrators
Administrator accounts on WordPress are high value targets:
- Use unique admin usernames, not “admin” or “test”.
- Enable MFA for admin logins using a suitable plugin or your identity provider.
- Restrict the number of administrator accounts to the minimum required.
4. Restrict access to the login and admin area
You can reduce risk by limiting who can reach the login page in the first place:
- Use a web application firewall or security service to block obvious attack traffic.
- Consider IP based allow lists for admin access where practical.
- Disable user registration from the public internet unless you genuinely need it.
5. Protect the underlying hosting environment
Security is not only about WordPress itself. You also need to:
- Keep the operating system and web server updated.
- Use HTTPS with a valid certificate and strong configuration.
- Ensure regular backups of both the database and WordPress files.
6. Monitor for signs of compromise
No defence is perfect. Basic monitoring helps you spot problems earlier:
- Watch for unexpected admin users.
- Check for unfamiliar plugins or files.
- Monitor error logs and access logs for unusual patterns where possible.
From plugin collections to a deliberate security posture
A business WordPress site does not need a large stack of overlapping security plugins. It needs a maintained platform, controlled access, and reliable backups. As part of a Baseline Security Sprint, I address WordPress security in a structured way that fits your hosting and existing content.
Next step: if your WordPress site is important to your business and you are not sure how well it is secured, a structured review and hardening exercise can significantly reduce your exposure.