10+ Best WordPress Security Plugins in 2023

WordPress is the most popular website platform and might be the best CMS (Content Management System) around, but it’s not perfect.

You need to take care of your website by adding extra security layers.

Unfortunately, many website owners think that hackers only target big companies or popular blogs.

The answer is “no”. It’s easy to hack new websites than the older ones.

The only reason behind this is – Professional bloggers are aware of security and beginners are not.

WordPress is considered one of the most popular software for websites.

There are millions of companies that use WordPress to manage their websites.

So using WordPress for their company website management make hacker more interested in hacking WordPress websites. 

WordPress generally tries to make an update to make it a venerable software but their third-party themes and features will make it unvenerable.

That’s why it is recommended to use a premium theme developed by professional developers who provide regular updates like Themify Ultra.

This invulnerability will allow the hacker to hack the whole system very easily.

In some years there were more than 2 major cases that happen in WordPress in which the whole system got hacked and the companies bear a lot of loss of their important data.

There are thousands of websites that got hacked because of this loophole in WordPress.

There are a lot of examples in which this loophole will help the hacker to hack the whole system in one go.

A few years ago a dangerous malware named SoakSoak affected about 100k websites and caused them data loss.

This malware took place because of the venerability of WordPress.

So if you are using or planning to use it to manage your website then make sure that you will update its security systems from time to time.

Also make sure to use the best hosting (Cloudways), a well-coded theme (Themify Ultra) and avoid using nulled plugins/themes.

So, in this article, I am going to share the best free security plugins for WordPress.

NOTE : don’t use two types of security plugins at the same time, it may cause some problems.

Comparison Chart of Security Plugins

WordPress Security: Why It Matters and How to Stay Protected

As a website owner, the security of your WordPress site should be one of your top priorities.

Your website is your digital storefront and the first point of contact for many of your customers.

Any vulnerability or security breach could not only cause harm to your business but also to your customers.

That’s why it’s essential to take WordPress security seriously.

WordPress is one of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet.

Its popularity, however, also makes it a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals who are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit.

The consequences of a security breach can be devastating.

A hacker could steal sensitive customer data, inject malicious code into your website, or use your site to launch attacks on others.

It can also lead to your website being blacklisted by search engines, impacting your online reputation and revenue.

The good news is that there are plenty of tools and best practices available to help you stay protected.

By implementing strong security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach and keep your website and customers safe.

Top 10 WordPress Security Plugins: An Overview

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering millions of websites of all sizes and types.

However, with that popularity comes increased attention from hackers and cybercriminals who are constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress sites.

This is why WordPress security is more important than ever before.

Fortunately, there are a range of powerful security plugins available for WordPress that can help protect your website from online threats.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 WordPress security plugins available today, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities.

Whether you’re a seasoned website owner or just starting out, these plugins can help keep your website safe and secure from a range of potential attacks.

Here’s an overview of the top 10 WordPress security plugins that you can consider to help protect your site:

Wordfence Security:

Wordfence is a popular security plugin that provides a comprehensive security solution for WordPress.

It includes features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, login security, and more.

Sucuri Security:

Sucuri is a well-known security plugin that offers malware detection and removal, website firewall protection, and security hardening.

It can also provide a comprehensive security audit of your site.

iThemes Security:

iThemes Security is an all-in-one security plugin that provides features such as brute force protection, two-factor authentication, malware scanning, and more.

It’s user-friendly and easy to set up.

All In One WP Security & Firewall:

This is another comprehensive security plugin that is beginner-friendly and easy to use.

It includes features such as login security, firewall protection, file integrity checking, and more.

Jetpack Security:

Jetpack is a security suite from WordPress.com that includes features such as malware scanning, brute force attack protection, downtime monitoring, and more.

It’s an easy way to add extra security to your WordPress site.

MalCare Security:

MalCare is a powerful malware scanner that can detect and remove malware from your site instantly.

It also includes features such as daily malware scanning, website firewall, and more.

WP fail2ban:

WP fail2ban is a plugin that adds IP blocking to your WordPress site.

It can help protect against brute force attacks and other malicious activity.

Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication:

Google Authenticator is a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of security to your WordPress login process.

