How to Secure a WordPress Website from Hackers & Malware

Did you know that over 43% of all websites on the internet are powered by WordPress? While that speaks volumes about its popularity, it also paints a big target on its back.

According to a 2024 report by Sucuri Security, 94% of CMS-based websites that were hacked were built on WordPress. Why? Because hackers love low-hanging fruit—and an unsecured WordPress site is just that.

Whether you're running a personal blog or a full-blown e-commerce site on Cyfuture Cloud, securing your WordPress hosting website is not optional—it’s essential. A breach doesn’t just lead to downtime; it can ruin your search engine rankings, damage your reputation, and compromise your customer data. And if you’re relying on your website for leads, sales, or customer engagement, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This blog isn’t just another “install a plugin and you’re safe” kind of guide. We’ll walk you through real, hands-on steps—some basic, some advanced—that can truly fortify your WordPress website against hackers and malware.

Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Your WordPress Site

1. Start with a Strong Foundation – Secure Hosting Matters

If your hosting provider is vulnerable, your website is already exposed. Choose a secure, managed cloud hosting platform that’s built with security in mind.

Cyfuture Cloud, for example, offers enterprise-grade firewalls, DDoS protection, and isolated environments for WordPress sites.

Avoid shared hosting environments if you’re running a business-critical application; a single compromised site can risk the whole server.

Pro Tip: Go for cloud hosting with regular automated backups, server-level malware scanning, and root-level SSH access (secured).

2. Keep Everything Updated—Yes, Everything!

Most WordPress hacks happen because of outdated plugins, themes, or core files. Developers regularly release patches to fix security loopholes, and failing to update them leaves you wide open.

Always use the latest version of WordPress

Delete unused themes and plugins

Set automatic updates for trusted plugins

Use the WP-CLI tool on your Cyfuture Cloud server to run updates quickly and securely:

3. Install a Reputable Security Plugin

A WordPress security plugin acts like your digital bodyguard. It scans for malware, monitors file integrity, blocks brute force attacks, and even gives you a firewall.

Top picks include:

Wordfence

Sucuri

iThemes Security

Make sure the plugin you choose:

Has 1M+ active installations

Is regularly updated

Has a clean, transparent changelog

Combine plugin protection with server-side security (offered on Cyfuture Cloud) for double the defense.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Admin Login

Most brute-force attacks target the WordPress login page (/wp-login.php). Even with a strong password, it’s risky to depend on a single layer.

Here’s what you do:

Install a 2FA plugin (like Google Authenticator or Duo)

Require all users with admin access to activate 2FA

Bonus Layer: Hide your login page using plugins like WPS Hide Login so attackers can’t even find the entry point.

5. Secure wp-config.php & .htaccess

These two files are like the brain and heart of your WordPress installation.

To secure wp-config.php:

Move it one directory above your root folder and set the right file permissions:

For .htaccess, add:

This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to inject malicious code or access sensitive credentials.

6. Disable File Editing from Dashboard

If someone does manage to access your admin panel, the last thing you want is for them to inject malware into your theme or plugin files.

Add this line to wp-config.php:

This prevents anyone—even you—from editing PHP files from within the dashboard. If you need to make code changes, do it through SSH or SFTP, ideally on your Cyfuture Cloud terminal.

7. Limit Login Attempts & Monitor Activity

By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which is a hacker's dream come true. Use plugins like:

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded

Login Lockdown

Also, install Activity Log plugins to track who logs in, what changes are made, and from which IP.

8. Use SSL and Force HTTPS

Google now flags non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” and worse—some browsers actively block them.

Install an SSL certificate via your hosting panel or use Let’s Encrypt

Force HTTPS in .htaccess:

If your site is hosted on Cyfuture Cloud, enabling SSL is just a one-click process via the dashboard.

9. Schedule Regular Backups

Even with all precautions, things can go south. Having a backup means you’re never more than one restore away from peace of mind.

Use tools like:

UpdraftPlus

BlogVault

VaultPress

Your cloud hosting provider should also offer automated backups—Cyfuture Cloud, for example, stores daily encrypted backups with version control for seamless recovery.

10. Scan Your Website for Malware

No, you don’t need to wait for a breach to check your site. Use security plugins or external scanners like:

Sucuri SiteCheck

VirusTotal

If your site is already showing weird redirects, spam pop-ups, or defaced pages—run a deep scan immediately. And if you're on Cyfuture Cloud, reach out to their 24/7 security team to assist with real-time mitigation.

Extra Layer: Harden Your Server

If you're using cloud hosting or a VPS, go one step further:

Disable XML-RPC if you’re not using it

Change default ports

Install Fail2Ban to block suspicious IPs

Regularly update your Linux kernel and server packages

Cyfuture Cloud servers come pre-hardened, but having root access means you can tweak them even more to suit your application needs.

Conclusion: WordPress Security is a Habit, Not a One-Time Fix

Here’s the truth—there’s no such thing as 100% hacker-proof. But what you can do is make your site a really hard target. When attackers see your website is running on secure cloud hosting, has active firewalls, limited logins, and regularly patched plugins—they’ll likely move on to an easier one.

If you're serious about your online presence—be it for business, blogging, or eCommerce—treat security like hygiene. Do it often, do it right, and make no exceptions.