Essential Security Plugins for WordPress

Wordfence Security

Wordfence is the most popular WordPress security plugin with over 4 million active installations. The free version includes a web application firewall, malware scanner, login security (including two-factor authentication), and real-time threat defence. Install it immediately after setting up WordPress. The firewall blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site, and the scanner checks all your files against WordPress.org's repository for modifications.

Additional Security Measures

Beyond Wordfence, install Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to block brute-force attacks. Use a strong, unique password (16+ characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols). Never use 'admin' as your username. Keep WordPress, themes, and all plugins updated. Remove any plugins or themes you're not using. Consider hiding your login page URL with a plugin like WPS Hide Login.

What to Do If You're Hacked

If you suspect your site has been compromised, don't panic. Run a full Wordfence scan immediately. Change all passwords (WordPress admin, hosting, FTP, database). Check for unfamiliar admin accounts and delete them. Restore from a clean backup if available. Contact your hosting provider's support team — most have security teams that can help clean compromised sites.