Your WordPress website isn’t just a digital brochure anymore. It’s your 24/7 salesperson, your main marketing channel, and often the first thing potential clients see when they Google your business.
But there is a downside… WordPress powers 40% of all websites, which makes it a massive target for hackers. But don’t panic. Securing your WordPress site isn’t about becoming a cybersecurity expert. It’s about getting the basics right.
After 20 years working with business websites, I’ve seen what happens when security gets ignored. A small oversight can turn into a major headache fast. Here are the five non-negotiables every business owner needs to implement.
1. Get a Proper Security Plugin
Think of this as hiring a security guard for your website. WordPress on its own is like leaving your office unlocked overnight.
What you need:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) – blocks dodgy traffic before it hits your site
- Malware scanning – checks your files regularly for nasties
- Brute-force protection – locks out people trying to guess your password
My recommendations: Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security both have solid free versions. Perfect starting point.
2. Keep Everything Updated
This is where it goes wrong for most people. Every PHP language update, WordPress update, plugin update, and theme update contains security fixes. And it’s nearly always free. Ignoring that little update notification is like getting a car recall notice and binning it.
Your weekly routine:
- Check for WordPress core updates (apply minor ones immediately)
- Update all plugins and themes
- Remove any plugins you’re not using
Seriously, make this a weekly habit. Set a calendar reminder if you have to. Even better, turn on auto-updates or use a service like WP-Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager.
3. Sort Out Your Passwords
“CompanyName123!” isn’t cutting it anymore. Neither is using the same password for everything.
Do this today:
- Change your password right now. Choose a long password. Aim for at least 12–16 characters.
- Long is better than complex (e.g. ‘correctbatteryhorse’ is better than ‘1aj6<+23gl’)
- Use a password manager (BitWarden, 1Password, whatever works) but Google it before you commit. Some of them have been hit with hacks over the years.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your login
- Change default usernames (never use “admin”)
If you’re only going to do one thing… 2FA is a real game-changer. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t get in without your phone, or your face.
4. Back Everything Up
When things go wrong (and they will), a recent backup is the difference between a minor hiccup and a complete disaster.
Your backup strategy:
- Daily backups minimum (hourly if you’re running e-commerce)
- Store backups in two different places
- Include both files AND database
- Test your backups occasionally
Tools to check out: UpdraftPlus or Solid Backups (formerly known as BackupBuddy). Most decent hosting providers also include daily backups.
5. Keep an Eye on Things
You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken.
Monitor these:
- Site uptime (Uptime Robot sends alerts when your site goes down)
- Unexpected file changes (your security plugin should flag these)
- User accounts (remove old team members and unused accounts)
Make Security Part of Your Routine
Here’s the reality – these five things need to become as routine as checking your email. It’s not a one-and-done checklist; it’s an ongoing process that protects your revenue and reputation.
Most business owners I work with are surprised how straightforward this stuff actually is once you get into the rhythm.
Need help getting this sorted? I audit WordPress security setups and can get you properly protected without the technical headaches. Get in touch if you want to chat about your specific situation.
————————– Matthew Miller is Managing Director at Mogul Limited, helping businesses transform digital challenges into growth opportunities.