How To Run A WordPress Security Audit

Running a WordPress security audit ensures your website is protected from vulnerabilities and cyberattacks. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. Start with Backups: Securely back up your WordPress database, core files, themes, plugins, and uploads. Save backups locally and in the cloud.
2. Update Software: Keep WordPress core files, themes, and plugins updated. Remove inactive ones.
3. Run Security Scans: Use tools like Wordfence, Sucuri, or WPScan to detect malware, vulnerabilities, and file changes.
4. Review User Access: Audit user roles, remove unused accounts, and enforce strong passwords.
5. Secure Logins: Enable two-factor authentication, limit login attempts, and change default login URLs.
6. Check Files & Database: Set correct file permissions, update database table prefixes, and remove unused tables.
7. Add Security Features: Use a web application firewall (WAF), disable unnecessary features, and hide your WordPress version.
8. Monitor Security: Regularly track uptime, performance, and security logs using tools like Pingdom or GTmetrix.

Routine Maintenance:

• Weekly: Update plugins/themes, review logs, check backups.
• Monthly: Full malware scans, user access reviews, and database optimization.
• Quarterly: Conduct full audits, rotate passwords, and update policies.

Following these steps keeps your WordPress site safe and secure from threats.

How to Perform a WordPress Security Audit

Before You Start

Getting prepared before your audit ensures your data stays safe and the process runs smoothly.

Create Website Backups

Think of backups as your safety net before making any security changes. Here’s what you need to back up:

• WordPress database
• Core WordPress files
• Themes and plugins
• Media and uploads
• Website configuration settings

Save these backups in two places: locally and in the cloud. Many hosting providers, such as WP Support Specialists, offer automated backup options to make this easier.

Required Tools

You’ll need the right tools to conduct a complete security audit. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Time Planning

A WordPress audit usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on your site’s size and complexity. Here’s a general time breakdown:

• Initial setup and backups: 30 minutes
• Core security scans: 45–60 minutes
• User access review: 30 minutes
• File and database checks: 45–60 minutes
• Implementation of fixes: Time varies based on findings

To minimize disruptions, schedule audits during low-traffic times. Run security tools in the background and resolve any urgent issues immediately.

For larger or more complex websites, consider splitting the audit into several sessions over a few days. This way, you can thoroughly test everything without missing any security concerns.

Once you’re prepared with backups, tools, and a solid plan, you’re ready to dive into the security audit.

sbb-itb-976b402

Security Audit Steps

Check and Update Software

Start by accessing your dashboard and addressing any update notifications. Follow this update sequence:

• WordPress core files
• Active plugins
• Active theme
• Remove inactive themes and plugins

Before updating, record the current version numbers for reference. Once updates are complete, test your site to ensure everything works as expected. Keeping your software current helps reduce security risks.

Run Security Scans

After updating, conduct detailed security scans to identify any vulnerabilities. Use the table below for guidance:

These scans help uncover potential threats and ensure your site remains secure.

Check User Access

Go to the WordPress Dashboard under "Users" and review all accounts. Here’s what to do:

• Audit user roles: Ensure permissions align with each user’s responsibilities.
• Remove inactive accounts: Delete accounts that haven’t been used in 90 days or more.
• Enforce strong passwords: Update passwords as needed to meet security standards.

Once user access is reviewed, focus on making the login process more secure.

Secure Login Process

Protect your login system with these measures:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use tools like Google Authenticator to add an extra layer of security.
2. Limit login attempts: Set a limit of 3-5 failed attempts before triggering a temporary lockout.
3. Change the default login URL: Customize URLs like wp-admin and wp-login.php to minimize the risk of automated attacks.

These steps make it harder for unauthorized users to access your site.

Check Files and Database

Make sure your file permissions and database settings are secure. Use the following recommendations:

For database security:

• Change the default table prefix from wp_ to something unique.
• Remove unused tables to declutter your database.
• Verify no unauthorized admin users are present.
• Test your backup system to confirm it’s working properly.

These actions help protect your site’s core files and data from potential threats.

After the Audit

Once the audit is complete, it’s time to act on the findings to protect and maintain your site’s security.

Add Security Features

Strengthen your site’s defenses by implementing these measures:

Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF helps filter out malicious traffic, block suspicious IP addresses, and detect attack patterns.

Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off features that aren’t in use, such as:

• XML-RPC
• Unused REST API endpoints
• Dashboard file editing
• Directory browsing

Hide WordPress Version Information: Prevent exposing your WordPress version by adding this code to your theme’s functions.php file:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

Once these steps are in place, ensure you keep monitoring your site’s security regularly.

Monitor Website Security

Consistent monitoring is essential for identifying and addressing potential threats. Use the table below as a guide:

Set up automated alerts to catch issues early and address them promptly.

Plan Regular Checks

To keep your site secure, establish a routine for regular maintenance tasks:

Weekly Tasks:

• Review security logs
• Update plugins and themes
• Monitor user activity
• Check backup status

Monthly Tasks:

• Run a full malware scan
• Audit user access permissions
• Optimize the database
• Verify SSL certificate status

Quarterly Tasks:

• Conduct a full security audit
• Rotate passwords
• Perform a third-party security review
• Update security policies

For business-critical websites, consider hiring professional maintenance services to ensure everything runs smoothly. Use calendar reminders to stay on track, and document your findings to monitor long-term trends in your site’s security.

Summary

This section pulls together the key practices to keep your WordPress site secure.

A WordPress security audit helps uncover and fix vulnerabilities. Here’s what it should cover:

Software Management

• Keep the core WordPress software updated.
• Update plugins and themes regularly.
• Remove inactive plugins, themes, or unused items.

Security and Access

• Set up a firewall and enable SSL for secure connections.
• Use strong login credentials and limit login attempts.
• Control file permissions to prevent unauthorized changes.
• Manage user roles carefully to limit unnecessary access.
• Keep an eye on login activity for suspicious behavior.

Routine maintenance and expert reviews are crucial to maintaining security. If you need extra help, WP Support Specialists offers security audits to identify risks and provide actionable solutions. Their team also provides ongoing maintenance, including monitoring and emergency support, to keep your site protected.

Keeping your website secure is an ongoing effort that requires consistent attention.

Related Blog Posts

• 10 Critical WordPress Security Measures for Business Sites
• 8 Common WordPress Malware Types
• Common WordPress Errors: Solutions for Business Sites