Security isn’t optional anymore — especially when your website plays a direct role in your business. Whether you run a blog, a service website, or a digital product, you simply cannot afford to ignore WordPress security.
And here’s the truth: most websites don’t get hacked by expert attackers. They get hacked because of small, avoidable mistakes — weak passwords, outdated plugins, or missing basic protection.
As someone who runs a tech agency, I’ve seen these situations up close. Many founders come to us after their websites have been compromised. Some lose data, others lose traffic, and a few even lose revenue. That’s exactly why I’m writing this guide.
Below are the free tools I personally recommend to secure your WordPress website in 2026. You don’t need premium add-ons or deep security knowledge — you just need a smart setup and a few reliable tools.
1. Start With a Reliable Security Plugin
Every WordPress site needs a security plugin — no exceptions.
Two of the best free options are Wordfence and iThemes Security. Both tools block brute-force attempts, scan for vulnerabilities, monitor suspicious activity, and alert you instantly when something needs your attention.
Although both are great, I normally recommend Wordfence, because it includes:
- A built-in firewall
- Real-time traffic monitoring
- Malware scanning
- Detailed security logs
It also shows exactly who is trying to access your site — and what they’re attempting to do.
2. Use a Backup Tool That Actually Works
Here’s a rule I live by: If your website isn’t backed up, it is not secure.
Backups save you if anything goes wrong — hacking, server crashes, plugin conflicts, or accidental mistakes.
My preferred tool is:
WPVivid
It backs up:
- Your entire database
- Themes
- Plugins
- Media files
- WordPress content
It also supports off-site storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Set it once, automate backups daily or weekly, and you’re safe.
Here’s a video guide on how to use it.
BackWPup is also a reliable free alternative.
3. Limit Login Attempts and Protect Your Admin Access
Most WordPress hacks begin with login attempts. So one of the easiest ways to secure your site is to strengthen access.
Use these tools:
- Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
- Google Authenticator or built-in 2FA
- WPS Hide Login to change your login URL
When combined, these three steps make your login page significantly more secure.
4. Keep WordPress Updated — Always
Most hacks happen because something was outdated.
Themes, plugins, and core WordPress updates often include important security fixes. If you ignore them, you leave your site open to attack.
Use Easy Updates Manager to:
- Enable automatic updates
- Control which plugins update automatically
- Reduce your manual workload
At Kartgen, we update client websites weekly using a staging environment to prevent downtime.
5. Monitor and Scan Your Website Regularly
Security isn’t a one-time task. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems before they become serious issues.
For scanning, I use:
Sucuri SiteCheck (Free Online Scanner)
Just enter your domain, and it checks for malware, blacklisting, and visible infections.
Wordfence Scanner
Inside WordPress, Wordfence scans for:
- Modified files
- Malware signatures
- Suspicious code
- Vulnerable plugins
Both tools provide excellent visibility into your website’s health.
6. Use a Free CDN With DDoS Protection
A CDN doesn’t just speed up your website — it also adds a strong layer of security.
Cloudflare (Free Plan) provides:
- DDoS protection
- Bot blocking
- Basic firewall rules
- SSL
- Global caching
- Faster performance
Cloudflare is one of the easiest and most effective free upgrades for any business website.
7. Set Up Security Alerts and Notifications
Make sure you stay informed. Security plugins like Wordfence and iThemes Security send alerts when:
- Someone attempts a login
- A plugin has a vulnerability
- A file is modified
- An update is required
- Malware is detected
Ensure these alerts go to your main inbox, not spam or a secondary email you rarely check.
Want to Avoid These Mistakes From Day One?
Download my free guide:
Download My Free WordPress Starter Guide
It includes my setup checklist, recommended plugins, and proven security practices.
Want Expert Help Securing Your Website?
If you want professional help securing your WordPress site — or simply want peace of mind — I’m happy to assist.
Book a Free 20-Minute DevOps Consultation
At Kartgen Infotech LLP, we secure client websites using a reliable stack of tools, proven update policies, staging environments, and strong access control.
We don’t just install plugins — we build systems that protect your site as you grow.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, WordPress security isn’t just for developers. It’s a responsibility every founder and creator needs to understand. One weak link can expose your entire online presence.
The good news? Most security issues are easy to prevent. With the right tools, updates, and routine checks, securing your website becomes simple and stress-free.
Start with these free tools. Build a small routine. And if you ever feel stuck, I’m just a message away.
— Ashish