The security of your WordPress site is one of the most critical things you’ll have to think about as a website owner. Neglecting safety can cause harm to your site, and it can also reduce your overall growth.
However, there are steps that you can take to keep your WordPress website secure. Adding a WordPress security plugin to your site is one of the best ways of boosting overall security. There are hundreds of WordPress security plugins available.
However, they don’t all come with the essential features you will need to keep your website secure, and deciding on the most useful plugin can be challenging when there are so many to choose from.
Therefore, to save you time and offer you the best solution based on our years of experience and days of research, we have narrowed down the list and handpicked 11 best WordPress security plugins that will keep all threats at bay.
By the end of this article, we will have specified our top recommendations along with criteria for each plugin so that you can have a clear solution.
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Now, without taking up more of your time, let us dive into the details of every plugin.
List of 10 Best WordPress Security Plugins (2021)
1. Sucuri Plugin – Best WordPress Security Plugins
Sucuri is one of the best WordPress security plugins in the market. It comes with various security features, including activity monitoring, scan monitoring, security audits, malware scanning, website firewall, notifications, post-hack security features, and more.
All so that you can have the peace of mind that the best plugin is protecting your site for you.
Additionally, Sucuri reduces the server load times and improves your site’s performance by blocking malicious traffic.
Moreover, Sucuri also keeps track of everything going on your site, including recent logins, file changes, failed login attempts, and more.
Most of these features are included in the free version of the plugin. However, with Sucuri Pro, you get additional protection such as SSL support, website firewall, and more. For a safe, cost-effective solution, we recommend going with Sucuri Pro.
Unlike some other plugins, Sucuri won’t give any false promises. Instead, it gives you a wide array of features, such as security hardening, to keep your site safe.
Furthermore, if your site gets infected with malware, Sucuri provides clean up without any additional cost. You can also take them a site that has already been affected by malware, and they will clean it up for free.
Key Features
- Firewall protection and malware scanning.
- Exceptional security hardening.
- Protection from various attacks, including XXS, SQL injection, and more.
- Constant monitoring to identify threats.
Price
You can get access to the full Sucuri platform for $199.99 per year.
2. iThemes Security Plugin
iThemes Security proudly claims to be one of the best WordPress security plugins, and we agree with them! The same team behind BackupBuddy developed this plugin, so many of you might be familiar with it.
iThemes Security is one of the most trusted and reliable plugins available, with over 1,000,000 installations.
iThemes Security comes with various security features such as brute force attack protection, 404 error detection, malware scanning, and more. The plugin comes with a free version, which provides all the fundamental features.
However, as far as we have seen, to get the best out of iThemes Security, going with the premium version of the plugin is the best choice.
With the iThemes Security Pro, you can incorporate additional security features to your sites such as User action logins, two-factor authentication, Google reCAPTCHA, powerful password reinforcement, dashboard widgets, WordPress security keys, and more.
The plugin does not have its own malware scanner; therefore, it uses Sucuri’s site check malware scanner.
iThemes Security plugin automatically blocks users after too many failed login attempts, which helps to prevent brute force attacks on your site. If there’s any potential threat to your site, the plugin will immediately notify you through email.
Additionally, it comes with various video tutorials that will help you understand the plugin’s functionality.
Key Features
- Two-factor authentication, 404 detections, and robust password enforcement for extra security.
- Database backups for additional security.
- iTheme security sends email notifications when a user gets flicked out.
- The plugin comes with features that lock out bad users and that detect and changes in your website’s files.
Price
The pro version starts at $80 per year.
3. Wordfence Security – A Reliable WordPress Security Plugins
Wordfence Security is another reliable name when it comes to security plugins; it is an all-in-one security plugin for users looking for an affordable solution.
The plugin helps in fighting various potential threats, including spam, malware, etc., and additionally, Wordfence Security comes with a malware scanner and an endpoint firewall to protect your site.
One of the key reasons why we listed Wordfence Security in the list is its extreme user-friendliness. Unlike other plugins on the list, it has a very accessible user interface, so even if you are not a tech person, you can get started immediately.
