Security is always a prime concern for anyone in every field. In WordPress powered websites security is always on top for consideration. WordPress sites are easy target for attacks because of plugin vulnerabilities, weak passwords and outdated plugin files are traceable and it’s an open invitation to hackers.
So the question is how can we secure our site from bad guys, first thing that you make sure is always updated with the latest version of WordPress. But it’s not enough! You have to add some WordPress security plugins in your website. Here I’d like to share with you some of useful plugins to harden your WordPress security.
Why Use a WordPress Security Authentication Plugin?
There are tons of amazing WordPress security plugins that can protect your website and inform you about any suspicious activities when detected.
It’s also important for you to enable security authentication, so you can rest assured that only authorized users are logging into your site. A security authentication plugin can authorize users automatically or let them go through two-factor authentication.
Shield Security
Shield Security also offers two-factor authentication, through e-mail and YubiKey. The plugin is fully customizable, with other features including a login attempt limit, reCaptcha, and the ability to set up an automatic IP blacklist. It has a total of 9 firewall blocking options and fully enforced SSL.
While it has all of these great features and more, one of the drawbacks of Shield Security is the limited two-factor authentication options. It does not include authentication through Google Authenticator, SMS, phone call, or QR code.
Pricing: Shield Security is a great option if you’re working to a tight budget. The standard plugin is free, and the Pro version that comes with a host of added extras is just $1 USD per month.
Features of Shield Security :
- One of the only security plugins that restrict access to its own settings to certain users.
- Smarter protection with features that work tirelessly in the background without bugging you with notifications.
- The only security plugin to offer three types of two-factor authentication for free and an option to select which users that may use it.
- Pro upgrades for everyone at $12/site – bulk pricing without the bulk purchase.
- Pro delivers 6x powerful scans to detect problems in all areas of your sites.
Defender
Our very own answer to security, Defender, features two-factor authentication that can be customized to your specifications to keep your site secure.
The 2FA works in collaboration with the Google Authenticator app, making it easy to use. There is also a Lost Phone feature so that users can get an OTP (one-time-pass) code sent to their email.
You can also select user roles for whom 2FA should be enacted. Plus, as an additional option, you can enter a custom message that will be shown to the user if they have not yet enabled it.
features of Defender :
- Enable two-factor authentication for specific users
- Customized emails for OTP codes
- White-labeled so you can create custom graphics for your login page
- It’s Free!
Defender offers a lot beyond 2FA to prevent brute force attacks, hackers, and malicious code. It also features Firewall, login masking, block or allowlist IPs, 404 detections, and much more.
Sucuri
The best free WordPress security plugin available today is Sucuri. The all-in-one security platform is wildly popular for good reason.
Although Sucuri is a great free WordPress security plugin for websites, the pro version is actually the real must-have for every website owner.
Features of Sucuri:
- They’ll clean up your WordPress site at no additional cost if it gets malware
- Firewall protection helps you block brute force and malicious attacks from accessing your WordPress site
- Lets you conduct malware scanning
- Effective security hardening
- Keeps track of everything that happens on your site, including file changes, last logins, and failed login attempts
- Can reduce server load time and improve your site’s performance by blocking malicious traffic
- Serves static content from their own CDN servers
- Protects your WordPress website against SQL Injections, XSS, and all known attacks
Cost:
There’s a free version of Sucuri and the Pro version is $299/year.
iThemes Security
The iThemes Security plugin (previously known as Better WP Security) is one of the more impressive ways to protect your website, with over 30 offerings to prevent things like hacks and unwanted intruders. It has a strong focus on recognizing plugin vulnerabilities, obsolete software, and weak passwords.
Although some basic security features are included with the free version, we highly recommend upgrading to iThemes Security Pro for the low price of $80 per year. This provides ticketed support, one year of plugin updates, and support for two websites. If you’d like to protect more sites, you have the option to upgrade to a more expensive plan.
As for the primary features in the pro version, iThemes Security Pro provides strong password enforcement, the locking out of bad users, database backups, and two-factor authentication. These are only a few of the ways to protect your site with this WordPress security plugin. You can activate 30 total security measures, making iThemes Security Pro a great value.
Features of iThemes Security :
- The security plugin offers file change detection, which is important since most webmasters don’t notice when a file is messed with.
- Add an extra layer of protection to your login by using the Google reCAPTCHA integration.
- The plugin compares your WordPress core files with the current version of WordPress, helping you understand if anything malicious is placed in those files.
- Update your WordPress salts and keys to add an extra layer of complexity to your authentication keys.
- You can set an “Away Mode” for when you’re not making constant updates to your site and want to completely lock your WordPress dashboard from all users.
- Other essentials like 404 detection, brute force protection, and strong password enforcement.
MalCare Security
Next up, we have a top-notch malware scanner and remover. MalCare Security is the only tool we’ve featured that can help you clean up after an attack with a single click, though you’ll need the premium version to do so.
features of MalCare Security:
- Firewall protection
- Remote malware scanning that won’t overload your server
- One-click malware removal
- Tools for developers, including white labeling and client reports
Basic scanning is available for free, but you’ll need the premium version for advanced features like white-labeling and one-click malware removal. Licenses start at $99 per year.
All in One WP Security & Firewall
Moving on to some slightly lesser-known plugins, we have All in One WP Security Firewall. Its name makes a bold claim, but it has the feature list to back that up.
Features Of All In One WP Security & Firewall :
- A ‘Login Lockdown’ feature to prevent brute force attacks
- File protection, editing, backups, and restoration
- Firewall protection
- A file change detection scanner
- Comment spam prevention
- Front-end copy protection
What’s more, this plugin is completely free. There’s no premium version, which means you get some of the more popular features without the high price tag.
Conclusion :
There are some really excellent options when it comes to plugins that secure your WordPress logins. All of the plugins in this list are affordable, with extensive security features, and good support and documentation.
With the previous year being a year of most malicious attacks on websites, it is a matter of concern for every website owner to take suitable actions against the threats they may face in future which can affect their blog very badly. For the users who don’t code a lot, plugins are the best way to secure your blog. Most of them are free, easily usable and safe.
You can also use our other articles about WordPress plugins . our With having the knowledge and experience and professional team, we can meet all your needs.
