Although WordPress security goes far beyond just plugins, they’re still a vital tool for keeping your site locked up tight. However, choosing the best WordPress security plugins can be difficult, particularly because there are so many to pick from.
With that said, the wide range of available options means you can customize your site’s security features to meet your specific needs. Once you get to know some of the most popular and effective plugins on the market, you can make an informed decision regarding which ones to use.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to 11 top WordPress security plugins you may want to consider. Then we’ll provide some tips on how to choose the best options for your site. Let’s dive on in!
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10 best WordPress security plugins in 2020
In our opinion, these are the 10 best security plugins available for WordPress.
1. Sucuri Security
Sucuri
Defense, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening Auditing
Let’s kick things off with a couple of well-known WordPress security names. When it comes to securing your web, Sucuri Security has a reputation for being one of the best and most robust plugins on the market. It is offering:
- Auditing Activity
- Monitoring file
- Scanning for malware (front-end scans for free or server-level scanning in the premium version)
- Notifications about protection
- A firewall for a web application (WAF) (premium version only)
The majority of these facilities are accessible. However, you’ll need a paid Sucuri account to access features such as the website firewall, SSL support, and more. For $9.99 a month, you can get restricted access to the firewall or access to the entire Sucuri network for $199.99 per year.
2. Wordfence Security
Wordfence Security – Firewall & Malware Scan
Another favorite when it comes to all-inclusive security plugins is Wordfence Security. It provides Sucuri with similar features, including:
- A WAF that blocks malicious traffic until your site is attacked
- Scanning malware to check files, plugins and themes before uploading them
- To resist brute force attacks, two-factor authentication (2FA) and login limits
- Real-time live traffic and tracking of analytics
In addition, it is easy to use Wordfence and relatively cheap. All the above-listed features, including the WAF, are free. For $99 a year, the premium edition of this plugin includes more regular scans, spam security, and other advanced features.
3. MalCare Security
MalCare Security- WordPress Free Malware Scanner, Defense & Security
Next up, we have a top-notch scanner and remover for malware. MalCare Security is the only tool we have featured that will help you clean up with a single click after an attack, but to do so you will need the premium edition. His characteristics include:
- Defense against firewalls
- Scanning remote malware that won’t overload your server
- Removal of malware one-click
- Resources, including white labeling and customer reviews, for developers
Basic scanning is available for free, but for advanced features including white-labeling and one-click removal of malware, you’ll need the premium edition. Licenses start annually at $99.
4. iThemes Security
Another big name for security plugins for WordPress is iThemes Security. This tool is one of the most trusted and popular among WordPress users, alongside the previous three plugins. With that, you will gain access to:
- Prevention of brute force attack
- Scanning for malware
- Error Detection 404
- Good password compliance for all apps
Additional security features, including two-factor authentication, increased malware scans, Google reCAPTCHAs, and more, are built into iThemes Security Pro. It’s also, at $80 a year, the most affordable premium plugin we’ve listed so far.
5. All in One WP Security & FirewallAll In
One Security & Firewall from WP
We have All in One WP Security & Firewall, going on to some somewhat lesser-known plugins. Its name makes a bold statement, but it has a list of features to back it up. Certain highlights include:
- A ‘Password Lockout’ functionality to avoid brute force attacks
- Protecting, editing, backup, and restoring files
- Defense against firewalls
- A file shift detection scanner for detection
- Preventing Spam Comment
- Copy Security front-end
What’s more, it’s absolutely free with this plugin. There’s no premium edition, but without the high price tag, you get some of the more common features.
6. Defender
Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewal-Defender Security
Although the free edition is somewhat restrictive, Defender offers many of the main security features that you might want to implement. This plugin, for instance, provides:
- 2FAThe 2FA
- Core file scanning for WordPress
- Timed Brute Force Attack Avoidance Logouts
- Blacklisting IP addresses
Featuring additional scans, vulnerability reports, and audit logs, the Pro version is more complete. To use it, you need a WPMU DEV membership. Over 100 plugins for unlimited sites are offered by this subscription service, at just $49 a month.
7. Jetpack Backup
Jetpack Backup is next on our list of the best security plugins for WordPress. For WordPress and WooCommerce pages, it is a secure backup solution.
To automatically maintain an activity log that will help you figure out just who or what broke the website, you can use this plugin. It also processes backups from any backup point with one-click restoration. The best part is that either your desktop computer or a mobile device will restore a backup.
In addition to this, depending on what strategy you want to go with, Jetpack Backup takes automatic regular backups or real-time backups of your entire website.
- Regular backup plan: 30-day backup archive + site modifications log
- Real-time backup plan-Unlimited backup archive + site modifications log
Licenses start at eight dollars per month (billed annually).
8. WP Security Audit Log
Notice suspicious behavior until it happens and avoid attacks
To speed and ease the recovery process if an attack occurs, log modifications to your website
This method will simplify general troubleshooting and tracking of productivity as well. You will also be able to see who is logging in and log users out with one click if you want to invest in WP Security Audit Log Premium. Licenses start annually at $89.
9. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator-Two Factor Authentication for WordPress (2FA , MFA)
Next up, 2FA specializes in Google Authenticator, which integrates with a number of form builder plugins to protect your login and registration processes. Additionally, it offers:
- Blocking of IP addresses
- Monitoring User Login
The premium versions of Google Authenticator provide additional functionality, including more options for authentication, several login options (including ‘passwordless’ login), and various methods of authentication for unique user roles. Licenses start annually at as low as $5.
10. Security Ninja
Security Ninja: Secure Firewall & Scanner for Secure Malware
Security Ninja can help keep you in the loop if you’ve ever felt like your site was safe, but weren’t 100 percent sure. In order to decide how safe your site is, this handy little plugin contains over 50 security-related tests you can perform. It is capable of:
- Check to see if the core, plugins, and themes of WordPress are up to date.
- Accessibility of Test File
- Determine the password strength of users by simulating an attack by brute force
- Find out if the general debug mode, database, or JavaScript is enabled.
This plugin’s free version does little to solve the issues its tests can show. However, learning about vulnerabilities on your site allows you to use another plugin or Security Ninja Pro to take action. The latter involves scanning for malware, a cloud firewall, and more, starting at $29 per year.
How to choose the right WordPress security plugins for your site
You’d be wise to consider which ones you truly need before you go to the WordPress Plugin Directory to download every security plugin on this list. Security plugins are often pretty hefty, meaning they can reduce the speed of your site. Better to be discerning than to trade one issue for another is better.
You’ll want to check out your hosting service first. Security features such as backups, updates, firewalls, and malware scans are incorporated by some providers. If your host is already handling these tasks for you, you don’t need to have them managed by a plugin.
Then you’ll need to determine if an all-in-one security plugin is better for you, or if you just need specific features. If your host or another service provider is covering some tasks, you may simply need a few one-feature plugins to fill in the gaps. Moreover, if you have a really tight budget, it may be more feasible to cobble together your security coverage from several free or low-cost plugins than to shell out for a premium all-in-one option.
Otherwise, investing in a single comprehensive plugin is often best. When deciding between them, consider each one’s characteristics and cost carefully to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. If you’re still not sure where to start, starting with either Wordfence or Sucuri will benefit most users.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the wide range of available WordPress security plugins. With so many choices and features included in each one, it can feel overwhelming to pick the perfect tool(s) for your site.
It’s easy to find the features you need, whether you decide to go for an all-in-one security plugin like Sucuri Security, or mix-and-match with tools like Google Authenticator and WP Security Audit Log. Only note that the smartest way to secure your site is to pair your plugins with other security best practices.
