A functional WordPress site that does not utilize some of the best WordPress security plugins is fatal. This is because WordPress sites are the most targeted in cyberattacks because they are widely used worldwide. In this article, we’ll share the top 5 best WordPress security plugins for website protection for free.
What is a security plugin to start with?
It is supposed to be a WordPress security tool that defends against hackers, malware, or any other form of intrusive access to your site. What does it do exactly? A security plugin scans for malware, cleans malicious codes, and protects sites against hacking.
Security plugins almost serve the same purpose as VPNs. For example, NordVPN Tefincom S.A. is one of the most popular commercial services in the industry. Read the review above for a better understanding of what VPNs do.
Now it is pretty clear why you need reliable security plugins for your WordPress site. So, which are some of the best WordPress security plugins you should consider having? Take a look.
WordPress Security Plugins For Website Protection: Wordfence
This security plugin can detect hacked files and review any changes affected by them. Wordfence can also track your website traffic in real-time, implying that in addition to live viewing of user traffic, you also have the privilege of witnessing hack attempts.
What other offerings or features can you enjoy from Wordfence? Security audit, login page protection, visitors from various countries blocking, detecting, and repairing compromised files, etc.
Sucuri
One of the most desirable features of the Sucuri Security plugin is that it can detect lousy traffic and filter it way before it gets to your server. Its Firewall protects your site from hacks, DDoS, and malware attacks. Sucuri is also reliable in optimizing the performance of a website. It can also make requests to Google for blacklist removal.
WordPress Security Plugins For Website Protection: BulletProof
This plugin is available in both free and premium forms. It monitors files and protects the login page. BulletProof Security also comes with its fair share of security features. It monitors files and protects the login page. To prevent site manipulation, this plugin logs out to inactive users. It also provides file upload protection by restricting access or any form of execution in the uploads section.
SiteLock
Do you want a security plugin that carries out scanning on its own? The SiteLock plugin does not require you to initiate the scanning since it can do that on its own. Other features of the plugin include a DDoS firewall and automated patching of vulnerabilities found in the WordPress core.
MalCare: Best Free WordPress Security Plugins For Website Protection
For almost a decade, MalCare has proven to be a very reliable security plugin for most WordPress users. Its scanner can detect even the most complex malware. Once you initiate scanning, it runs unlimited cleanups. Additionally, it filters bad traffic. You can also manage other WordPress sites from its dashboard.
iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security)
360-Degree Security Solution: iThemes Security, previously known as Better WP Security, offers a holistic approach to WordPress security. With over 30 different ways to secure and protect your WordPress site, it tackles vulnerabilities head-on, implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access, secure sensitive data, and strengthen user credentials.
Version Management and Two-Factor Authentication: Recognizing the importance of keeping software up to date, iThemes Security includes version management features that encourage or enforce updates to the latest versions of WordPress, plugins, and themes. This reduces the risk of security breaches through outdated software. Additionally, its two-factor authentication feature adds a significant barrier against unauthorized logins, making it exponentially harder for attackers to gain access.
Obscurity and Detection: Beyond its robust protection features, iThemes Security excels in obscuring common WordPress security vulnerabilities, changing URLs for WordPress dashboard areas including login and admin, and removing theme, plugin, and core update notifications from users who do not have permission to update them. It also detects hidden 404 errors on your site that can affect your SEO rankings, making it a versatile tool for both security and site performance.
All In One WP Security & Firewall: Best Free WordPress Security Plugins For Website Protection
User-Friendly Security Interface: All In One WP Security & Firewall distinguishes itself with its approachable interface, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. This plugin performs comprehensive security checks, grading your site’s current security measures and suggesting improvements. It demystifies the process of website security by categorizing features into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, allowing site owners to progressively enhance their site’s security without feeling overwhelmed.
Preventive Measures and Brute Force Defense: This plugin excels in preventive security measures, offering a robust firewall that guards against the most common types of vulnerabilities and attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. Its brute force login attack prevention feature limits the number of login attempts from a single IP address, thereby significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Security Through Obscurity and Backup: All In One WP Security & Firewall advocates for security through obscurity, a principle that involves hiding or obfuscating the details of the site’s software to make it harder for hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. By altering the default URLs for WP login and admin areas, it makes it more challenging for automated attacks to find your login page. Additionally, the plugin automatically backs up .htaccess and wp-config.php files before making any changes, ensuring you can easily revert back in case of errors.
In conclusion, the highlighted above are but a few among many security plugins from which your WordPress site can benefit. Even with the security plugins in place, please do not overlook the need to use a VPN, as it guarantees online security, too. If you already use one, test the VPN to ensure it is not leaking your data, IP, or DNS.
