WordPress Security & Backups: What You Need to Know
WordPress runs over 40% of the internet—so it’s always under attack.
Why It Matters
You might think your site’s too small to be hacked. It’s not.
WordPress security isn’t just about firewalls and passwords—it’s about habits.
whywp.com was built to help users like you make smarter decisions with confidence.
What Is “Security” in WordPress?
Security in WordPress includes everything that protects your site from:
- Brute-force attacks (password-guessing bots)
- Malware infections (often hidden in themes/plugins)
- Vulnerability exploits (code flaws in plugins/themes)
- Human errors (accidental deletions, misconfigurations)
Why Backups Are Part of Security
Security isn’t just prevention—it’s recovery.
Even the best-protected sites can get breached.
If you don’t have recent, tested backups, a small issue can become catastrophic.
What Makes a Good Backup?
- It runs automatically
- It stores copies off-site (not just in your hosting account)
- It includes full site + database
- It’s tested and restorable
Tools like BlogVault, UpdraftPlus, and Jetpack VaultPress offer solid options.
The Role of Hosting
Your hosting setup is the first layer of defense.
If you’re on a cheap shared server, you may be exposed to other people’s mistakes.
Look for hosts that offer:
- Daily automated backups
- Server-side firewalls
- Malware scanning
- 24/7 support
Managed WordPress hosts like Rocket.net or WP Engine excel here.
Do You Need a Security Plugin?
Yes—unless your host covers every base (rare).
Top options:
- Wordfence – Active scanning + real-time blocking
- iThemes Security – Strong login protection and hardening
- Solid Security – Lightweight, powerful, and easy to configure
Choose one, configure it well, and don’t overlap features with your host.
Final Takeaway
WordPress security starts with a good host, includes a trusted plugin, and ends with a reliable backup plan. The Fortress isn’t one wall—it’s layers. At whywp.com, we help you build it right.
FAQ Section
What’s the most common cause of WordPress hacks?
Outdated plugins and weak passwords—by far.
Are free security plugins enough?
They’re better than nothing, but premium versions offer real-time protection and support.
Should I back up daily?
If your site changes daily (blog, store, etc.), yes. Otherwise, weekly may suffice.
Can I use more than one security plugin?
Avoid that. They often conflict. Choose one well-supported solution.
How do I test my backups?
Restore them to a staging or local environment and see if everything works.
Written by Chet from The Editorial Team.
Learn how we write and test all our content for accuracy.
