WordPress security advice usually goes one of two ways. People either ignore it completely, or they bolt on a dozen plugins that fight each other. This WordPress security checklist takes the middle path instead. In short, it covers the handful of steps that stop most real-world attacks — without bloating your site.
Where every WordPress security checklist starts
- Update core, themes and plugins promptly — most breaches exploit known, already-patched holes.
- Use strong, unique passwords. Also turn on two-factor authentication for every admin account.
- Move or hide the default login URL. Most brute-force bots only ever try
/wp-login.php. - Limit login attempts, because that slows automated password guessing.
- Delete unused plugins and themes instead of deactivating them. Dormant code still gives attackers a target.
- Finally, add one reputable security plugin (Wordfence, Sucuri or similar) for a firewall and malware scanning.
The less obvious layer: hardening
Next, go beyond the basics. Disable XML-RPC. Block user enumeration through author-archive URLs. Also hide your version numbers. Each of these removes a small clue. Scanners use those clues to profile a site before they strike. For a deeper dive, WordPress’s own hardening guide is a solid reference. Also, run these checks on a schedule, not just once. Because new threats appear every week. So a quick monthly review keeps you ahead.
Limit who can log in
Most WordPress breaches aren’t dramatic. Instead, they trace back to a reused password, an abandoned plugin, or an over-shared hosting account. So give everyone their own login. Assign the lowest role that does the job, because not everyone needs Administrator. Also revoke access the moment someone leaves. In short, least privilege is the cheapest control you have — and it costs nothing but discipline.
Finish the checklist with backups
Finally, remember that no hardening ever hits 100%. So keep a recent, tested, off-server backup. That way, a worst-case hack becomes a five-minute “restore from this morning.” Security and upkeep also go together. Our post on why your website needs regular maintenance shows how the two connect.
Work through this WordPress security checklist once. Then revisit it every quarter. Meanwhile, managed WordPress hosting handles updates, monitoring and backups for you. And our WordPress Development team can put every step in place.