WordPress Security: 8 Essential Fixes to Fortify Your Website for the Future

September 30, 2025

Stop the Cycle: Why Your Website Gets Hacked—And 8 WordPress Security Fixes That Work

WordPress security is a pressing concern for small businesses, as WordPress powers over 40% of the internet—making it a favorite not just for entrepreneurs, but also for hackers. If you’re frustrated by ongoing attacks and malware infections, you’re not alone. But you’re also not powerless. At S-FX.com Small Business Solutions, we help New Jersey businesses transform their WordPress sites from easy targets into resilient, trustworthy digital assets.

Let’s break down why WordPress sites get hacked, the most common vulnerabilities, and the 8 website security fixes every small business needs to put in place—so you can focus on growth, not damage control.

Why Do WordPress Sites Keep Getting Hacked?

Popularity Breeds Attention
WordPress sites are everywhere, making them a huge target for automated bots and sophisticated attackers alike.
Outdated Plugins & Themes
Vulnerabilities in plugins and themes are the #1 way hackers get in. Many site owners forget or delay updates, leaving doors wide open.
Weak Passwords & Poor User Management
Simple passwords and shared logins make it easy for hackers to break in with brute-force attacks.
Lack of Security Plugins or Firewalls
A “set it and forget it” approach means missing out on active protection against malware, bots, and suspicious activity.
Poor Hosting Security
Cheap or poorly configured hosting environments often lack basic protections—exposing multiple sites on the same server.
Insecure File Permissions
Incorrectly set file/folder permissions can allow attackers to upload malicious files or alter your site code.
No Regular Backups
Without recent backups, a hacked site can be impossible to restore without paying ransom or losing data.
Lack of Ongoing Monitoring
Malware and malicious code can linger undetected for months, harming your reputation and SEO.

8 Security Fixes to Protect Your WordPress Website

1. Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated

Why it matters:
Updates patch known vulnerabilities. Outdated components are the main entry point for hackers.

Action Steps:

Enable automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins when possible.
Regularly audit your plugins—remove anything not in use.
Check for “abandoned” plugins (no updates in a year) and replace them.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Secure User Roles

Why it matters:
Weak logins are easy to brute-force. Shared or unused admin accounts increase attack surfaces.

Action Steps:

Require strong, unique passwords for all users.
Limit admin roles to essential personnel.
Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all logins.

3. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Why it matters:
A WAF blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site. This includes bots, brute-force attempts, and known attack patterns.

Action Steps:

Choose reputable plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or Cloudflare’s WAF.
Configure alerts for suspicious activity.
Regularly review access logs for anomalies.

4. Harden File Permissions and Disable Unnecessary Editing

Why it matters:
Incorrect file permissions allow attackers to add or modify files. Disabling file editing prevents hackers from changing code via the dashboard.

Action Steps:

Set wp-config.php to 400 or 440 permissions.
Set folders to 755 and files to 644.
Add define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to your wp-config.php.

5. Choose Secure, Managed Hosting

Why it matters:
Quality hosting providers offer malware scanning, server firewalls, and isolate your site from others.

Action Steps:

Select hosts specializing in WordPress security (such as Kinsta, WP Engine, or SiteGround).
Verify daily backups and DDoS protection are included.
Use SSL certificates for all domains and subdomains.

6. Set Up Daily Backups and Quick Restore

Why it matters:
If you’re hacked, a clean backup is your best lifeline.

Action Steps:

Use plugins (UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, Jetpack) or your host’s native backup tools.
Store backups offsite (not just on your server).
Test restoring your site regularly.

7. Monitor for Malware and Unusual Activity

Why it matters:
Early detection means less damage and faster recovery.

Action Steps:

Schedule daily malware scans and get instant alerts.
Check Google Search Console for security warnings.
Monitor for unexpected new users, file changes, or traffic spikes.

8. Limit Login Attempts and Hide Login URLs

Why it matters:
Bots often hammer default login pages, attempting thousands of passwords.

Action Steps:

Limit login attempts with plugins (Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Loginizer).
Change your login URL from /wp-admin or /wp-login.php to a custom string.
Use CAPTCHA to block automated bots.

How S-FX.com Small Business Solutions Keeps WordPress Sites Safe

As a trusted New Jersey web design and managed IT services agency, S-FX.com offers comprehensive WordPress security packages that include:

Security audits and vulnerability patching
Firewall and malware protection
Ongoing updates for core, plugins, and themes
Daily backups and rapid restore
24/7 uptime and security monitoring
Emergency malware removal
Security training for you and your team

Our proactive, hands-on approach means your business is protected—so you can focus on growth, not cleanup.

Real-World Website Security Checklist

Before launching or updating your site, make sure you:

Use unique, complex passwords and 2FA
Remove inactive users and unused plugins/themes
Install and configure a reputable security plugin
Restrict file editing and set correct file permissions
Enable daily backups, stored offsite
Monitor for malware and suspicious activity
Limit login attempts and customize login URLs
Choose a secure, managed host with firewall and SSL

If Your Site Gets Hacked: What to Do

Take the site offline (maintenance mode)
Contact your hosting provider for support
Scan for malware and infected files
Restore from the most recent clean backup
Update all components and change all passwords
Check Google Search Console for warnings and request a review
Consult with a security expert like S-FX.com for advanced help

Your Next Steps for Lasting WordPress Website Security

Website security isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing commitment. By following these 8 fixes and working with a dedicated partner like S-FX.com, your website can become a fortress, not a liability. Protect your business, customers, and reputation with proactive WordPress security.

Contact S-FX.com to schedule a website security assessment and let us help you build a safer, stronger online presence.