WordPress is the leading Content Management System (CMS) with a usage rate of 63.4% on all websites worldwide. It is the most common CMS in the world.
However, with this widespread popularity comes the risk of hacking and malware, which can lead to the theft of important information from company websites and damage to their reputation.
To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to implement security measures to protect your website from hackers, malware, and brute force attacks.
This can be achieved through the use of WordPress security plugins, which provide a range of security features to secure your website and keep your data safe.
15+ Best Security Plugins for WordPress in 2024
The following security plugins for WordPress are specifically designed to address security threats that target WordPress websites. They offer a variety of capabilities, such as website scanning, protection, and web application firewalls (WAFs).
By utilizing these plugins, you can enhance the security of your website and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your sensitive information.
Without further ado, let’s find out the best WordPress security plugins in 2024.
1. Sucuri
Sucuri is the top choice for securing WordPress websites from potential security threats. It is a user-friendly plugin that can be easily managed by a single person to ensure the security of all of their websites.
By implementing Sucuri, you can rest assured that your website is protected against a range of security risks.
Sucuri protects your website from various security threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, malware, brute force attacks, hacking, and more, using its cloud-based security service.
What sets Sucuri apart as the best WordPress security plugin is its web application firewall (WAF), which filters out unwanted traffic before it even reaches the server. This provides a proactive defense against security threats, ensuring that your website remains protected at all times.
Read here for additional details regarding the Sucuri Security WordPress Plugin.
2. Jetpack
Jetpack is a well-known WordPress security plugin because it offers a wide range of security features, tools for improving site performance, and tools for managing the site.
It offers both free and premium (paid) versions, making it accessible for websites of all sizes and budgets. By using Jetpack, you can ensure the safety of your website and streamline your site operations for better performance and ease of management.
Find out more here.
3. Defender Security
Defender, a relatively new WordPress security plugin, has already been downloaded over a million times. It is known for its ease of installation and configuration, which can be done with just a few clicks.
Upon activation, Defender begins providing immediate protection for your website. You also have the option to upgrade to Defender Pro for an additional $49 per month, which offers scheduled automated scans, more comprehensive protection reports, and improved support.
Consider using Defender Security to safeguard your WordPress installation from vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injections, and brute-force login attempts.
4. Wordfence
Wordfence is a free, highly effective security plugin that provides complete protection against hacking attempts. With features such as a full website firewall, malware signatures, and the ability to block access from malicious IP addresses, you can ensure that your website remains secure with Wordfence.
Find out more here.
5. Security by iThemes
iThemes Security is a WordPress security plugin designed to deter hackers. It also provides a user-friendly dashboard that helps you manage and monitor website security.
With the dashboard, you can keep track of website activity, check security records, and ensure that your website remains protected against potential threats.
Find out more here.
6. All-In-One Security (AIOS)
All-In-One Security (AIOS) is a widely-used WordPress security plugin that offers strong protection against significant security threats.
Upon installation, you can test your website security for vulnerabilities, monitor for potential threats, and utilize the firewall to defend against attacks. With AIOS, you can ensure the safety of your website and protect it from the most serious security risks.
7. BulletProof Security
BulletProof Security is a famous WordPress security plugin that offers a range of features to help protect your website against cyber threats.
Although the user interface may not be the most intuitive, it has extensive capabilities and powerful security features. With BulletProof Security, you can secure your website against potential security risks and protect it from malicious attacks.
8. WPScan
WPScan is regarded as one of the top WordPress security plugins, providing a comprehensive vulnerability scan of your website using its own database.
By using WPScan, you can eliminate the need for manual searches for potential threats, ensuring your website remains secure against potential security risks. With WPScan, you can be confident in the protection of your website and sensitive information.
9. Anti-Malware Security and Brute Force Firewall
Anti-Malware Security and Brute Force Firewall is a free and highly recommended WordPress security plugin. The primary purpose of the plugin is to protect the website from any viruses and also defend against brute force attacks with its firewall.
With the website scan feature, users can automatically find and get rid of any threats on a website.
The installation process is easy, and the plugin integrates seamlessly with WordPress websites.
10. Security MalCare
Security MalCare is a premium WordPress security plugin that helps users remove the leftover data of an attack with just one click.
Some of its powerful features include remote firewall protection and malware scanning that won’t overburden your server, one-click malware elimination, and developer tools, including white labeling and client report generation.
11. Security Ninja
Security Ninja is a useful plugin that can help you determine how secure your website is with a range of tools to help harden your site’s security. It has over 10,000 active installations and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating.
With over 50 security tests available, you can check if your WordPress core, plugins, and themes are up-to-date, test file accessibility, and evaluate password strength by simulating a brute force attack. Additionally, you can find out if general, database, or JavaScript debug mode is enabled.
The free version of Security Ninja only highlights vulnerabilities and does not provide a solution to the problems found. However, the information provided can help you take action using another plugin or the paid version of Security Ninja.
12. The Google Authenticator (from miniOrange)
The majority of free WordPress security plugins do not offer two-factor authentication by default. MiniOrange is a free and simple solution for adding extra security to your website, either as a supplement to a free security plugin or as an affordable alternative to premium options that provide a firewall, IP blocking, malware removal, and other security features.
MiniOrange allows you to integrate Google Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) into your website login screen, regardless of the user’s access level, as well as into forms and other user-submitted fields.
13. Block Bad Queries (BBQ)
Your website can be protected from harmful attacks by using a simple WordPress plugin that runs quietly in the background. Block Bad Queries does not interfere with productivity, as it operates invisibly and unobtrusively.
The plugin is user-friendly and has the ability to block SQL injections, directory traversal requests, and executable file uploads.
14. Shield Security
Shield Security is a highly popular and widely used WordPress security plugin, often downloaded from the WordPress directory. It starts working right away to provide protection for your website, even when you are still adjusting the settings.
15. Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
Limit Login Attempts Reloaded is a highly sought-after security plugin for WordPress with over 1 million active installations. This plugin provides an effective way to limit the number of login attempts for visitors.
You can set the maximum number of login attempts you want to allow, and once that limit is reached, the plugin will automatically ban the visitor’s IP address for a specified amount of time.
The plugin’s settings can be customized to fit the specific needs of your website and to help keep it safe from brute-force attacks.
Final Takeaways
Do you need professional help to enhance your WordPress website security? Exabytes can assist by providing managed WordPress hosting and installing security plugins to secure your site.
Our WordPress specialists are trained to manage your WordPress site to ensure maximum security. Contact us today to discuss your options.
