If you’re serious about protecting your website and customer data, a solid WordPress security plugin is a must. With threats like malware, brute force attacks, and data breaches on the rise, investing in the right security tools can save you countless headaches.
In this post, I’ll cover 6 of the best WordPress security plugins to safeguard your site. These plugins include powerful features, from firewalls and malware scanning to login protection and real-time alerts. Let’s help you find the right security solution for your WordPress site.
| WordPress Security Plugin | Best for | Free | Premium Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sucuri | Full security with minimum maintenance | ✅ | Starts at $229/yr |
| 2. Wordfence | Robust, server-level firewall | ✅ | Starts at $119/yr |
| 3. SolidWP | Reliable, straightforward security | ||
| 4. All-In-One Security | Basic protection at no or low cost | ✅ | Starts at $70/yr |
| 5. MalCare | In-depth malware cleanup | ✅ | Starts at $149/yr |
| 6. Jetpack | Security plus site performance | Starts at $9.95/month |
Do I Need a WordPress Security Plugin?
Far too many people make the mistake of assuming hackers only target big companies. They think hackers only go for retail giants with databases of customer information like names, email addresses, and credit card details.
But the truth is that hackers target everyone, including small eCommerce companies doing low-volume transactions. In fact, 46% of cyber attacks impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees.
So if you’re a WordPress user with an online store, you likely need a security plugin no matter what stage of business you are in. You can optimize conversion rates and grow your email list all you want, but if you don’t secure your eCommerce site, you risk losing your business.
From those just starting out to those who’ve spent years building trust with their target audience, these plugins can make or break your online success.
6 Best WordPress Security Plugins in 2024
The good news is that securing WordPress sites has never been easier, thanks to a growing list of security plugins that help safeguard your company within minutes. Feel free to click below to skip to the plugin you’re interested in.
- Sucuri
- Wordfence
- Solid Security by SolidWP (formerly iThemes)
- All-In-One Security
- MalCare
- Jetpack Security
1. Sucuri
Many small businesses consider Sucuri to be the best WordPress plugin for improving your site’s security in 2024, and for good reasons. The Sucuri WordPress plugin has all the security features you need to audit and keep your site protected against malware, brute force login attacks, DDoS, and any other security threats.
What sets Sucuri apart is its cloud-based firewall, which blocks threats before they even reach your server, keeping your site’s performance high. The plugin’s activity log lets you track changes made on your site, so you can catch suspicious actions early.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based firewall
- Malware scanning and removal
- Activity logging and monitoring
- Performance optimization
Best for: Businesses of all sizes seeking comprehensive security with minimal maintenance.
Pricing: There is a free plugin that offers limited features. Sucuri’s Security Platform Plans start at $229/year. Their Firewall with CDN Plans start at $9.99/month.
2. Wordfence
Wordfence is another powerful and popular choice, known for its robust Web Application Firewall (WAF) and real-time threat detection. With features like malware scanning, two-factor authentication, and IP blocking, Wordfence protects your site from malicious traffic and login attacks.
Be aware that Wordfence’s firewall operates on your server, giving you direct access to detect and block suspicious activity. On the other hand, cloud-based firewalls like Sucuri require less maintenance and don’t use up your server’s resources.
Key Features:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Malware scanning and removal
- Real-time IP blacklisting
- Two-factor authentication
Best for: Users who want a robust, server-level firewall and hands-on control over security settings.
Pricing: Wordfence offers a free WordPress plugin. Paid plans start at $119/year
3. Solid Security by SolidWP (formerly iThemes)
Formerly known as iThemes, SolidWP offers a strong suite of features tailored to WordPress users seeking reliable security. With an intuitive interface, Solid Security provides robust options to protect against various threats, from brute force attacks to unauthorized file changes.
The Pro version includes additional premium features like two-factor authentication, scheduled malware scans, and passwordless login with passkeys, ensuring your site has multi-layered defenses. Solid Security is particularly suited for users who want an all-encompassing security solution without extensive setup.
SolidWP also offers a 3-tool suite that includes plugins for backups and maintenance.
Key Features:
- Brute force protection and file integrity monitoring
- Two-factor authentication and strong password enforcement
- Scheduled malware scans and version management
- Passwordless login with Passkeys and trusted device management
Best for: Small to medium businesses looking for reliable, straightforward security features.
Pricing: Solid Security Pro starts at $99/year. The full 3-tool suite starts at $199/year.
4. All-In-One Security
For those looking for a free solution, All-In-One Security is a fantastic option. It includes basic features like login lockdown to prevent brute force attacks, IP blacklisting, and file integrity monitoring.
The paid premium version includes malware protection, premium customer support, and more advanced features
Key Features:
- IP blacklisting and login lockdown
- Basic firewall protection
- User account monitoring
- Visual security dashboard
Best for: Beginners and small sites needing essential protection at no or low cost.
Pricing: All-in-One Security’s basic WordPress plugin is free, and the premium plugin starts at $70/year.
5. MalCare
MalCare is a high-performing security plugin known for its one-click malware removal and deep scanning capabilities. Unlike other plugins, MalCare performs its scans on its own servers, meaning your site won’t slow down during security checks. The plugin includes features like login protection, bot blocking, and a web application firewall.
With MalCare’s premium plan, you can access unlimited malware cleanup, making it a great option for websites that want proactive post-attack support.
Key Features:
- Off-site malware scanning
- One-click malware removal
- Bot protection and web application firewall
- Login protection features
Best for: Sites needing reliable malware scanning and cleanup without sacrificing site speed.
Pricing: MalCare offers a free plugin. Paid plans start at $149/year
6. Jetpack Security
Jetpack is one of the most widely-used plugins in the WordPress ecosystem, offering a suite of tools that includes real-time backups, malware scanning, and spam filtering. Created by Automattic, Jetpack integrates smoothly with WordPress, making it ideal for users who want all-around site management.
Jetpack Security also offers downtime monitoring and real-time alerts for suspicious activities, giving you peace of mind that your site is well-protected.
Key Features:
- Real-time backups and malware scanning
- Downtime monitoring
- Spam filtering for comments
- One-click fixes for common vulnerabilities
Best for: WordPress users looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one plugin that includes security alongside other site management tools.
Pricing: Jetpack Security starts at $9.95/month. The complete Jetpack suite starts at $25.95/month.
We hope you found this article helpful in choosing the best security plugin for WordPress. If so, you may also want to check out the following resources:
- 15 eCommerce Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Online Sales
- How to Launch a Successful Ecommerce Site: 9 Tips & Tools
- How to Easily Verify an Email Address With TruLead®
These resources will have more information on how you can safely grow as an eCommerce business no matter what stage you’re in.
Ready to grow your list, boost conversions, and get more sales from your WordPress site? Get started with OptinMonster today!
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