Running a WordPress website is exciting—but it also comes with risks. Cyberattacks, brute force logins, and malware injections target millions of websites daily. As a website security expert, I’ve seen too many businesses lose customers, money, and credibility simply because they neglected security.

The good news? Securing your WordPress site doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By following these 5 essential steps, you’ll create a strong defense against hackers and protect your business online.

1. Use Strong Hosting with Security Features

Your website is only as secure as the server it runs on. Cheap hosting often cuts corners on firewalls, backups, and malware scans.

What to do:

• Choose a trusted host like StormerHost or other providers that offer SSL, daily backups, and DDoS protection.
• Ensure your hosting company supports local currency payments (MoMo, Naira, Cedis) for easier management.

👉 Related resource: Best Web Hosting in West Africa (2025)

2. Keep WordPress, Themes & Plugins Updated

Outdated plugins and themes are the #1 entry point for hackers. Each update usually includes security patches that close vulnerabilities.

What to do:

• Turn on auto-updates for plugins and themes.
• Delete any unused themes/plugins—they’re a hidden risk.
• Regularly update WordPress core to the latest version.

3. Strengthen Your Login Security

Brute-force attacks target weak passwords and admin usernames like “admin.”

What to do:

• Use a strong, unique password (mix upper/lowercase, numbers, symbols).
• Install a login security plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all admin accounts.

4. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between your site and visitors, protecting sensitive data like login credentials or payment information. Google also ranks HTTPS sites higher.

What to do:

• Obtain a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt (most hosting providers offer this).
• Always redirect visitors from HTTP to HTTPS.
• Regularly check for SSL errors using tools like SSL Labs Test.

5. Set Up Regular Backups & Malware Scans

Even the best defenses can fail. That’s why backups and scans are your safety net.

What to do:

• Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup.
• Store backups on cloud storage (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or external servers).
• Schedule weekly malware scans to detect threats early.

Final Thoughts

Website security isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment. By implementing these 5 expert steps, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of hacks, protect your customers’ data, and ensure your business stays online 24/7.

🔐 Want help securing your WordPress website?
👉 Visit CarrickJoshua.com and let’s set up a secure, professional website for your business today.