How to Keep Your WordPress Website Secure in 2025
Running a WordPress website is easier than ever, but as technology advances, so do cyber threats. From malware and phishing attacks to brute-force logins, website security is a top priority for every business owner. In 2025, protecting your WordPress site is not just about avoiding hacks — it’s about safeguarding your brand, data, and customer trust.
In this guide, we’ll show you practical steps to secure your WordPress website and keep it running safely.
1. Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to websites is through outdated software. Every update you see is not just for new features — it often contains security patches to fix vulnerabilities.
Best practices:
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Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress versions.
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Regularly update themes and plugins.
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Delete any unused plugins or themes to reduce risk.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Weak passwords are like leaving your front door unlocked. In 2025, strong passwords combined with 2FA are essential.
Our recommendations:
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Use a password manager to create unique, complex passwords.
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Enable 2FA with apps like Google Authenticator or Authy.
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Change admin usernames from “admin” to something unique.
3. Install a Reliable Security Plugin
Security plugins add a crucial layer of defence to your WordPress site. They help with firewalls, malware scans, and suspicious login monitoring.
Top WordPress security plugins in 2025:
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Wordfence Security – Firewall and malware scanner.
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iThemes Security – Login protection and site monitoring.
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Sucuri Security – Great for malware cleanup and monitoring.
4. Secure Your Website Hosting
Your host plays a massive role in website security. Cheap or shared hosting can make your site more vulnerable.
Look for hosting that offers:
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SSL certificates (HTTPS is a must for SEO and trust).
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Daily backups and server-level firewalls.
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DDoS protection to prevent attacks.
If your hosting provider doesn’t provide this, consider moving to a managed WordPress host for better security.
5. Back Up Your Website Regularly
Even with strong security, no site is 100% immune to attacks or errors. A backup strategy ensures you can restore your site quickly if something goes wrong.
Tips for backups:
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Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
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Store backups offsite (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox).
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Test your backups to make sure they work.
6. Limit Login Attempts and Admin Access
Hackers often use “brute force” attacks to guess your password. Limiting login attempts makes this almost impossible.
Steps to take:
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Use a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.
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Restrict access to your wp-admin area to trusted IPs if possible.
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Avoid giving unnecessary admin accounts — use Editor roles for content managers.
7. Regularly Monitor and Scan Your Website
Even a well-secured site needs ongoing monitoring. Scanning your website for malware, suspicious activity, or performance issues helps you stay ahead of threats.
Quick monitoring tips:
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Set up Google Search Console to detect security warnings.
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Enable email alerts in your security plugin.
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Schedule monthly audits to check your website health.
Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive in 2025
WordPress security is not a one-time task — it’s an ongoing process. By following these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of hacks, protect your data, and keep your visitors safe.
If managing security feels overwhelming, Identity Creative can help. We offer WordPress maintenance and security plans to keep your site protected, updated, and backed up — so you can focus on growing your business.