It’s easy to set up and can provide added peace of mind.

Shield Security:

Shield Security is a comprehensive security plugin that provides features such as login protection, malware scanning, firewall protection, and more.

It’s easy to use and can help protect your site from a range of security threats.

BulletProof Security:

BulletProof Security is another powerful security plugin that includes features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security.

It’s a comprehensive solution that can help keep your site safe and secure.

1. Wordfence Security: A Comprehensive Security Plugin for WordPress

Wordfence Security is one of the most popular and comprehensive security plugin for WordPress.

It offers a range of features designed to keep your site safe and secure, including malware scanning, firewall protection, login security, and more.

One of the standout features of Wordfence Security is its malware scanning capability.

The plugin performs a deep scan of your website files to detect any signs of malicious code or activity.

It also checks for known security vulnerabilities in WordPress and its plugins, ensuring that you’re always up to date with the latest security patches.

If any issues are found, Wordfence Security will alert you immediately so that you can take action to resolve them.

Another key feature of Wordfence Security is its firewall protection.

The plugin includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF) that can help block malicious traffic before it even reaches your website.

The firewall is continuously updated with the latest threat intelligence, ensuring that your site is always protected against the latest threats.

Wordfence Security also offers advanced login security features, such as two-factor authentication and brute force attack protection.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.

Brute force attack protection, on the other hand, helps block repeated login attempts from known malicious IP addresses.

Wordfence Security also offers a range of other security measures, including real-time threat defence, country blocking, and security scanning of your WordPress themes and plugins.

Free Features

• WordPress Firewall.
• Security Scanner.
• Login Security.
• Multiple sites security.

Premium Features

• Country blocking.
• Scheduled scans.
• Two-factor authentication and many more.

2. Sucuri Security: A Powerful Plugin for Malware Detection and Removal

Sucuri Security is a well-known and widely used security plugin for WordPress.

It offers a range of features designed to keep your website safe and secure, including malware detection and removal, website firewall protection, and more.

One of the standout features of Sucuri Security is its malware detection and removal capabilities.

The plugin performs regular scans of your website files to detect any signs of malware or suspicious activity.

If any issues are found, Sucuri Security will notify you immediately and offer to remove the malware for you.

Sucuri Security also includes a website firewall, which can help protect your website from various attacks, including DDoS attacks, brute force attacks, and more.

The firewall is constantly updated with the latest threat intelligence, ensuring that your website is always protected against the latest threats.

Sucuri Security also offers a range of other security measures, such as blacklist monitoring, file integrity monitoring, and security hardening.

Blacklist monitoring checks whether your website is listed on any blacklists and notifies you if it is.

File integrity monitoring, on the other hand, checks your website files for any unauthorized changes and alerts you if any are found.

Security hardening includes a range of measures to help secure your website, such as disabling file editing, protecting your login page, and more.

Free Features

• Malware/Virus Scanning.
• File Integrity Monitoring.
• Blacklist option.
• Post hack Security actions.
• Security Notifications.

Premium Features

• Website Firewall.

3. iThemes Security: A User-Friendly Plugin for All-in-One Security

iThemes Security is an all-in-one security plugin for WordPress that offers a range of features to help keep your website safe and secure.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced website owner, iThemes Security is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use.

One of the standout features of iThemes Security is its user-friendly interface.

The plugin includes a setup wizard that guides you through the initial setup process and helps you configure your website’s security settings.

Even if you’re not familiar with website security, iThemes Security makes it easy to get started.

iThemes Security includes a range of security measures to help protect your website from various threats, such as brute force attacks, malware, and more.

The plugin includes a two-factor authentication feature, which adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.

Another key feature of iThemes Security is its malware scanning capability.

The plugin performs regular scans of your website files to detect any signs of malware or suspicious activity.

It also checks for known security vulnerabilities in WordPress and its plugins, ensuring that you’re always up to date with the latest security patches.

If any issues are found, iThemes Security will notify you immediately so that you can take action to resolve them.

iThemes Security also offers a range of other security measures, such as file change detection, database backups, and more.

File change detection checks your website files for any unauthorized changes and alerts you if any are found.

