Nowadays website security is the most important requirement for anyone who wants to successfully setup an online presence. So, to help you in this regard I have created a list of best free WordPress security plugins.
Wordfence Security – Firewall & Malware Scan
Wordfence is no doubt the most popular among other best free WordPress security plugins. It comes with an ultra-advanced firewall and malware scanner. This plugin has the most reliable threat defense system which is keep updating regularly to enhance your website security. It also has a security tool named as “Live Traffic” through which you can easily monitor your website traffic in detail.
Jetpack by WordPress.com
Jetpack is an all in one solution for security, design and marketing. But according to the topic of this article I’ll only focus on its security aspects. It helps you secure your website from hackers and other malicious users. Some of its notable features include “Spam filtering”, “Protection from brute force attack”, “Backups of your entire site”, “Downtime monitoring”, “Logins with optional two-factor authentication”, “Code scanning”, “Malware scanning” and “Automated threat resolution”.
Really Simple SSL
This security plugin automatically changes your WordPress website’s http:// identity to https://. It migrates your website to SSL with ease. However, it does not provide SSL certificate. You just have to obtain your SSL certificate before configuring this plugin.
iThemes Security – formerly Better WP Security
iTheme Security protects your WordPress website in many ways. It works to ensure that vulnerable plugins and outdated software won’t be an avenue to harm your website. This is a top-notch plugin that is rated as one of the best free WordPress security plugins.
All In One WP Security & Firewall
This is a comprehensive security plugin that will take the security of your WordPress website to the next point. It is an extra security measure to lock down your WordPress website against any threats or attacks. Its ease of use is simply outstanding. It is free of charge.
Sucuri Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening
Sucuri is a globally acclaimed WordPress security tool. It is a scanning and monitoring security solution for your WordPress website. This is a plugin that does a thorough auditing of your website. It is available in free and paid version.
Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall
This plugin works real-time to tackle all vulnerabilities that may harm your WordPress website. It constantly scans your website to ensure that all threats are frontally attacked and certifies your website healthy after each scan. It is 100% free.
BBQ – Block Bad Queries
BBQ is a strong firewall plugin that gives your WordPress website all-round protection. It fights against dangerous URLs that have the potential of hurting your website. It goes a step further to block harmful redirects to your website. Its use is easy and no configuration of any type is needed.
Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
WordPress by default does not limit login attempts. This could be a potential loophole to be exploited to hack your WordPress website through brute-force. Installing this plugin limits login attempts. This plugin is compatible with Sucuri. The plugin costs nothing to use.
Shield Security for WordPress
Shield is a powerful security tool for warding off threats against WordPress websites. It is a well-simplified security solution for the protection of your website in all ramifications. Shield works quietly without sending you annoying notifications each time an attempt is made on your website. It simply does what it was made for – security.
Cerber Security & Antispam
This is an all-in-one security tool for your WordPress website. It does anti-spam and malware scanning. This is why it is one of the best free WordPress security plugins.
BulletProof Security
This plugin takes care of all security worries relating to your WordPress website. It backs up your database too. It is a reliable and dependable security plugin. It is pretty easy to set up. It is available for free.
WP Security Audit Log
This is a security plugin that works real-time. It keeps a tab on suspicious activities on your WordPress website. It nips security issues in the bud. This is an all-inclusive security solution to keep threats and all vulnerabilities at bay.
WP Hide & Security Enhancer
This is an amazing example of best free WordPress security plugins because it prevents hackers from exploiting your WordPress login page. It also ensures a complete protection of your website. You can get it for free.
SecuPress Free – WordPress Security
SucuPress is an active security tool that does a wide-ranging scan to detect malware and suspicious activities. It is super easy to use. It can be found in free and paid versions.
Security Ninja
This is an effective and efficient security plugin. The plugin takes care of WordPress website’s vulnerabilities and takes proactive measures to prevent attacks. It also optimizes your website for speed. Tests are conducted on a website regularly so that you can be in full control. There is a free and paid version of this plugin.
Hide My WP – WordPress Security Plugin
This plugin works in a unique way. It blocks access to your wp-admin and wp-login.php by concealing the URLs. This helps to prevent attacks on your WordPress website. It is compatible with other plugins such as Yoast SEO, WP Super Cache, and Contact Form 7. It comes in both free and paid versions.
Plugin Security Scanner
The name of the plugin is explicit enough. This plugin scans and detects vulnerabilities of plugins and themes. It does a daily scanning of your WordPress website. It is 100% free.
Defender Security, Monitoring, and Hack Protection
Defender is known to be one of the best free WordPress plugins because of its comprehensive multi-layer protection for WordPress websites. The plugin scans, monitors and protects websites against hacking.
WP Content Security Plugin
This plugin helps to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. XSS exposes your WordPress website to risks and vulnerabilities. The plugin helps to activate the Content Security Policy (CSP) on your website. This is a free plugin.
QueryWall – Plug’n Play Firewall
QueryWall is an intuitive security plugin that prevents malicious and suspicious queries on your WordPress website. It is easy to install and use. The plugin does a thorough diagnosis of your website so as to keep all dangerous HTTP calls in check.
Security Headers
This plugin assists in the setting up of different header instructions which includes the HTTP protocol so as to improve your website security. It also enables HSTS (Strict-Transport-Security), CSP (Content-Security-Policy) and XSS protection. This is a powerful plugin for the evaluation of WordPress website.
Security, Antivirus, Firewall – S.A.F
This is an encompassing security tool that renders hackers and spammers activities harmless. It is an effective plugin that destroys malware and prevents vulnerabilities on your WordPress website. It does a complete scanning of your website contents. It also prevents the brute-force attack on your website.
Look-See Security Scanner
This plugin is useful after the hacking of your WordPress website. It checks the state of all files and spot where modifications were made. Scans all files and prevent vulnerabilities. It is a free plugin.
SX User Name Security
This plugin helps to ensure WordPress does not show up your User Login URL or User Name. Hackers can hack your WordPress website by identifying your User Login or User Name. Hiding your ID is one way to prevent security risks on your website.
HTTP headers to improve web site security
This plugin is used to set up your WordPress website’s header instructions. The setting of header instructions helps to enhance the security of your website.
WP Security Question
WP Security Question is considered as a great example of best free WordPress security plugins for the strengthening of login security. Security question is a question that you select and answer when you are registering on a website. When you forgot your password; you can easily reset the password by providing the same answer to the same question.
Access Watch – Security and Traffic Insights
Access Watch is a security plugin that does a critical analysis of traffic to your WordPress website. Its documented reports help you to improve your website security. It also shields your website from attacks, spamming, and suspicious activities.
Lana Security
Lana Security provides top-notch security for your WordPress website through encryption. It prevents vulnerable files from compromising your website and uses CAPTCHA to improve website security.
Security Safe
Security Safe is a 100% free security plugin for your WordPress website. It is easy to configure and use. It guards against content copying on your website. It also does a complete auditing of your website so as to improve its security. It prevents brute-force and works well on multi-site.