WordPress Security: A Complete Guide
WordPress powers over 40% of websites, making it a prime target for attackers. Learn how to identify vulnerabilities, keep your site updated, and implement security best practices.
Why WordPress Security Matters
WordPress sites are frequently targeted due to their popularity. Common attack vectors include outdated core software, vulnerable plugins, weak passwords, and misconfigured security settings.
Targeted Attacks
Hackers actively scan for WordPress sites with known vulnerabilities
Plugin Vulnerabilities
Outdated plugins are the #1 cause of WordPress compromises
Brute Force Attacks
Default configurations make WordPress vulnerable to password attacks
WordPress Version Detection
Knowing your WordPress version is crucial for security. Outdated versions often have known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
How Version is Detected
| Meta Generator Tag | The <meta name="generator"> tag in HTML |
| RSS Feed | Version exposed in /feed/ generator tag |
| Asset Versions | CSS/JS files include ?ver=x.x.x parameters |
| readme.html | Default WordPress readme file (should be removed) |
Recommendation
Always keep WordPress core updated to the latest version. Enable automatic minor updates in wp-config.php:
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor' );
Common Security Issues
🔴 Critical Issues
Exposed wp-config.php Backup
Backup files like wp-config.php.bak or wp-config.php~ expose database credentials if accessible.
Fix: Delete all backup files from your server and configure your web server to block access to .php* files.
🟠 High Severity Issues
Debug Mode Enabled
When WP_DEBUG is true in production, PHP errors are displayed publicly, revealing system information.
Fix: Set define('WP_DEBUG', false); in wp-config.php on production sites.
Directory Listing Enabled
When directory listing is enabled on /wp-content/uploads/, attackers can browse all uploaded files.
Fix: Add Options -Indexes to your .htaccess file or configure your web server appropriately.
🟡 Medium Severity Issues
XML-RPC Enabled
XML-RPC (/xmlrpc.php) can be exploited for brute force attacks and DDoS amplification.
Fix: Disable XML-RPC if not needed. Block with .htaccess or use a security plugin.
User Enumeration via REST API
The /wp-json/wp/v2/users endpoint exposes usernames, making targeted attacks easier.
Fix: Restrict the users endpoint with a security plugin or custom code.
🟢 Low Severity Issues
readme.html Exposed
The default /readme.html file reveals WordPress version information.
Fix: Delete readme.html after WordPress installation and updates.
Plugin Security
Plugins extend WordPress functionality but are the most common attack vector. Keep plugins updated and only install from trusted sources.
Plugin Best Practices
- Only install plugins from WordPress.org or reputable developers
- Remove inactive plugins completely — don't just deactivate
- Update plugins immediately when security patches are released
- Limit the number of plugins to reduce attack surface
- Check plugin reviews and update frequency before installing
Checking Plugin Vulnerabilities
Our WordPress Scanner checks detected plugins against the WPScan vulnerability database to identify known security issues.
Vulnerability Severity Levels
| Critical (CVSS 9.0+) | Remote code execution, full site compromise |
| High (CVSS 7.0-8.9) | SQL injection, authentication bypass |
| Medium (CVSS 4.0-6.9) | XSS, information disclosure |
| Low (CVSS 0.1-3.9) | Minor issues with limited impact |
Recommended Security Plugins
Consider installing one of these security plugins to add an extra layer of protection:
Wordfence Security
Firewall, malware scanner, login security, and real-time threat defense
Sucuri Security
Auditing, malware scanning, and security hardening
iThemes Security
Two-factor authentication, brute force protection, file change detection
All In One WP Security
User account security, firewall, and blacklist monitoring
Note: Only install one security plugin. Running multiple security plugins can cause conflicts.
WordPress Hardening Checklist
Essential Security Steps
- ✅ Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
- ✅ Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
- ✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- ✅ Change the default "admin" username
- ✅ Limit login attempts
- ✅ Disable file editing in the dashboard
- ✅ Use HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate
- ✅ Set correct file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
- ✅ Regular backups with offsite storage
- ✅ Monitor for unauthorized changes
Disable File Editing
Prevent the theme and plugin editor from being used via the dashboard:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
Secure wp-config.php
Move wp-config.php one directory above the WordPress installation, or protect it with .htaccess:
<files wp-config.php>
order allow,deny
deny from all
</files>
Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
A WAF provides an additional layer of protection by filtering malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
Popular WAF Solutions
| Cloudflare | Free and paid plans with DDoS protection and caching |
| Sucuri Firewall | Cloud-based WAF with virtual patching |
| Wordfence | Application-level firewall running on your server |
Note: Sites protected by WAFs may show limited results in our scanner — this is a sign of good security!
Using the WordPress Scanner
Our free WordPress Scanner helps you identify potential security issues:
Version Check
Detects WordPress core version and checks if updates are available
Theme Analysis
Identifies active theme and checks for known vulnerabilities
Plugin Detection
Discovers installed plugins and their security status
Security Grade
Provides an overall security assessment with recommendations