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Top 15 Best WordPress Security Plugins of 2023

Although WordPress is a secure and dependable platform, it can always be improved. This comes in the shape of fantastic security plugins, the majority of which are available for free right now. While most will have paid versions, depending on the website you're creating, the free plugins are typically more than adequate.

Today, we'll look at 15 of the finest WordPress security plugins in more detail. All of these are simply accessible from your WordPress dashboard via the plugin installer.


1. Wordfence

Wordfence

Wordfence Security is one of the most widely used security plugins for WordPress. It's a free program that offers a variety of security features, including firewalls, blocking features, login security, and regular screening for compromises.

It supports IPv6 networking, has caching functions, and is compatible with platforms like WooCommerce.

Using this plugin you can do a complete scan of your WordPress website at any time. If any evidence of a security breach is found, you will be notified and given information on how to rectify them. It also has a WordPress firewall built-in.


2. Sucuri Security

Sucuri Security

Sucuri is one of the most effective security plugins available today. Sucuri Security is a free plugin that helps you harden WordPress security and scan your website for common attacks. Activity auditing, blacklist monitoring, and file integrity monitoring are all features of this plugin.

The engines used for blacklist monitoring are one of the system's most effective features. The malware scanner in this plugin is powered by engines like Sucuri Labs, Google, AVG, and other well-known databases. Even before the threat reaches your server, the Sucuri website firewall blocks out malicious traffic.

Installing the plugin is similar to installing other plugins. Simply go to Plugins, Add New, and type Sucuri into the search box.


3. Jetpack

Jetpack

This plugin is one of the widely used security plugins by many WordPress website owners. If you have just downloaded your WordPress files, you will find Jetpack in the same folder.

It includes a brute force protection module to avoid hacking, and if that isn't enough, you can additionally set up a two-factor authentication method, in which the user is often given a one-time password after logging in.

If you believe your codes have been hacked, you can always use this plugin in conjunction with the Automattic team to have them rectified as soon as possible. Here are a handful of the security plugin's features.

  • It's free to use because it's open source.
  • You can use it to create a two-factor authentication system.
  • Defends against brute-force attacks.

The basic package is free to use, but you may need to upgrade to a premium subscription if you want more advanced features like an automatic backup.


4. iThemes Security

iThemes Security

iThemes Security, like all of its products, has a good, clean user interface with a lot of features.

Some of the best security features of this plugin are file integrity checks, security hardening, login attempt limits, 404 detections, brute force protection, etc. Furthermore, the plugin is simple to set up and use, and it includes Google reCAPTCHA as well as rudimentary brute force attack security.

iThemes Security also supports the protection of your server. On compatible servers, the plugin imposes SSL for admin pages, posts, and other pages. The plugin will conceal the most prevalent WordPress security flaws, which are frequently exploited by hackers.


5. Cerber Security & Antispam

Cerber Security & Antispam

With a suite of security features, the Cerber Security & Antispam plugin helps you fortify your WordPress site against hackers. Not just for login requests made on the login page, but also for auth cookies and XML-RPC calls, you can limit login attempts by IP address or an entire IP subnet. You can use the plugin to build a whitelist and a blacklist for IP addresses that you want to allow or block at all times.

The plugin also has a robust antispam engine, which is essential if your website includes any form that captures user information, such as a comment or contact form. Cerber also gives you access to detailed security logs and notifications, as well as advanced filters for various behaviors.


6. All-In-One WP Security

All In One WP Security

This plugin adds an extra layer of security to WordPress sites by utilizing firewalls and security point systems to determine how well your site is secured based on the security elements that have been enabled. Basic, intermediate, and advanced feature classifications are available.

Users can enable the security elements that are most appropriate for their website without compromising its functionality. This plugin's firewall defenses will prevent dangerous scripts from reaching your WordPress site.


7. Defender

Defender

The Defender is one of the newest additions, and it appears to be fairly useful as a security plugin. It is gaining traction online because it has more features and is also more extensive.

Furthermore, it has email alerts that notify you of incoming dangers and perform effective countermeasures. This security plugin's features include 404 limitings, IP blacklisting, Audit logging, Two-factor authentication, and more.


8. Anti-Malware Security

Anti-Malware Security

Another useful WordPress anti-malware and security plugin is Anti-Malware Security. Anti Malware security malware scanner swiftly scans all of your WordPress website's files and folders for harmful code, backdoors, and malware.


9. WP Hide & Security Enhancer

WP Hide & Security Enhancer

With WP Hide & Security Enhancer, you may hide any trace that you're running a WordPress website.

Hackers are always on the lookout for WordPress security flaws. This plugin can hide anything linked to WordPress in the HTML files, allowing your site to function normally. It will also hide the WordPress version number, so hackers will have no way of knowing if you are using an older version. This plugin also prevents access to the default core files.


10. Security Ninja

Security Ninja

If you've ever had the feeling that your site was secure but weren't sure, Security Ninja can keep you informed. This helpful little plugin comes with over 50 security-related tests that you can run to see how safe your site is. You can use this plugin to:-

  • Make sure that WordPress' core, plugins, and themes are all up to date.
  • Examine the file's accessibility.
  • Simulate a brute force attack to determine the strength of users' passwords.
  • Check to see if debug mode is enabled for general, database, or JavaScript.

11. Block Bad Queries

This unobtrusive plugin aids in the protection of your website from malicious attacks. It's also simple to use and can help you avoid requests for directory traversal, executable file upload, and s SQL injection.

Its Pro version adds more extensive scanning and anti-phishing protection. With lifetime licenses starting at just $20, this plugin is affordable.


12. BulletProof Security

BulletProof Security

This is a WordPress security plugin that doesn't appear particularly appealing, but it does provide some basic security features for free, so it's worth including on the list.

It claims that none of the 45k websites that have installed BulletProof Security Pro have been hacked in the last 7 years. This figure is impressive and this is why you can give this plugin a try.


13. MalCare

MalCare

If you want to save time and energy, you should install this security plugin. Their malware cleanup is automated, taking less than a minute to remove viruses and malicious actors.

Your website is also protected from its servers. As a result, when they check your site for malware, you'll never see a slowdown.

MalCare also includes a robust firewall that protects your website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to its website, it will also ban any IP addresses that have been identified for malicious intent from the thousands of sites on its network.


14. Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator

This plugin is a must-have among all the plugins available for your website. It allows you to protect and secure your data more effectively, and it also includes a two-factor authentication method. It's simple and easy to use, and it's also absolutely free.


15. WP Fail2ban

WP Fail2ban

WP Fail2ban is an excellent plugin for any website that wants to secure its login section. It offers several features aimed at stopping bots from attempting multiple logins and spam in other parts of your website.

There are no settings to configure, unlike many other security plugins, at least in the free edition. Here are some of the most important features:

  • Login attempts that do not include a username are filtered out.
  • Limit login attempts with Gravity Forms and Contact Form 7
  • Multisites are supported

Conclusion

It's simple to learn the functionality you need, whether you use an all-in-one security plugin like Sucuri Security or a mix of technologies like Google Authenticator and WP Fail2ban. Remember that the easiest method to protect your site is to combine your plugins with other security best practices.

Running a safe WordPress site is, in fact, a never-ending chore. Other security steps you may take after selecting and installing the finest security plugin include using secure passwords and performing regular upgrades.

Because a secure WordPress site performs better, one of the most essential things you can do to optimize your site for performance is to keep it safe. If you find a decent security plugin, we recommend leaving a 5-star review on WordPress.org for the developers.

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Michael

Michael Reddy is a tech enthusiast, entertainment buff, and avid traveler who loves exploring Linux and sharing unique insights with readers.