As the most widely used CMS in the world, WordPress naturally attracts the attention of hackers. To ensure your WordPress site remains secure, it’s crucial to utilize the best security plugins available.
To clarify, this isn’t a criticism of WordPress itself. The platform is quite secure, especially if you’re using the latest version. However, given the sheer number of WordPress sites, it’s frequently targeted.
This is a common issue for any popular CMS, which is why reinforcing your website’s security with a plugin is essential. Fortunately, there is no shortage of security plugins to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for all-in-one solutions or tools that focus on specific security aspects, there are plugins available to meet your needs. Often, specialized tools can complement broader security plugins, provided they are compatible.
In this guide, I’ll cover the 15 best security plugins for WordPress.
How to Select the Best WordPress Security Plugin
So, what defines a good security plugin?
Primarily, it should effectively protect your website from threats while remaining user-friendly. Many security plugins offer overlapping core features, such as firewall protection, CAPTCHA integration, brute force login protection, and more—features that significantly enhance your website’s security.
Some plugins, however, are more specialized. For instance, some plugins enforce the use of strong passwords when creating accounts, which benefits both the user and the site.
There are numerous other specialized security tools as well. Ultimately, the “best” plugin depends on your specific site needs.
However, if you’re seeking a recommendation, I strongly advise using an all-in-one security plugin. These comprehensive tools are feature-rich and help minimize the number of plugins you need to install.
In fact, you should generally only have one security plugin installed. Multiple security plugins often conflict with each other, potentially causing site issues or even identifying each other as threats.
With that in mind, here are the top 15 security plugins for WordPress:
1. Wordfence Security
The Wordfence Security plugin is one of the most popular WordPress security plugins, boasting over 4 million active installations. It’s widely regarded as the best security plugin available on the platform.
Wordfence offers a free version that includes a variety of protective measures, such as firewalls, blocking features, login security, and regular scanning for vulnerabilities. It supports IPv6 networking, includes caching features, and integrates well with platforms like WooCommerce.
Although a premium account isn’t necessary, it significantly enhances your protection options.
Setting up Wordfence is incredibly straightforward—simply install it and adjust a few settings. The plugin even suggests changes to improve security, making it very beginner-friendly.
Benefits of Wordfence Security:
- Malware scanner checks core WordPress files
- CAPTCHA support for all website forms
- Monitors all activity, including hack attempts
- Repairs and restores files to their default state
- Supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for login
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Wordfence Premium starts at $99 per year
- Wordfence Care starts at $490 per year
- Wordfence Response starts at $950 per year
2. Solid Security
Previously known as iThemes Security, Solid Security is another widely used WordPress plugin, with over 900,000 active installations. It protects your site from more than 30 different types of attacks.
The Pro version includes a comprehensive set of features, such as bot detection, spam protection, user logging, and more. It also detects hidden 404 errors that may impact your site’s SEO.
With its large user base, Solid Security is suitable for all skill levels.
Benefits of Solid Security:
- Supports Google Authenticator on mobile devices
- Simple updating of your website’s SALTS and keys
- WP-CLI integration
- Export plugin settings between sites
- Set password expiration dates to force changes
Pricing:
- Free version available
- iThemes Security Pro Basic plan starts at $80 per year
- iThemes Security Pro Plus plan starts at $127 per year
- iThemes Security Pro Agency plan starts at $199 per year
3. All In One WP Security & Firewall
The All In One WP Security & Firewall plugin offers some of the best security features available in WordPress. It not only helps protect your site but also provides an easy-to-read grading system for your current security practices.
In addition to enhancing security, this plugin schedules database backups and sends email notifications upon completion. It also protects against brute force attacks by blocking the IP addresses of users who repeatedly attempt to log in.
This feature can temporarily lock out legitimate users who forget their passwords, so configure it with care.
Benefits of All In One WP Security & Firewall:
- Displays password strength to users
- Enhances WordPress pingback security
- Disables right-clicking on your site
- Restricts access to readme.html, license.txt, and wp-config-sample.php files
- Allows viewing of currently logged-in users
Pricing:
- Completely free
4. Sucuri Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner, and Security Hardening
Sucuri Security is a top-tier security plugin for WordPress, ideal for those seeking an all-in-one solution. Key features include activity auditing, blacklist monitoring, and file integrity monitoring.
