Making sure your WordPress website doesn’t get hacked starts with understanding how big a target WordPress actually is. Roughly 43% of all websites in the world run on WordPress, and that popularity is exactly why it draws so much attention from hackers.
Hacking means illegally gaining unauthorized access to a computer, server, or network and altering the data stored on it. Because WordPress is such a complex, plugin-driven platform, it can be easier than site owners expect for hackers to break in and quietly take control of a site.
A WordPress website development company can help you build a site that’s secure, responsive, and user-friendly from the ground up. According to the WordPress.org security whitepaper, the platform’s core software is regularly audited, but most breaches happen through outdated plugins, weak passwords, or unpatched themes rather than WordPress itself — which is exactly what this checklist addresses.
8 Steps to Make Sure Your WordPress Website Doesn’t Get Hacked
1. Keep Your WordPress Version Updated
WordPress releases software updates regularly to improve performance and patch security issues as soon as they’re identified. Automatic updates handle most minor releases, but major releases still need manual action — always back up your site first.
Update notifications appear directly in your WordPress dashboard. Don’t ignore them; click through and update as soon as they appear.
2. Keep Themes and Plugins Updated
Outdated themes and plugins are one of the most common ways a WordPress website gets hacked. Every plugin and theme you use should be updated as soon as new versions are released, not just WordPress core itself.
3. Use a Strong Password
A strong password remains one of the simplest ways to keep your WordPress website from getting hacked. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and use at least 8 characters — longer is always better.
4. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider
Every reliable hosting provider offers baseline security to protect the data stored on their servers. Before choosing one, check what security measures they use — firewalls, secure FTP, and how they respond to breaches.
Shared hosting makes your WordPress website more vulnerable to hacking, since a vulnerability on another site on the same server can potentially be used to access yours. Dedicated hosting is the most secure option, though also the most expensive.
5. Install a Security Plugin
A quality security plugin is essential to stop your WordPress website from being hacked. Good security plugins typically include:
- A firewall to block untrusted traffic
- Brute-force login protection
- A scanner that checks themes, files, and plugins for vulnerabilities
- Regular security alerts
Wordfence is a strong, free option. Once installed, it appears directly in your WordPress dashboard, where you can review scan results and security recommendations at any time.
6. Take Regular Backups
Regular backups are non-negotiable if you want your WordPress website to survive a hacking attempt without permanent damage. If your site is ever compromised, a recent backup lets you restore it quickly instead of losing everything you’ve built.
7. Disable File Editing
WordPress includes a built-in code editor that lets you modify site files directly from the dashboard. It’s convenient, but it’s also a serious security risk if a hacker gains access. Disable it by adding this to your wp-config.php file:
// Disallow file edit
define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );8. Block PHP Execution in Upload Folders
Disabling PHP file execution inside your /wp-content/uploads/ folder closes off a common backdoor attack method. Create a .htaccess file containing Deny everything, then upload it to that folder.
Why This Matters for Your WordPress Website
WordPress’s popularity is exactly why it demands extra care. With so many sites and plugins in circulation, hackers actively scan for outdated software and weak configurations. Following the steps above — reducing unnecessary plugins, updating regularly, and following basic security hygiene — makes a real difference in whether your WordPress website doesn’t get hacked.
Website maintenance is just as important as the initial setup. Our website maintenance service monitors for unauthorized access, tracks content changes, and helps eliminate source code security risks on an ongoing basis.
FAQs
Watch for unexpected redirects, unfamiliar admin users, slow performance, defaced pages, or a sudden drop in search rankings. If any of these appear, check your site logs and act quickly.
As soon as updates are available. Most releases patch security vulnerabilities that hackers actively scan for, so delaying updates increases risk significantly.
For many small to mid-sized sites, yes — a plugin like Wordfence covers firewall protection, brute-force login blocking, and malware scanning. Larger or high-traffic sites may need additional server-level security.
There’s no single fix — strong passwords, regular updates, a security plugin, and consistent backups all work together. Skipping any one of them leaves a gap hackers can exploit.
Regular backups let you restore a clean version of your site quickly, minimizing downtime and data loss instead of rebuilding from scratch.
Yes. Digital Hive’s website maintenance service monitors for unauthorized access, tracks content changes, and closes off common WordPress security vulnerabilities on an ongoing basis.
