Keeping your WordPress site secure doesn't have to be complicated. With just a few simple steps, you can keep things running smoothly and protect your site from common issues. Here at QTH Hosting, we take care of daily backups for you—so you don't need to worry about backup plugins. That means you can focus on keeping your site clean, fast, and secure.
Here are our best tips to help you manage your WordPress site safely.
1. Keep WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes Updated
WordPress is always improving, and updates often fix bugs or security issues. When there's an update for:
- WordPress itself
- Plugins
- Themes
...it's important to run those updates as soon as possible. Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to sites.
WordPress automatically updates minor versions by default (like 6.4.1 to 6.4.2). For major updates, plugins, and themes, you can enable auto-updates individually from your dashboard. When you turn on auto-updates, they'll install automatically without your review first, so only use this feature if you're comfortable with it.
If you prefer to review updates manually, check your WordPress dashboard at least once a week.
2. Use a Security Plugin
We recommend installing the free Wordfence Security plugin to add an extra layer of protection to your site. Wordfence includes features like:
- Login attempt limiting
- Malware scanning
- Firewall protection
- Real-time threat detection
The free version of Wordfence provides excellent protection for most sites. Simply install it from the WordPress plugin directory and follow the setup wizard.
3. Use Strong Passwords and Secure Login Practices
One of the easiest ways to protect your site is to use strong, unique passwords for your WordPress admin account. Here's what we recommend:
- Never use "admin" as your username
- Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Don't share your login credentials or use the same password across multiple sites
4. Choose Plugins That Are Well-Maintained
There are thousands of plugins out there, but not all of them are good choices. When adding a new plugin, always check:
- How recently it was updated – Recent updates show the developer is still active.
- Number of active installs – A large install base is a good sign the plugin is trusted by others.
- Reviews and ratings – Look for plugins with good feedback.
If a plugin hasn't been updated in over a year, it might not be safe to use.
5. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes
If you're not using a plugin, delete it—don't just deactivate it. Deactivated plugins can still be a security risk if they're outdated.
The same goes for themes. You should only keep:
- Your active theme
- One backup theme (usually a default WordPress theme like "Twenty Twenty-Five")
Everything else can be safely removed. A clean site is a safer site!
6. Protect Your Site from Spambots
Besides security threats from hackers, your site can be overwhelmed by spambots that submit thousands of emails through contact forms or flood your comments section. Without proper protection, you could receive thousands of spam submissions per day. Here's how to stop them:
Add CAPTCHA to Your Contact Forms
If you use a contact form plugin like Contact Form 7, WPForms, or Gravity Forms, make sure to enable CAPTCHA protection. Most form plugins support Google reCAPTCHA, which helps block automated spam submissions while letting real people through.
Disable Comments (If You Don't Need Them)
Many websites don't use comments at all, but they're turned on by default in WordPress. If you're not actively using comments on your site, install and configure the "Disable Comments" plugin to completely turn off the comment system. This eliminates a common target for spambots.
Even if you do use comments occasionally, consider disabling them on older posts where spambots tend to target. Taking these steps will keep your inbox clean and your site running smoothly!
Warning Signs: When to Contact Us Immediately
Contact us right away if you notice any of these red flags:
- Unexpected new admin users in your WordPress dashboard
- Files or plugins you didn't upload or install
- Strange redirects when visiting your site
- Warnings from Google about your site being unsafe or compromised
- Your site suddenly displaying errors
- Spam content appearing on your pages or posts
If you see any of these issues, don't panic—just open a support helpdesk ticket team, and we'll help get things sorted out.
