Securing WordPress without a plugin is possible! You don’t need to pile on extensions to strengthen your site. With a few native settings, targeted adjustments, and good habits, you can eliminate a large portion of the most common threats.
1. Update WordPress to secure your site
The first golden rule is to keep your site up to date. WordPress regularly releases security fixes, as do theme and plugin developers. Therefore, enabling automatic updates for minor versions is strongly recommended. Otherwise, you can apply them manually to retain full control.
2. Secure user access without a plugin
Next, focus on user accounts. Absolutely avoid the username «admin.» Choose custom, complex usernames and enforce strong passwords. Also, limit access rights: there’s no need to give administrator privileges to a simple author or contractor.
3. File permissions: a cornerstone of WordPress security
Another key step is properly managing file permissions. Here are the recommended values:
- Directories:
755 - Files:
644
On the other hand, avoid at all costs permissions 777 that make your site vulnerable to all kinds of attacks.
4. Protect critical files via .htaccess
To strengthen the security of your WordPress site without a plugin, block access to wp-config.php. Simply add this to .htaccess :
order allow,deny
deny from all
5. Disable file editing from the dashboard
WordPress allows editing files from the interface by default. However, it’s strongly recommended to disable this feature:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);6. Secure WordPress without a plugin by blocking directory indexing
Also remember to disable directory indexing, a commonly overlooked entry point:
Options -Indexes7. Take it further to secure WordPress without a plugin
To complement these protections, I recommend regularly scanning your files, monitoring unusual connections, and above all, implementing a automatic backup. That way, even without a plugin, your site stays protected on all fronts.
8. Protecting your WordPress site effectively and sustainably
In short, securing WordPress without a plugin is not only possible but also beneficial for your site's performance and stability. To go further, I invite you to discover my services at my online store.