If you are running a WordPresssite, security needs to be your primary concern. In many cases, WordPress blogs are compromised because of outdated core files and/or plugins. Files that are outdated can be traced and you are providing hackers with an open invitation to your site. Here are some essential plugins to make sure you have installed.
WP Database Backup
WP Database Backup is an easy to use plugin that allows you to backup your core WordPress database tables with just a few mouse clicks. Don’t let its ease of use fool you – this is a powerful tool and it remains one of the most popular plugins to secure WordPress powered websites.
Plugin Security Scanner
This plugin determines whether any of your plugins or themes have security vulnerabilities. It does this by looking up details in the WPScan Vulnerability Database.
It will run a scan once a day, and e-mail the administrator if any vulnerable plugins or themes are found.
WP-DB Manager
This is yet another terrific plugin that lets you manage your WP database. It can be used as an option rather than using the WordPress Backup Manager.
Ask Apache Password Protect
This plugin does not control WordPress, nor will it mess with your database. Rather it uses speedy, proven built-in security features that provide a number of multiple security layers to your blog.
Really Simple SSL
Really Simple SSL automatically detects your settings and configures your website to run over https.
To keep it lightweight, the options are kept to a minimum. The entire site will move to SSL.
Limit Login Attempts
Limit Login Attempts blocks the internet address from making any further attempts after a specified number of retries has been reached, which makes a brute-force attack next to impossible.
WP-OTP
With WP-OTP you can easily set up 2 Factor Authentication with One Time Passwords for your WordPress login.
This extra layer makes your WordPress site a lot more secure.
Bad Behavior
Bad Behavior is a plugin that aids in fighting annoying spammers. The plugin will help you prevent spam messages on your blog, and it will also attempt to limit access to your WordPress blog, so they will not even be able even to read it.
User Spam Remover
This plugin has a name that gives away just what its function is. This is a popular plugin that helps in the prevention and removal of unwanted spam messages.
There you have it – a handful of essential plugins you should install on your WordPress blog.