One of its standout features is its blacklist monitoring engine, which uses databases from Sucuri Labs, Google, AVG, and others to fuel its malware scanner.
The plugin also offers real-time security monitoring, alerting you to issues as they occur—a crucial feature, as quick response times can make all the difference.
Benefits of Sucuri Security:
- Post-hack wizard to ensure your site’s security
- Compatibility with all other Sucuri WordPress tools
- Website Firewall protects against DDoS attacks
- File comparison to detect suspicious changes
- Provides several SSL certificates
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Sucuri Basic Platform plan starts at $199.99 per year
- Sucuri Pro Platform plan starts at $299.99 per year
- Sucuri Business Platform plan starts at $499.99 per year
5. SiteGuard WP Plugin
The SiteGuard WP Plugin adds a layer of protection by restricting backend access to your WordPress site. It’s particularly effective at preventing access to the admin page from unauthorized IP addresses.
The plugin allows you to change, lock, and protect login credentials through CAPTCHA. It also disables pingbacks and provides email alerts for login attempts. SiteGuard is a straightforward system that is easy to use and maintain.
A unique feature is the ability to rename your login area, which can throw off hackers. If WordPress doesn’t use the default login URL, it’s much harder to find.
Benefits of SiteGuard WP Plugin:
- Renames the wp-login file to obscure the login area
- Automatically disables pingbacks
- The Fail Once feature strengthens login security for important accounts
- Prevents username leakage
- Sends email alerts when users sign in
Pricing:
- Completely free
6. Titan Anti-spam & Security
Originally developed as an anti-spam plugin, Titan Anti-spam & Security has evolved into a comprehensive security platform offering robust firewall protection for WordPress.
This plugin includes a powerful malware scanner, advanced anti-spam protection without CAPTCHA, access to a malicious IP address database, and more.
One of its unique features is the ability to hide the version of WordPress you’re using. Older versions often have known security vulnerabilities, and hiding your version makes it harder for hackers to exploit them.
Benefits of Titan Anti-spam & Security:
- Firewall protects against brute force attacks
- Forces users to create strong passwords
- User-friendly interface for optimal use
- Push notifications on your web browser for URL issues
- Ability to hide the author login area
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro version starts at $55 per year for one site
- Pro version starts at $159 per year for three sites
- Pro version starts at $319 per year for six sites
7. BulletProof Security Plugin
If you’re looking for a comprehensive security solution, the BulletProof Security plugin might be a good fit. It offers a wide array of tools, including .htaccess protection, cookie expiration, error logging, and more.
You can also back up your database to simplify recovery in the event of a major issue. The plugin provides a security log that can be accessed from the WordPress backend.
One of its most valuable features is the automatic resolution of over 100 plugin conflicts, preventing compatibility issues that often arise with new security plugins.
Benefits of BulletProof Security:
- Easy setup with a one-click wizard
- Maintenance mode for both the front and back ends
- Requires all users to use strong passwords
- Advanced logging features for HTTP errors and security
- Automatically logs out idle users after a specified time
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro version starts at $89.95 per year
8. MalCare WordPress Security Plugin
While most security plugins focus on preventing site compromises, MalCare WordPress Security Plugin is designed for post-compromise recovery. It excels at detecting and removing malware left by hackers, which often includes backdoors for future access.
The plugin’s simplicity is one of its strongest points, with a one-click malware removal button that instantly deletes malicious files from your site.
More advanced post-hack cleanup features are available in the Pro version.
Benefits of MalCare WordPress Security Plugin:
- Scans are performed externally, so your site’s speed is unaffected
- Smart firewall blocks most threats before they reach your site
- Easily adds CAPTCHA protection to login areas
- Restricts site access based on user location
- Protects against brute force attacks
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Basic plan starts at $99 per year
- Plus plan starts at $149 per year
- Pro plan starts at $299 per year
9. Hide My WP
Hide My WP is another excellent tool for disguising the default WordPress setup. This adds an additional layer of protection by concealing the fact that your site runs on WordPress.
The plugin allows you to rename core WordPress directories like wp-admin and wp-login, which makes it harder for hackers to locate and exploit these areas.
This is an excellent addition to any WordPress website, as it minimizes the risk of certain attack types. With its over 25,000 users, Hide My WP is well-regarded for its effectiveness.
