WordPress powers over 43% of all websites, making it the most targeted CMS on the internet. This comprehensive guide covers the essential security measures every WordPress site needs.
The WordPress Security Landscape
WordPress's popularity creates a massive attack surface. Millions of sites running similar code means that a single vulnerability can be exploited at scale. Attackers continuously scan for outdated installations, vulnerable plugins, and weak credentials.
Effective WordPress security requires a defense-in-depth approach combining regular updates, strong authentication, IP-based blocking, and continuous monitoring. Most successful attacks exploit preventable vulnerabilities.
Critical Statistics
Over 90% of WordPress hacks involve outdated core, plugins, or themes. The average infected site takes 64 days to detect. Prevention is far more effective than remediation.
Common WordPress Threats
Understanding the attack landscape helps prioritize your defenses:
Plugin Vulnerabilities
Plugins represent the largest attack surface. Outdated, abandoned, or poorly-coded plugins create exploitable entry points.
Brute Force Attacks
Automated credential attacks against wp-login.php and wp-admin occur constantly. Weak passwords are compromised within hours.
XML-RPC Abuse
The xmlrpc.php endpoint enables amplification attacks and high-speed brute forcing that bypasses login limits.
Supply Chain Attacks
Compromised plugins or themes distributed through official channels can infect thousands of sites simultaneously.
Protection Strategies
Implement these essential security measures for comprehensive WordPress protection:
Core Hardening
- Automatic Updates - Enable automatic core updates and carefully manage plugin/theme updates. Set up staging to test before production.
- Disable XML-RPC - If not using XML-RPC, disable it entirely. Otherwise, restrict access to trusted IPs only.
- File Permissions - Set proper file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories) and make wp-config.php read-only.
Access Control
- Strong Passwords + 2FA - Enforce strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all admin accounts.
- Login Limiting - Limit login attempts and implement progressive delays after failed attempts.
- Admin URL Protection - Change or protect the default wp-admin and wp-login.php URLs.
IP Reputation Blocking
Blocking known malicious IPs at the server level provides the most efficient protection. Malicious requests are rejected before reaching WordPress, reducing server load and attack surface.
Integrate Fraudcache blocklists with your server (Nginx, Apache) or use a WordPress security plugin that supports IP list imports. Our web attacks feed specifically targets IPs that attack WordPress installations.
Related Articles
Continue learning with these related guides:
- Authentication Attacks: Credential Stuffing, Brute Force & Account Takeover - Protect your WordPress login from credential attacks
- Fail2ban IP Blocking Configuration Guide - Automate WordPress attack blocking with Fail2ban
- Integrating IP Blocklists with Nginx - Server-level protection for WordPress sites
Conclusion
WordPress security is achievable with consistent attention to updates, access control, and proactive IP blocking. By integrating Fraudcache threat feeds at the server level, you block attackers before they can probe your installation for vulnerabilities.
Protect WordPress Sites
Download Fraudcache blocklists to block known WordPress attackers at the server level.