Choosing the best WordPress security plugin protects your website from threats and vulnerabilities. Between 2019 and 2021, several security plugins stood out for their comprehensive features, reliability, and user-friendly interfaces. Here’s a breakdown of some top WordPress security plugins from that period, highlighting their key features and what makes them stand out.
- Wordfence Security
Features:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) that identifies and blocks malicious traffic.
- Malware scanner that checks core files, themes, and plugins for malware, bad URLs, backdoors, SEO spam, and malicious redirects.
- Live traffic view to monitor real-time access and hacking attempts.
- Leverage threat intelligence from millions of WordPress sites to block attacks.
Why It Stands Out: Wordfence is known for its comprehensive firewall and in-depth scanning capabilities. Its ability to leverage data from millions of sites to improve its firewall rules makes it exceptionally practical.
- Sucuri Security
Features:
- Security activity auditing for a clear picture of potential security issues.
- File integrity monitoring.
- Remote malware scanning with Sucuri’s SiteCheck.
- Effective security hardening.
- Post-hack security actions and blocklist monitoring.
- Website firewall (premium feature) that protects against hacks and DDoS attacks.
Why It Stands Out: Sucuri is praised for its robust auditing and monitoring tools. Adding a website firewall in its premium version offers an extra layer of protection, especially against DDoS attacks.
- iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security)
Features:
- Over 30 methods to secure and safeguard your WordPress website.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), brute force protection, and vigorous password enforcement.
- WordPress salts and security keys management.
- Schedule database backups and email them to yourself.
Why It Stands Out: iThemes Security offers an extensive range of protective measures and is particularly user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users. Its backup feature adds an extra layer of security.
- All In One WP Security & Firewall
Features:
- A comprehensive, user-friendly, and stable security plugin.
- User account security, user login security, user registration security, database security, and file system security.
- Blocklist functionality and firewall protection.
- A security scanner and a security points grading system measure how well you protect your site.
Why It Stands Out: All In One WP Security & Firewall is celebrated for its ease of use and the visual presentation of how secure your site is, thanks to its unique security points grading system. It offers an extensive feature set for a free plugin.
- Jetpack (Security Features)
Features:
- Downtime monitoring and brute force attack protection.
- Secure login with optional two-factor authentication.
- Malware scanning and spam filtering for comments and pingbacks.
- Site backups and restores (available in paid plans).
Why It Stands Out: While Jetpack is a multi-feature plugin, its security features are robust and backed by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com. Its integration with WordPress.com accounts for secure login options makes it a convenient choice for users already in the WordPress ecosystem.
Conclusion
When choosing a security plugin between 2019 and 2021, it was essential to consider your website’s specific security needs, ease of use, and budget. Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri offered advanced features for users needing comprehensive security solutions. At the same time, iThemes Security and All In One WP Security & Firewall provided a range of protective measures in user-friendly packages. Jetpack’s security features complemented its suite of website management tools, making it a versatile choice for WordPress users.