Although WordPress security goes far beyond plugins, they are still a vital tool for keeping your site secure. However, choosing the best WordPress security plugins can be difficult, mainly because there are so many to choose from.
With that said, the wide range of options available means that you can customize your site’s security features to meet your specific needs. Once you know some of the most popular and effective plugins on the market, you can make an informed decision about which ones to use.
In this post, we will introduce you to the top 6 WordPress security plugins that you might want to consider. Then we’ll provide some tips for choosing the best options for your site. Let’s dive!
Best WordPress Security Plugins
Sucuri Security
Let’s start with some household names in WordPress security. Sucuri Security has a reputation for being one of the best and most comprehensive plugins on the market when it comes to protecting your website. It offers:
- Activity audit
- File monitoring
- Malware scanning (front-end scans for free or server-level scanning in the premium version)
- Security notifications
- A web application firewall (WAF) (premium version only)
Most of these services are free. However, to access features like website firewall, SSL support, and more, you will need a paid Sucuri account. You can get limited access to the firewall for $ 9.99 per month or access the full Sucuri platform for $ 199.99 per year.
Wordfence security
Another favorite when it comes to comprehensive security plugins is Wordfence Security. It offers similar features to Sucuri, including:
- A WAF that blocks malicious traffic before it attacks your site
- Malware scan to check files, plugins, and themes before they load
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) and login limits to prevent brute force attacks
- Traffic monitoring and analysis in real-time
Also, Wordfence is easy to use and relatively affordable. All of the resources listed above, including WAF, are free. The premium version of this plugin offers more frequent scans, spam protection, and other advanced features for $ 99 per year.
MalCare Security
Next up, we have a top-notch malware scanner and remover. MalCare Security is the only tool we introduce that can help you clean up after an attack with a single click, although you need the premium version to do so. Its features include:
- Firewall protection
- Remote scanning for malware that won’t overload your server
- One-click malware removal
- Developer Tools including white labeling and customer reports
The basic scan is available for free, but you will need the premium version for advanced features like white-labeling and one-click malware removal. Licenses start at $ 99 a year.
iThemes Security
Another big name in WordPress security plugins is iThemes Security. Along with the above three plugins, this tool is one of the most trusted and popular among WordPress users. With it you will have access to:
- Brute force attack prevention
- Malware scan
- 404 error detection
- Secure password application for all users
iThemes Security Pro incorporates additional security features, including two-factor authentication, increased malware scanning, Google reCAPTCHA, and more. It’s also the most affordable premium add-on we’ve mentioned so far, at $ 80 a year.
All in One WP Security & Firewall
Moving on to some lesser-known plugins, we have All in One WP Security & Firewall. Its name is a bold statement, but it has the feature list to back that up. Some highlights include:
- A ‘Login Lock’ feature to prevent brute force attacks
- File protection, editing, backup and restoration
- Firewall protection
- A file change detection scanner
- Comment spam prevention
- Front copy protection
Also, this plugin is completely free. There is no premium version, which means you get some of the most popular features without the hefty price tag.
Defender
While the free version is a bit limited, Defender offers many of the main security features that you may want to implement. For example, this plugin provides:
- 2FA
- WordPress Core File Check
- Scheduled logouts to prevent brute force attacks
- IP address blacklist
The Pro version is more comprehensive, with additional scans, vulnerability reports, and audit logs. You need a WPMU DEV membership to access. This subscription service offers more than 100 unlimited website plugins, for just $ 49 per month.
How To Choose The Right WordPress Security Plugins For Your Website
Before going to the WordPress plugin directory to download all the security plugins on this list, you need to consider which ones you really need. Security plugins are usually quite heavy, which means they can slow down your site. Better to have discernment than to trade one problem for another.
First, you need to verify your hosting service. Some vendors incorporate security features such as backups, updates, firewalls, and malware analysis. If your host is already handling these tasks for you, a plugin is not necessary to manage them either.
Next, you will need to determine if you are better off with a multifunctional security plugin or just need specific features. If your host or other service provider covers some tasks, you might just need a few plugins from a resource to fill in the blanks.
Plus, if you’re on a tight budget, combining your security coverage with several free or low-cost plugin may be more feasible than spending on a premium multifunctional option.
Otherwise, it is generally better to invest in a single full plugin. Carefully consider the features and costs of each when deciding between them, to ensure you get the best return on your investment. If you’re still not sure where to start, most users can benefit from getting started with Wordfence or Sucuri.
Conclusion
There is no denying the wide variety of WordPress security plugins available. With so many options and features included in each, selecting the perfect tools for your site can seem intimidating.
Whether you decide to use an all-in-one security plugin, like Sucuri Security, or combine tools like Google Authenticator and WP Security Audit Log, finding the resources you need is easy. Remember that linking your plugins with other security best practices is the smartest way to protect your site.
Have a question on how to choose between these WordPress security plugins? Let us know in the comment section!