Introduction
When it comes to building and managing a professional website, one of the most common questions among entrepreneurs, agencies, business owners, and marketing directors is:
Are WordPress websites secure?
The short answer is: yes, WordPress can be a secure platform—if used correctly. But like any technology, security doesn’t rely solely on the software—it also depends on how it’s managed.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into common risks, how to mitigate them, and best practices for keeping your WordPress website protected against threats.
Why does WordPress have a reputation for being insecure?
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering over 43% of all websites (W3Techs, 2025). However, that popularity also makes it a prime target for attackers.
But most security issues in WordPress are not flaws in the core system itself, but rather the result of poor configuration, bad user practices, or using low-quality or outdated plugins and themes.
Major WordPress Security Risks
Outdated plugins and themes
One of the biggest attack vectors is outdated plugins or themes. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities that have already been patched in newer versions—but many sites fail to apply these updates.
1. Weak passwords
Surprisingly, many security breaches happen simply because users rely on weak or easy-to-guess passwords like “admin123.”
2. Lack of backups
Without a proper backup plan, any incident can have devastating consequences. Yet many sites don’t implement automatic backups.
3. Not using HTTPS
Although SSL certificates are a standard today, some sites still fail to implement them properly—leaving sensitive data transmissions exposed
4. Incorrect file and folder permissions
Improperly setting server permissions can allow unauthorized access to critical files.
How to Make WordPress Secure?
While WordPress itself is secure, and its community works actively to patch vulnerabilities, the responsibility to maintain that security lies with the site owner or administrator.
Here are some essential best practices:
1. Choose trusted themes and plugins
Stick to plugins from the official WordPress repository or reputable developers. Check for good ratings, active support, and frequent updates.
It’s also a good idea to perform a professional audit of installed extensions. At Floix Agency, we include this type of diagnostic as part of our comprehensive WordPress site management.
2. Keep everything updated
Not just WordPress itself—also plugins, themes, and server environment components like PHP and databases. Automating updates or setting a regular maintenance routine is crucial.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security with 2FA makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access—even if a password is compromised.
4. Limit login attempts
Using plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded can help prevent brute force attacks.
5. Create regular backups
Solutions like UpdraftPlus or VaultPress allow you to maintain full site backups, so you can restore quickly in case of an incident.
6. Scan for malware
Tools like Wordfence or Sucuri Scanner detect suspicious files or malicious activity. Some even offer a built-in web application firewall (WAF).
When Should You Consider a Managed Solution?
If your website is a key part of your business—such as an online store, educational platform, or high-traffic site—you likely need more than just security plugins.
This is where managed solutions come in. Proactive technical management includes ongoing monitoring, scheduled updates, audits, and automated backups. This approach significantly reduces security risks and allows you to focus on growing your business instead of solving technical issues.
Want to learn how we assess each project’s security? Read more about our web development philosophy.
What to Do if Your Site Has Been Hacked
If your site has been compromised, don’t panic. Here are the first steps to take:
- Put the site in maintenance mode.
- Change all passwords (admin, FTP, database).
- Restore from a backup if available.
- Scan files and remove malicious code.
- Consult a specialized team to prevent future attacks.
Many websites can be fully recovered—if action is taken quickly.
So, Is WordPress Safe to Use?
Yes—WordPress is secure when best practices are followed. It’s a powerful, flexible, and scalable platform, ideal for all types of projects—from blogs to e-commerce—as long as it’s managed with technical responsibility.
Web security is not a one-time setup; it’s an ongoing process of updates, reviews, and adaptation. And the more your digital business grows, the more important it becomes to have expert support.
Trust the Experts
If you’re planning to build or scale your WordPress website, remember: security is not an expense—it’s an investment.
Explore how to build a strong digital presence through our official site, or see how we evaluate the architecture of every project to make it efficient and secure from day one.
