WordPress Security in 2025
WordPress powers 40%+ of the web, making it the biggest target for automated attacks. The good news? Most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that are entirely preventable with proper hardening.
The Basics (Do These First)
Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. Use strong passwords with 2FA. Change the default admin username. Limit login attempts. These four steps prevent 90% of attacks.
Server-Level Protection
Configure proper file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories). Disable file editing in wp-config.php. Block PHP execution in uploads. Add security headers (X-Content-Type-Options, X-Frame-Options, CSP).
Monitoring and Response
Install a security plugin for file integrity monitoring (Wordfence or Sucuri). Set up uptime monitoring. Configure automated daily backups stored offsite. Have a documented incident response plan.