Database backups allow you to create regular backups of your website database, which can be useful in case of any data loss or website crashes.

Free Features

• stop automated attacks.
• fix common security holes.
• helps choose strong passwords.
• Prevents brute attacks and many more.

Premium Features

• Two-factor authentication.
• Scheduled scans.
• Password expiration.
• Google ReCaptcha.
• User logging action.

4. All In One WP Security & Firewall: A Comprehensive and Beginner-Friendly Security Plugin

All In One WP Security & Firewall is a comprehensive security plugin for WordPress that offers a range of features to help keep your website safe and secure.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced website owner, this plugin is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use.

One of the standout features of All In One WP Security & Firewall is its user-friendly interface.

The plugin includes a security meter that rates the security level of your website and provides recommendations for improving it.

It also includes a setup wizard that guides you through the initial setup process and helps you configure your website’s security settings.

All In One WP Security & Firewall includes a range of security measures to help protect your website from various threats, such as brute force attacks, malware, and more.

The plugin includes a login lockdown feature, which blocks IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts.

It also includes a captcha-based login form, which can help prevent automated login attempts by bots.

Another key feature of All In One WP Security & Firewall is its firewall protection.

The plugin includes a website firewall that can help protect your website from various types of attacks, including SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more.

The firewall is constantly updated with the latest threat intelligence, ensuring that your website is always protected against the latest threats.

All In One WP Security & Firewall also offers a range of other security measures, such as file change detection, database backups, and more.

File change detection checks your website files for any unauthorized changes and alerts you if any are found.

Database backups allow you to create regular backups of your website database, which can be useful in case of any data loss or website crashes.

All In One WP Security & Firewall is a free plugin, which makes it an accessible option for beginners and those on a tight budget.

However, just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features.

All In One WP Security & Firewall offers a comprehensive range of security measures that can help keep your WordPress site protected.

Free Features

• Password strength tool.
• Protects from brute force attacks.
• Force logout of all users.
• Display failed login attempts.
• Google ReCaptcha.
• Schedule automatic backups.
• The option of the blacklist.
• Comment spam security.

Premium Features

No premium plans are included, it’s totally free.

5. Jetpack Security: A Robust Security Suite from WordPress.com

Jetpack Security is a powerful security suite developed by WordPress.com that provides robust protection to your WordPress website.

This plugin offers a range of features to keep your site safe from hackers, malware, and other security threats.

One of the standout features of Jetpack Security is its comprehensive malware scanning and automated threat resolution.

The plugin scans your site regularly and automatically fixes any security issues it finds.

This includes identifying and removing malware, preventing brute force attacks, and blocking malicious IP addresses.

This proactive approach to security is a big plus for website owners who want to focus on running their site without worrying about security issues.

Another key feature of Jetpack Security is its brute force protection.

The plugin offers a range of settings to help prevent brute force attacks on your website, including limiting the number of login attempts from a single IP address and enabling two-factor authentication for users.

This helps to protect your site from unauthorized access and brute force attacks.

Jetpack Security also includes a comprehensive security dashboard that gives you an overview of your website’s security status.

This dashboard displays your website’s security history, including any security events and any changes to your security settings.

This helps you stay on top of your website’s security and quickly identify any security issues that need to be addressed.

Jetpack Security also offers a range of other security measures, such as real-time backups, spam protection, and more.

Real-time backups ensure that your website data is always backed up and can be restored quickly in case of any data loss or website crashes.

Spam protection helps to prevent comment spam and other forms of unwanted content from appearing on your site.

Jetpack Security is also backed by the team at WordPress.com, which means that you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product that is constantly being updated and improved.

6. MalCare Security: A Powerful Malware Scanner with Instant Removal

MalCare Security is a powerful WordPress security plugin that specializes in malware detection and removal.

This plugin uses advanced scanning technology to identify any malware present on your website and provides instant removal to keep your site safe and secure.

One of the standout features of MalCare Security is its malware scanning technology.

This plugin uses a combination of signature matching, behaviour analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify any malware present on your website.

This means that MalCare Security can detect even the most advanced malware that other plugins may miss.

