WordPress security is a very crucial issue for a website owner. Cyber thefts have increased drastically in recent years, therefore it's imperative to protect your website from attackers. There are a variety of security plugins available which together can safeguard your website against hackers, malware, spam, and other vulnerabilities. In this article, we will review the best WordPress security plugins along with their key features to help you decide which security plugin suits your site the best.

In this post, we give an overview of leading WordPress security plugins, including Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security, and others. Knowing what each of these plugins brings to the table will help you decide which measures to take if you want to harden your website. Keep reading to find out what security tools your site needs.

• Wordfence Security
• Sucuri Security
• iThemes Security
• All In One WP Security & Firewall
• Jetpack Security
• MalCare Security
• SecuPress
• BulletProof Security
• Shield Security
• WPScan
• Cerber Security
• Ninja Firewall
• Defender
• Astra Web Security
• VaultPress
• SiteLock
• WP Security Audit Log
• Security Ninja
• Hide My WP
• Loginizer

Wordfence Security

Wordfence Security is one of the most widely used security plugins for WordPress, offering endpoint firewall and malware scanning in a single installation. It protects your website from a range of threats.

Key features include:

• Real-time threat defense feed
• Advanced manual blocking
• Login security measures like two-factor authentication
• Live traffic monitoring

Sucuri Security

Sucuri Security is a comprehensive security solution, checking your site for malware and blacklisting, and providing a cloud-based firewall to prevent various types of attacks.

Key features include:

• Website firewall (WAF)
• Security activity auditing
• Malware scanning
• Post-hack security actions

iThemes Security

iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) helps protect your WordPress site by patching known vulnerabilities, blocking automated hacks, and strengthening user accounts.

Key features include:

• Two-factor authentication
• Security check
• 404 detection and banning
• Database backups

All In One WP Security & Firewall

All In One WP Security & Firewall is a comprehensive plugin that covers user accounts, login security, database security, and file system security, among other areas.

Key features include:

• User account security
• Login lockdown feature
• Database and file system security
• Blacklist functionality

Jetpack Security

Jetpack Security is a versatile plugin that offers real-time backups, malware scanning, and spam protection, alongside performance enhancements.

Key features include:

• Downtime monitoring
• Brute force attack protection
• Secure authentication
• Real-time backups and restores

MalCare Security

MalCare Security provides real-time malware detection and automatic removal, protecting your site without affecting performance.

Key features include:

• One-click malware removal
• Deep malware scanning
• Website hardening
• Real-time firewall protection

SecuPress

SecuPress is a premium WordPress security plugin that offers robust protection and a user-friendly interface.

Key features include:

• Anti-brute force login
• IP Geolocation blocking
• Security alerts and reports
• Database backups

BulletProof Security

BulletProof Security focuses on protecting your website’s core files and provides an easy-to-configure solution for essential security needs.

Key features include:

• Database security
• File monitoring and quarantining
• Login security and monitoring
• Idle session logout

Shield Security

Shield Security offers a comprehensive suite of security tools, known for its ease of use and strong protection against various threats.

Key features include:

• Two-factor authentication
• Automated IP blacklisting
• File scanning and comparison
• Brute force attack protection

WPScan

WPScan helps detect vulnerabilities in WordPress core, themes, and plugins by utilizing a regularly updated vulnerability database.

Key features include:

• Vulnerability database with daily updates
• Security reports
• API integration
• Blacklist monitoring

Cerber Security

Cerber Security provides comprehensive protection against malware, spam, and brute force attacks.

Key features include:

• Anti-spam and bot protection
• Malware scanning and cleanup
• Custom login URL
• IP Access Lists

Ninja Firewall

Ninja Firewall filters HTTP traffic before it reaches WordPress, providing an extra layer of protection.

Key features include:

• Real-time firewall protection
• Advanced filtering and blocking
• Event notifications
• PHP Security

Defender

Defender by WPMU DEV is a user-friendly security plugin with a variety of tools to secure your site effectively.

Key features include:

• Two-factor authentication
• Vulnerability reports
• Blacklist monitoring
• Security tweaks and recommendations

Astra Web Security

Astra Web Security combines malware removal, firewall protection, and vulnerability scanning to provide a comprehensive solution.

Key features include:

• 24/7 website monitoring
• Malware scanning and removal
• Proactive vulnerability patching
• Security audits

VaultPress

VaultPress by Automattic provides real-time backups and security scanning to ensure your site remains secure and backed up.

Key features include:

• Real-time backups
• Automated security scanning
• Easy site restoration
• Spam defense

SiteLock

SiteLock offers malware scanning, DDoS protection, and a web application firewall as part of its security suite.

Key features include:

• Malware scanning and removal
• DDoS protection
• Web application firewall
• SiteLock Trust Seal

WP Security Audit Log

WP Security Audit Log monitors user activity to detect suspicious behavior and improve site security.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive audit log
• Real-time alerts
• Detailed user activity reports
• Easy integration with third-party services

Security Ninja

Security Ninja performs over 50 security tests to identify potential vulnerabilities on your site.

Key features include:

• Core scanner and integrity checks
• Brute force attack prevention
• Malware scanning
• Scheduled security scans

Hide My WP

Hide My WP conceals your WordPress site by changing common folders and file paths, adding a layer of security.

Key features include:

• Hide WordPress login URL
• Change WordPress file structure
• Security through obscurity
• Anti-spam protection

Loginizer

Loginizer enhances login security by limiting login attempts and providing additional login protection features.

Key features include:

• Limit login attempts
• Two-factor authentication
• ReCAPTCHA support
• IP blocking

Your need, interest, and level of security required will determine the choice of WordPress security plugin that best suits your website. Each of these plugins offers unique benefits tailored to different security needs.

Below is a table summarizing the top 20 WordPress security plugins, highlighting their availability in free and paid versions. Beginners may find the free versions sufficient, while larger sites with higher security needs may benefit from the paid versions.