Security Best Practices Beyond Plugins for WordPress Sites

Beyond relying on plugins, WordPress security best practices focus on foundational and proactive measures such as:

• Keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated regularly to patch vulnerabilities, as outdated software is the most common attack vector.
• Using strong, unique passwords and enforcing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all users, especially administrators, to add an extra layer of login security.
• Choosing a reputable, secure hosting provider that offers robust server-level security, backups, encryption, and monitoring, since hosting is the first line of defense.
• Limiting login attempts and monitoring user activity to detect suspicious behavior early, which can be done manually or with audit logs.
• Implementing secure communication protocols like HTTPS (SSL/TLS) to encrypt data transmitted between users and the site.
• Regularly backing up your site and storing backups securely offsite to enable recovery in case of compromise.
• Restricting file permissions and disabling unnecessary features such as file editing from the WordPress dashboard to reduce attack surfaces.
• Changing default settings cautiously, such as the login URL, only if it fits your security strategy, but understanding that it is not a strong security measure by itself and can introduce risks if done improperly.

These practices create multiple layers of defense beyond plugins, reducing the risk of compromise and improving your site's resilience against attacks. Security plugins can complement these efforts but should not be the sole reliance for securing a WordPress site.