Benefits of Hide My WP:
- Hides login URLs and other sensitive areas
- Disables XML-RPC to prevent DDoS attacks
- Eliminates known vulnerabilities in WordPress themes
- Redirects broken links to prevent errors
- Sends daily or weekly activity reports
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium plan starts at $24 per year
- Premium plan starts at $59 per year with extended features
10. WP Cerber Security, Antispam & Malware Scan
The WP Cerber Security plugin is another powerful tool that comes highly recommended. This all-in-one solution offers an array of security features, from user activity logging and email alerts to session management and anti-spam protection.
WP Cerber also includes a malware scanner and firewall, both of which are known for their reliability. For advanced users, this plugin offers fine-grained control over security settings.
Benefits of WP Cerber Security:
- Comprehensive activity logs for monitoring site access
- Automatically blocks suspicious IP addresses
- Two-factor authentication for enhanced security
- Scans all files for malware and security issues
- Alerts administrators to login attempts from unknown locations
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium plan starts at $99 per year
11. Jetpack Security
Jetpack Security is one of the most popular all-in-one solutions for WordPress security. This plugin offers everything from real-time backups and malware scanning to spam protection and site statistics.
The free version provides basic security features, while the premium version offers more advanced tools like real-time malware scanning and priority support.
With Jetpack Security, you also get access to additional modules for site optimization, marketing, and design, making it a versatile choice.
Benefits of Jetpack Security:
- Comprehensive security features in one plugin
- Real-time backups and one-click restore
- Downtime monitoring with instant alerts
- Spam filtering for comments and forms
- Automatically updates outdated plugins
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Jetpack Backup plan starts at $7.95 per month
- Jetpack Security plan starts at $19.95 per month
12. Shield Security
Shield Security is a robust security plugin that offers a wealth of features without overcomplicating things. It includes options for two-factor authentication, brute force protection, and more.
One of the standout features of Shield Security is its intrusion detection system, which monitors for unusual activity on your site and takes appropriate action.
This plugin also integrates with other popular WordPress tools, making it a great choice for users who need compatibility with existing plugins.
Benefits of Shield Security:
- Two-factor authentication for secure logins
- Intrusion detection system to monitor suspicious activity
- Automatically blocks brute force login attempts
- Compatible with WooCommerce and other popular plugins
- Regular updates to keep your site secure
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro plan starts at $49 per year
- Pro plan starts at $89 per year with extended features
13. Astra Security Suite
Astra Security Suite offers a comprehensive set of features to protect your WordPress site. This plugin includes everything from firewall protection and malware scanning to spam filtering and vulnerability patching.
Astra is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. The plugin also integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce and Magento.
Benefits of Astra Security Suite:
- Comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats
- Real-time malware scanning and vulnerability patching
- Firewall protection against DDoS and other attacks
- Spam filtering for comments and forms
- Regular updates and excellent customer support
Pricing:
- Basic plan starts at $20 per month
- Pro plan starts at $40 per month
- Advanced plan starts at $60 per month
14. Security Ninja
Security Ninja is a powerful plugin that offers a wide range of features to protect your WordPress site. This plugin includes options for malware scanning, firewall protection, and more.
Security Ninja is known for its ease of use and comprehensive security features. The plugin also offers regular updates to keep your site secure.
Benefits of Security Ninja:
- Comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats
- Real-time malware scanning and firewall protection
- Two-factor authentication for secure logins
- Spam filtering for comments and forms
- Regular updates to keep your site secure
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro plan starts at $29 per month
15. WPScan
WPScan is a unique security plugin that focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in your WordPress site. This plugin uses a database of known vulnerabilities to scan your site and provide recommendations for improving security.
WPScan is a great choice for users who want to take a proactive approach to security. The plugin also offers regular updates to keep your site secure.
Benefits of WPScan:
- Comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Regular updates to keep your site secure
- Detailed reports with recommendations for improving security
- Integration with popular WordPress tools
- Easy to use and configure
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro plan starts at $5 per month
Conclusion
Choosing the right security plugin for your WordPress site is essential for keeping your site safe from threats. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a plugin that meets your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one solution or a specialized tool, there’s a security plugin out there for you. I hope this guide has helped you find the right security plugin for your WordPress site.
By following best practices and using the right tools, you can keep your WordPress site secure and enjoy peace of mind.