WordPress is undeniably the most popular Content Management System or CMS that helps DIY-bloggers build the site of their dreams. 
Unfortunately, its popularity also made it vulnerable to numerous security exploits. Plugins, for example, can be compromised due to code vulnerabilities and cause harm if installed to your WordPress blog.
Keep in mind that what makes WordPress great is the amount of resources available for you to customize the platform. The good news is that you also have access to tools that can tighten your WordPress site’s security. Below are fifteen of the best security tools you need to consider:
1. All In One WP Security
The All In One WP Security plugin should be one of the first plugins you should acquire in your tool belt. As secure as the WordPress platform is, hackers can still obtain unauthorized access through “brute force login attacks.” This plugin along with its array of security features makes sure it does not happen to you.
2. Wordfence
Wordfence is another popular security plugin that boasts an enterprise-grade Web Application Firewall. It is effective in identifying malicious traffic and blocking them before they even get to your site. The plugin is also packed with active blocking, login security, and real-time monitoring features to keep your site protected from the inside-out.
3. iThemes Security
Formerly known as Better WP Security, the iThemes Security plugin is another all-in-one security plugin that prevents brute force attacks, detects bots, and identifies vulnerabilities in your site. The “pro” version also gives you access to features such as Google reCAPTCHA, activity logging, scheduled malware scans, and two-factor authentication.
4. BulletProof Security
BulletProof Security empowers WordPress sites with a firewall, database security, and login security features to keep them protected against cyber-attacks. One of its advantages is the one-click installation wizard—perfect for WordPress users who already have a lot on their plate.
5. A Virtual Private Network
Aside from vulnerabilities within the WordPress ecosystem, hackers can also eavesdrop on your connection to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. The likelihood of such incidents increases if you or a remote content writer works through a public Wi-Fi network. To ensure your security and privacy, make sure you encrypt your connection with a Virtual Private Network or VPN.
Click here for more info about VPN's.
6. A Remote Backup Service
To ensure your site's security, one of the most important things to remember is never to feel too confident. Take note that you should never leave anything to chance, especially if you are highly invested in the growth of your site. That said, make sure you have a remote backup service ready for quick recovery just in case.
7. VaultPress
If you want something more than just remote backups, then you can use the VaultPress plugin which also features automatic restoration and spam protection. It also offers malware scanning, site migration, and automated threat resolution features.
8. A Threat Intelligence Platform
A threat intelligence platform leverages the power of crowd-sourcing to identify new attack vectors before they can wreak havoc to your site. It works by aggregating threat data from different security solutions to be ahead of the curve and successfully prevent all cyber-attacks; including zero-day attacks.
9. WordPress Security Scan
WordPress Security Scan ensures your WordPress installation is free from common security-related issues. Some of the factors it checks include your WordPress site’s version, JavaScript integrity, search engine reputation, hosting reputation, and so on.
10. Sucuri Security
Sucuri is one of the most reputable security brands not only for WordPress but other content management systems as well. They offer comprehensive security that protects against traffic-based attacks, malware, and some other security issues.
11. Secure Login
Secure Login is a simple plugin that implements a 2-step verification method to protect your WordPress data from unauthorized access. It works by requiring a one-time pin code or OTP, which is sent through the user account’s registered email.
12. Security Ninja
Curious about your site’s security? Security Ninja gives you a bird’s eye view by running over 40 security tests with a single click. As a result, you can always be one step ahead in protecting your site against hackers.
13. Security-Protection
Security-Protection is a simple, yet powerful security plugin that protects against brute force attacks. It works by zeroing in typical bot behavior such as generic inputs, the lack of JavaScript in user-agents, and so on.
14. McAfee Secure
The McAfee Secure plugin does a lot more than check your site for security vulnerabilities. It also improves the confidence of your visitors by showcasing a trustmark—increasing conversions and building your credibility as an information source.
15. Total Security for WordPress
If you want something simple that has everything you need for the safety, then you should consider getting Total Security. This plugin works by scanning the core files of your WordPress site and detecting vulnerabilities such as malware, obsolete log data, and other unwanted files. Everything works in one click, so you the entire process is not at all time-consuming.
I'd love to here from you. What are you using to secure your WordPress blog?
Bullet proof security, Sucuri are both awesome security tools for WordPress users.
Just a few months back, my site got hacked and few spammers embedded their links to other sites. I came to know about it after a week or two and I’ve contacted my HostGator support team but they were awful in resolving the issue.
That’s when I realised the importance of using a better hosting as well as few security plugins along with the backup tool like Vaultpress. I had to pay over $1000 to resolve that issue.