Additionally, the plugin gives you complete reports about your sites, including attempted hacks.
Additionally, Wordfence Security lets you block attacks from a particular region. For example, if a particular part of the world is famous for higher cybercrime rates, it enables you to stop the attacks from that geographical location.
Wordfence Security also comes with an IP blacklist feature that blocks requests from any IP address that has already attacked another WordPress site that’s also using Wordfence Security.
Best of all, the plugin comes at an affordable solution for every user.
Key Features
- Protects from brute force attacks by limiting login attempts.
- For additional security, it comes with two-factor authentication, malware scanner, and firewalls.
- 24/7 security monitoring of your site.
- IP address blocking, including country blocking, and more.
Price
The premium version is $99 per year.
4. All In One WP Security & Firewall Plugin
All In One WP Security & Firewall is a freemium plugin that comes with an easy-to-use interface. The plugin might not be packed with all the features of other premium plugins on the list, but it works well for small sites and beginners.
Plus, you can take advantage of its exceptional security features without paying a single penny.
It comes with excellent visual elements on the dashboard. You get detailed reports with graphs about your site’s security. The plugin also tells you which actions to take to improve the security of your WordPress site.
All In One WP Security & Firewall does not slow down your site’s speed because of its ability to apply firewall rules progressively.
You get plenty of features in the plugin. Some of the critical features are user account monitoring, front-end copy protection, malware scanning, firewall protection, IP filtering, backup & restoration, file protection, and more.
Additionally, the plugin also allows you to block IP addresses manually if you are suspicious about any.
All In One WP Security & Firewall scans your site thoroughly. Once the scanning is done, you will be notified about changes you can implement to increase security.
The plugin automatically detects accounts that are known for producing spam comments. This helps you to block spam comments and can be beneficial for SEO purposes.
Related Reading: How to Speed Up WordPress Site
Key Features
- Manual blocking of IP address, and country blocking.
- Account security features that include strong password enforcement.
- Adding of Google reCaptcha, and ability to see users who are currently logged in.
- Automatic backup scheduling and enable email notifications.
Price
The plugin is free to use.
Try All In One WP Security & Firewall Plugin
5. Google Authenticator Plugin
Having two-factor authentication for your site is a great way to boost security. Google Authenticator integrates with various builder plugins to conduct a secure login and registration process.
Additionally, it provides user login monitoring and IP address blocking for additional security.
Since most of the security plugins do not provide two-factor authentication, our list of best security plugins for WordPress would be incomplete without mentioning Google Authenticator.
The plugin comes with a straightforward interface, and it is effortless to use.
Google Authenticator also provides shortcodes so you can use it on custom login pages. Google Authenticator comes as a free version as well as a premium version.
The premium version comes with more authentication choices and various authentication methods for specific roles.
Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of login security for your website. Additionally, you pick the type of two-factor authentication you want to use. You can also set up two-factor authentication by Google Authenticator in just a few steps.
The premium version will come with multisite compatibility, various backup methods, and more. If you are looking for the best two-factor authentication tool, Google Authenticator is the best plugin.
Key Features
- Easy set-up for activating two-factor authentication.
- Shortcodes to use on custom login pages.
- IP address blocking and login monitoring.
- A straightforward and easy-to-use interface.
Price
The Google Authenticator plugin is free to use.
Try Google Authenticator Plugin
6. Bulletproof Security Plugin
BulletProof Security is yet another excellent security plugin for WordPress. Although the plugin is not as popular as others on the list, it does not hold back when it comes to keeping your site secure.
One of the plugin’s proudest claims is that none of its users up till now have been hacked. The interface is straightforward, and one can get the plugin running in just a few clicks.
It comes with some excellent features such as database backups, security logs, scanning of malware, login protection, firewall, anti-spam, and anti-hacking tools, and database restore options.
BulletProof Security lets you customize various security settings as per your requirements. BulletProof is more devoted towards developers as it gives you better control over your site than any other plugin on the list, although the set-up is still extremely straightforward.