Once malware is detected, MalCare Security offers instant removal to ensure that your site is fully secure.

This includes removing any malicious files, database entries, and code injections.

This automated removal process makes it easy for website owners to quickly and effectively remove malware from their sites without any technical expertise.

MalCare Security also offers a range of other security features, including firewall protection, login protection, and uptime monitoring.

The plugin’s firewall protection helps to prevent brute-force attacks and blocks malicious IP addresses.

The login protection feature adds an extra layer of security to your site’s login page, helping to prevent unauthorized access.

The uptime monitoring feature helps to ensure that your site is always up and running and alerts you in case of any downtime.

One of the most compelling aspects of MalCare Security is that it is available for free with any Cloudways hosting plan.

This makes it an attractive option for website owners who are looking for a high-quality security plugin without any additional costs.

MalCare Security is constantly updated and improved by its team of security experts, so you can be sure that you’re getting the latest and most effective security measures.

Cloudways is one of the best hosting providers available in the market. I am already using it.

With cloudways, you can get a free plugin named Cloudways Bot Protection and Malware Security.

Bot protection plugin will block bad bots, brute force, login attacks and more which you can check below link for more information.

You can also check logs, block reports etc.

Bot Protection not only improves the security of your WordPress websites but also provides better value on smaller servers by reducing server resource usage by malicious bots.

Free Features:

• Cloud-Based Malware Scanning
• Deep Malware Scanning – Files & Database
• Web Application Firewall
• Plugin Based Firewall
• Rules update every 7 days
• Login Page Protection
• Bot Protection
• Support on WordPress forum

Paid Features:

• Rules update every 5 mins
• Geo-Blocking
• Website Hardening
• View Malware Insights
• Instant One-Click Clean Ups
• Automatic Clean-Ups
• Unlimited Clean-Ups
• Support via email and chat 

7. WP fail2ban: A Plugin for Adding IP Blocking to Your WordPress Site

WP fail2ban is a WordPress security plugin that adds IP-blocking functionality to your website.

This plugin integrates with the fail2ban system, which is a popular open-source intrusion prevention tool.

By using WP fail2ban, you can add an extra layer of security to your website and protect it from a range of potential threats.

The primary function of WP fail2ban is to block IP addresses that are associated with suspicious activity on your website.

This includes attempts to login with incorrect credentials, brute force attacks, and other malicious behaviour.

When WP fail2ban detects this type of activity, it sends a signal to the fail2ban system, which in turn blocks the associated IP address.

This means that the attacker will no longer be able to access your website.

WP fail2ban is highly configurable, which means that you can customize it to meet your specific security needs.

The plugin includes a range of settings that allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the blocking rules, whitelist specific IP addresses, and more.

This makes it a powerful tool for protecting your website against a range of potential threats.

One of the main advantages of WP fail2ban is its integration with the fail2ban system.

This is a widely used and respected intrusion prevention tool that has been proven to be effective at blocking a range of attacks.

By using WP fail2ban, you can take advantage of the fail2ban system’s advanced blocking capabilities and protect your website against a range of potential threats.

Another advantage of WP fail2ban is its ease of use. The plugin is user-friendly and can be set up quickly and easily.

Once installed, it runs in the background and does not require any ongoing maintenance.

This means that you can enjoy enhanced security without having to spend a lot of time and effort on managing your website’s security.

8. Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication: A Simple Way to Add Extra Security to Your Login Process

Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication is a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of security to your WordPress login process.

This plugin works by requiring users to enter a unique code generated by the Google Authenticator app in addition to their username and password.

This means that even if an attacker gains access to your password, they still won’t be able to log in to your account without the unique code.

To use Google Authenticator, you first need to install the Google Authenticator app on your phone.

Once installed, you can enable two-factor authentication on your WordPress site by installing the Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication plugin.

After installing the plugin, you’ll be prompted to scan a QR code using the Google Authenticator app on your phone.

This will link your WordPress site to your Google Authenticator app.

Once set up, when you log in to your WordPress site, you’ll be prompted to enter a code generated by the Google Authenticator app in addition to your username and password.

This code changes every 30 seconds, making it nearly impossible for an attacker to guess or reuse it.