So make sure you are using all the security tools to keep your site secured from hackers or crackers.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Anil! Truly, ensuring the safety of your site to maintain your readership and your potential earnings is something that all bloggers and site owners should consider.
Fabulous list! I use Wordfence, All in One WP, and iThemes. Ok, not all at once, but I switch back and forth because I feel some features are better than the others. As a web designer, I’m shocked when I go into a client’s dashboard to find NO SECURITY! It’s one of the first things I stress to them, give them options, and set up for them. Lord knows, no one wants their website hacked.
Thanks for sharing such a great list! Hope you had a great weekend!
B
Definitely, Bren! I have set up a free WordFence Security account as well to at least create a level of security for all my sites.
Using Sucuri paid version for a year. The team is good and it’s a relief to have a malware tracking software do the work for you, whenever needed!
Thanks for your insights, Abhishek! I agree — tried Sucuri years ago because one of my client sites was hacked, and they have EXCELLENT customer support.
Hi Christopher, nice article for the wordpress security tools. I own a blogger theme website. Can you please tell me blogger security tools.
Thanks.
Hello! I think Sucuri supports non-WordPress sites, so I suggest you give that a shot.
Bullet proof security, Sucuri are both the best ever right??
Hey Christopher,
WordPress is the most popular blogging platform in the world. Millions of websites including various popular blogs are using WordPress as a content publishing platform. Due to popularity, hackers and spammers have taken keen interest in breaking the security of WP-operated sites. WordFence is really one of the most popular WordPress security plugins.
It keeps on checking our website for malware infection. It has ability to scans all the files of our WordPress core, theme and plugins. It also scans our posts and comments for malicious code. Most important is that it can check the traffic on our WordPress website in real time and see if there is any security threat attacking our website. Eventually, thanks for exploring much beneficial tools. They have really potential to maximize our website productivity level.
With best wishes,
Amar kumar
Hm … I’ve always used Wordfence. Do you think All In One is better? Similar? I may have to give that a go. The sheer amount of emails I get from Wordfence … I can’t believe THAT many people are constantly trying to “borrow” our domain’s authority like that.
Anyhoo, I’d love to know your thoughts on the WF vs. AIO so I can figure out what to do with our site. Thanks!
Hey Christopher,
In recent years, Sucuri has become one of the most effective tools. One of my friends’ website was hacked and then Sucuri was the savior.
All in one security and the BulletProof security are also good. You have listed some great tools here.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Ravi
Thanks for the comment, Amar! I like WordFence for the fact that it provides top-notch security for FREE. You can upgrade your account to a paid version for even added security.
I am using All In One WP Security. Its really All in one. Also others 14 plugins are good. Thanks for sharing a article on wp security issue. Any of above plugin will make our wordpress secure.
I’ve recently discovered a great tool, CloudFlare, it works well so far. All it does is quite simple it adds an additional layer to the site, ensure more positive visitors are coming to the site and always try to prevent attackers.
And love all these tools here definitely love to try them out, but would love to know if you’re interested in CloudFlare also, thanks.
Hello, LH! I think CloudFlare works more as a CDN in which it helps ease the stress put on hosting servers by incoming traffic. But it’s a neat addition to complement your site’s security tools.
Thanks for sharing these tips.
After getting hacked 2 years ago, I had to install wordfence on my WordPress site.
Ever since my site has been pretty clean and safe.
I think sucuri security is a great alternative. I use it on one of my niche sites.
VaultPress is mine
Thankyou very much Christopher for listing down these tools. Although WordPress is a great tool but due to standard file formats, It is easy target for the hackers. I use Wordfence and it works pretty well for me.
I actually use All In One WP Security It has a significant of its title. This plugin is awesome and protect my blog from many external challenges, thank you for sharing such importent content.
Great article for WordPress security tools and your instruction is very useful and its a worthy read. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Hey Christopher,
This is an excellent posts that has a detailed view on various WordPress security tools.
Hats off to your great effort. Excellent guidelines on choosing the feasible WordPress security tools
Thanks for sharing with us
Much Appreciated
Have a blessful day
Regards,
Sathish Arumugam
Hi Christopher & Ileane,
I found this blog post on Twitter and immediately landed here to check the mentioned security tools for WordPress. I’m a professional blogger who has been blogging since 2012 with the WordPress CMS.
Some bloggers believe that the WordPress is the vulnerable content publishing media and I don’t accept their viewpoint.
We should reliable hosting, premium WordPress theme and plugins from trusted sources to enhance the WP security. Moreover, we should have the latest version of WordPress and extensions.
However, it is good to use the excellent plugin to tighten the security of WordPress. You have listed some great tools here and I use the pro version of security Ninja. It has 40 + tests and 4 advanced modules to protect our site from the hackers and the intrusion codes.