The free version of the plugin comes with all the necessary features for securing your site, however, the premium version gives you access to better security measures and tools.
Another thing that we love about the BulletProof Security plugin is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means no matter which plans you purchase, if the plugin does not work for you, you can cancel and get a refund anytime within 30 days.
Additionally, it keeps your site secure through its security maintenance mode when you are going through back-end and front-end updates.
Key Features
- Login protection, malware scanning, and firewall protection.
- HTTP error logging and security logging.
- Option for automatic WordPress update.
- Idle sessions logout and enabling of email notification.
Price
The premium version comes at $69.95.
Try Bulletproof Security Plugin
7. MalCare Security Plugin
If we talk about the most reliable plugins, MalCare Security is among the best. MalCare Security, as the name suggests, is a top-notch malware scanner and remover, and we highly recommend it for all users irrespective of the size of your site.
The plugin lets you clean your site after an attack within a single click of a button.
MalCare Security comes with remote malware scanning, which prevents your server from getting overloaded. Since the plugin protects your site from their servers, your site will never encounter lousy performance.
Additionally, it comes with IP address blocking and firewall protection to keep your site secure all the time.
If you are a developer, MalCare Security is your plugin to pick. It comes with advanced options such as client reports and white-labeling.
The plugin comes with a basic free version that helps you in malware scanning, however, the premium version gives access to advanced tools and one-click removal of malware.
Besides protecting your site, MalCare Security also comes with a management plugin. With this, you can manage multiple WordPress sites; it enables you to manage permissions so that your team can happily collaborate.
Moreover, you can make a backup of your site for up to 90 days, so that you never lose your data in any situation.
Key Features
- Protects your site without slowing down your site.
- Fixing of the hacked site within less than 60 seconds.
- Malware scan and security scanning.
- 24/7 continuous monitoring to detect any possible threat.
Price
The premium plan starts at $99 per year.
8. VaultPress Plugin
VaultPress Plugin is a security and backup tool created and maintained by Automattic. With over 70,000 installations, VaultPress has managed to sustain significant popularity in a crowded market with its features.
The plugin comes with various security features along with key maintenance elements, but here we’ll focus on the security features. VaultPress comes with brute force attack protection for your site.
Additionally, it comes with spam protection and continuously monitors your site to keep all threats at bay.
This feature is crucial because, as a site owner, you’re unlikely to be constantly monitoring your site. Therefore, if there’s a risk, you will be informed immediately.
VaultPress also comes with one-click backup and restoration for your WordPress site. Moreover, it comes with uptime monitoring, so you never have to face performance and speed crises.
VaultPress also comes with site migration and a file-scanning feature that automatically detects viruses and eliminates them, malware, and other threats.
One of the best things about the plugin is that when you purchase the premium version, you get all the JetPack features along with it. The comprehensive protection of your site with its JetPack integration gives you the best security.
Key Features
- Spam protection and brute force attack protection.
- File scanning to automatically eliminate the virus.
- Fixing of virus, malware, etc. within a single click.
- Protects your readers and SEO with its Spam defense features.
Price
The security plan starts at $250 per year.
9. Security Ninja Plugin
Security Ninja is a prominent security tool that comes with security testing and vulnerability warnings. If you are unsure about your site’s security, the plugin will come in handy to test your site’s security.
It’s easy to use and comes with over 50 security-related tests that can be run on your site to check its security.
Security Ninja comes with test file accessibility. Additionally, it can help to find out if the database, general, or Javascript debug is enabled or not.
Security Ninja also checks if the WordPress themes, plugins, and core is up to date. It also simulates brute force attacks to determine the strength of the user’s password.
The plugin has a free version that comes with restricted features. Security Ninja Pro unleashes the full potential of the plugin.
The Pro version comes with a cloud firewall, auto-fixer, country blocking, blocking of suspicious page accounts, malware scanning, and more at affordable pricing.
Additionally, what we love about Security Ninja is that it automatically detects any other plugin on your site that may have vulnerabilities.