One of the key benefits of Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication is its simplicity.

It’s easy to set up and use, and it doesn’t require any additional hardware or software.

All you need is a smartphone with the Google Authenticator app installed.

This makes it an accessible and practical option for anyone looking to add extra security to their WordPress site.

Another benefit of Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication is its effectiveness.

Two-factor authentication is a proven method for enhancing the security of your online accounts.

By requiring users to enter a unique code in addition to their username and password, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.

9. Shield Security: A Comprehensive WordPress Security Plugin for Protection Against Attacks

Shield Security is a powerful WordPress security plugin designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of online threats.

It offers a range of features and tools to help safeguard your website from various types of attacks, including brute force attacks, malware, and spam.

One of the key features of Shield Security is its login protection system.

This feature helps protect your website from brute force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts and blocking IP addresses that repeatedly try to log in.

This can help prevent unauthorized access to your site and keep your sensitive information secure.

Another powerful feature of Shield Security is its malware scanner, which scans your website for malware and other security vulnerabilities.

It also provides a real-time firewall that blocks malicious traffic and protects against various types of attacks.

Shield Security also offers a range of other tools to help you secure your WordPress site, including:

• Two-factor authentication: This feature adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring users to enter a unique code in addition to their username and password.
• Comment spam protection: Shield Security helps protect your website from spam comments by using various anti-spam techniques.
• Automatic updates: The plugin automatically updates your WordPress core, plugins, and themes to ensure that you’re always using the latest and most secure versions.
• File change detection: Shield Security monitors your website for any changes to files and alerts you if any suspicious activity is detected.

10. BulletProof Security: A Powerful Plugin for Website Protection and Security Optimization

BulletProof Security is a powerful WordPress security plugin that helps protect your website from a range of online threats.

The plugin offers a comprehensive suite of security features and tools, including malware scanning, login protection, and database backup, among others.

One of the key features of BulletProof Security is its Firewall Security feature.

This feature provides website protection by monitoring and filtering traffic to your website.

The plugin blocks malicious traffic and helps prevent various types of attacks, including SQL injection attacks and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Another powerful feature of BulletProof Security is its Login Security feature.

This feature helps protect your website from brute force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts and blocking IP addresses that repeatedly try to log in.

It also offers two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your login process.

BulletProof Security also offers a range of other security features and tools, including:

• Malware scanner: The plugin scans your website for malware and other security vulnerabilities, and alerts you if any suspicious activity is detected.
• Database backup: BulletProof Security provides an easy-to-use database backup feature, which allows you to backup your website’s database with just a few clicks.
• Security optimization: The plugin helps optimize your website’s security settings and configuration, ensuring that your website is as secure as possible.

One of the standout features of BulletProof Security is its user-friendly interface.

The plugin is easy to install and configure, and its dashboard provides a clear and intuitive overview of your website’s security status.

11. Anti-Malware Security Plugin: Keep Your WordPress Site Safe from Online Threats

The Anti-Malware Security plugin is a powerful tool designed to keep your WordPress website safe from malware and other online threats.

Developed by Eli Scheetz, this plugin scans your website for known malware and virus patterns, as well as suspicious code and files, to help keep your site secure.

One of the standout features of Anti-Malware Security is its ability to remove any malware that is detected with just one click.

This is a huge advantage for website owners who don’t have the technical expertise to manually remove malware, or simply don’t have the time to spend on it.

The plugin also includes a range of other security features, such as IP blocking, automatic updates, and advanced firewall protection.

Another great thing about Anti-Malware Security is its ease of use. The plugin is designed to be user-friendly and can be installed and activated with just a few clicks.

Once installed, the plugin will begin scanning your site for potential threats, and you’ll be notified if any issues are detected.

You can also customize the plugin’s settings to suit your specific needs, including scheduling regular scans and setting up email alerts for potential security breaches.

Conclusion

So, these are the best free security plugins for WordPress.

But, don’t depend only on the security plugins for your website safety. Update plugins and WordPress regularly.

I recommend using CDN (Content Delivery Network), SSL certificate, Cloudways hosting and Themify Ultra theme.

Because being updated makes your site more secure.