Thanks for consolidating this helpful stuff for the WP users, keep your good work.
Hello Christopher and Ileane,
I use wordFence, and it has saved my blog from hackers on many occasions. I think it is one of the must use types of Plugin.
I was planning to try Vaultpress but it is a paid service, and I do not have the time to spend first and then work. I hope someone here will help me decide if Vaultpress is a good tool for me or not.
Thank you.
Hi,
Good job sir for listing down these tools. Although WordPress is a great tool but due to standard file formats. It is easy target for the hackers.
Thanks for sharing it.. I am new in blogger.. I have seen in my wordpress site I have got daily notification that many spammer want to log in my wordpress..
Thats why I am searching for a security tool.. I found it in your website..
So, thanks again…
Great source of information. BulletProof Security and Virtual Private network (VPN) are one of the most important tools to secure your website account. This is a good news for WordPress users, however, do these tools applicable for free hosted? Thanks.
Well I love sucuri to be my security guard.
It’s the best among all other wordpress security tools.Hackers are always finding ways to get into your site and if they get in then you will only suffer a huge loss .
it’s better to be safe as “Prevention is better than cure” .
these tools will help you out in making your blogs more secure.
wells thanks for the article
Regards
aditya
good list of of wordpress security plugins i personally would recommend the vaultpress plugin because i have used it for my website its easy to use and configure as well
Thanks Christopher, I’m a Calgary-based landscaper, and i’ve just ventured into the whole world of WordPress. Ive built the site myself over the last number of weeks, but the whole Plugins side of WordPress can be kind of overwhelming to say the least and its very easy to waste alot of time installing and uninstalling plugins to see how they work. At least now I’ll have the security side of things sorted out in short order. Thanks once again
Hi Christopher,
Great article on WP security tools. I have tried maximum plugin of your list and currently using Sucuri. I am really happy with that plugin.
~ Rudrho
I am using the free version of Wordfence. Do I need to purchase paid version?
I love using both Securi plugin and Ithemes Security on my sites. I have heard great things about WordFence but have never used it. Thanks for the other tips. Good read.
Wordfence is the best for me. It works perfectly in protecting my site.
Thanks Christopher! I’ve used VaultPress on some major blogs and absolutely love it! I just can’t justify the investment for some smaller sites, so these other suggestions will help a lot!
Great compilation of wordpress security plugins.
I am impressed that the plugin I use for my website is listed number 2.
“Wordfence”
Good job.
Regards.
Hello Christopher,
I have used Wordfence Security plugin for my blogs since few months and found it very good but at the same a bit complex in settings. Recently I am using the All in one WP Security plugin on my main blog and I found this plugin in the first of the list in this article and I am happy that I found a right plugin now. The remaining list of the plugins looks good too and I will try few of them on my other blogs. Thanks for providing such a great list and it is really helpful indeed. Have a great day and thanks to Ileane for introducing you on her blog.
Great list of plugins….covered almost all the great Security Plugins for WordPress.
I personally use the iThemes Security Plugin, which is great and has good functionalities. Never had any issues…..Glad to see it mentioned in the compilation.
i just set up my first blog,
Follow your tips, i just install wordfence which look like do really a helpful security plugin,
and i will read more tips and thanks for your share.
The security of your WP Blog is very important, although at present I am just using Hide my Login plugin which basically changes the login page URL for the security of our site.
But now I think I should take it serious as a small mistake can make a huge lose.
Whatever, thanks Christopher Jan for putting all of this together.
Best Regards;
Fahad Mirza
The security of your WP Blog is very important,
I owned Multiple blogs/ can you tell me which will be good for me
I am looking for cheap or free
Hi Christopher,
Indeed a great list of common WordPress security mistakes.
A couple of days back I faced a situation where there was some unwanted ads being displayed on my blog and that was something I did not install. When inspected I found that there was a lot of unwanted codes that were injected into the WordPress theme files and other main files.
On further inspection I found out the following 3 things which were the reasons for this:
1). Not updating the other WordPress installation, plugins and themes that are being run from the same hosting account if you are using a shared hosting
.
2). Optimizepress 1.0 is known to have a security issue and they have released an update to it. This doesn’t update in the normal updates from your wordpress dashboard. You might want to update it manually, if you haven’t done it yet.
3). Not Cleaning and optimizing your database periodically
4). Leaving the default themes like twentyeleven etc. as it is and not updating them. This primarily happens if you are using a different theme and these default themes just remain there.
5). Not uninstalling plugins that haven’t been updated for a long time by its creators.
These are prone to attacks. A couple of solutions that I found was installing plugin like Wordfence or, Bullet Proof Security or, Better WP security.