Every test you run through Security Ninja comes with extensive documentation to understand how it needs to be conducted and comes with instructions to fix the issue.
Although this might be overwhelming for beginners, we highly recommend going with Security Ninja Pro for the best security options.
Key Features
- Malware scanner, firewall protection, and vulnerability scanner.
- Blocking of over 600 million suspicious IP addresses.
- Enabling scheduled scans to be notified about the changes on your site.
- Additional features include country blocking, plugin integrity checker, import/export settings, etc.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $39.99 per year.
10. Defender Security Plugin
Defender Security is another plugin that gives you malware scan, firewall and login security. The plugin comes with all the essential safety features a beginner might need.
The free version of the plugin comes with restricted security features, but upgrading to the Defender Security Pro version unlocks additional possibilities.
The plugin comes with two-factor-authentication and WordPress core file scanning. Additionally, it blocks all suspicious IP addresses that might be a threat to your site. You also get a malware scanner for additional security.
The interface of the plugin is straightforward, and it is effortless to use. You can stop brute force attacks, cross-site scripting XSS, and other WordPress threats without any hassle.
You need to go through all the complicated settings to get started; Defender Security makes all the security changes as per your needs.
Additional plugin features include hiding error reporting, 404 detections, login masking, geolocation IP blocking, update security keys, and more.
The Pro version is one of the most recommended options for a solution to keeping your site secure.
Key Features
- Two-factor authentication and 404 detections.
- WordPress Security firewall and country blocking.
- Login masking feature that enables you to change the location of WordPress’s default login area.
- Spam prevention and login lockout.
Price
Defender Pro starts at $5 per month.
11. JetPack Security Plugin
Most WordPress users are familiar with the plugin known as JetPack. The plugin is created by WordPress itself, making it one of the reliable plugins on this list.
Although it’s last on our list, that doesn’t mean it’s any less functional than the other plugins we’ve mentioned. JetPack is a complete solution with all the essential features, including security.
The plugin is packed with speed solutions, social media security, spam protection, and more. If your priority is looking for a single plugin that covers all the essentials, JetPack should be the plugin to consider.
JetPack comes with some crucial security features such as brute force attack protection.
It also comes with a protect module and blocks suspicious activity (which might lead to vulnerabilities) on your site.
Although the free version is available on the official website, you might want a solution that’s more powerful to provide maximum security. For that, we recommend going to the pro version.
You get premium security scanning, spam protection, and backups – which are a crucial part of security. Therefore, having JetPack Pro gives you a complete solution to manage your site and keep it secure at the same time.
It also comes with site customization and optimization features, email marketing features, all of which expand its functionality beyond simply being a security plugin.
These additional features can eliminate the need to add additional plugins, saving you time and money.
Key Features
- Brute Force attack protection.
- Downtime monitoring to ensure that your site is always blazing-fast.
- Backups and anti-spam for extra layers of security to your site.
- Safe sign in process and JetPack scan to detect any suspicious threat.
Price
The premium plan starts at $250 per year.
Final Thoughts: What Are the Best WordPress Security Plugins?
Security is one of the most crucial factors for any website owner, and neglecting your site’s security can lead to severe consequences. Security plugins play a vital role in protecting your site.
While there over 10 plugins on the list, each plugin has its own specialities. While some plugins come with advanced features, some of the plugins are packed with a wide range of essential elements. Choosing the “best” security plugin comes down to your needs.
However, to avoid confusion and give you a straightforward solution, we recommend picking Sucuri as the plugin is packed with all the essential features for beginners and advanced users.
Similarly, if you are looking for a plugin that provides the best value for money, we recommend picking JetPack Security or iTheme Security.
For a beginner, All in One WP Security & Firewall, or Defenders works the best. On the other hand, if you are a developer or advanced user, we recommend picking Wordfence Security or Security Ninja.
No matter which plugin you pick, you can run your site smoothly without affecting the performance. We hope our article helped you to find out the best security plugins.
Let us know which plugin you are choosing in the comment section below!
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