WordPress is a popular platform for building websites, but it’s also a common target for hackers. To protect your WordPress site from potential threats, it’s crucial to regularly scan it for vulnerabilities. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 20 best WordPress security scanners available, highlighting their key features and providing step-by-step guides on how to use them. We’ll explain everything in plain English, making it easy for you to enhance your site’s security.
20 Best WordPress Security Scanners: Features and Step-by-Step Guides
1. Wordfence Security
Features:
- Real-time threat defense.
- Firewall protection.
- Malware scanning.
- Login attempt monitoring.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Wordfence Security plugin.
- Configure firewall settings to enhance security.
- Run a malware scan.
- Monitor login attempts and set up alerts.
2. Sucuri Security
Features:
- Website firewall.
- Malware scanning.
- Security activity auditing.
- Post-hack security actions.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Sucuri Security plugin.
- Set up the firewall.
- Perform a malware scan.
- Review security activity logs.
- Implement post-hack security measures if necessary.
3. iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security)
Features:
- Brute force protection.
- File change detection.
- Database backups.
- Strong password enforcement.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the iThemes Security plugin.
- Configure brute force protection settings.
- Set up file change detection.
- Schedule database backups.
- Enforce strong passwords for users.
4. BulletProof Security
Features:
- Firewall protection.
- Malware scanning.
- Database backups.
- Login security.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the BulletProof Security plugin.
- Set up the firewall.
- Perform a malware scan.
- Schedule database backups.
- Enhance login security settings.
5. SecuPress
Features:
- Security alerts.
- Malware scanning.
- Firewall.
- Block suspicious IPs.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the SecuPress plugin.
- Configure security alerts.
- Run a malware scan.
- Set up the firewall.
- Block suspicious IP addresses.
6. All In One WP Security & Firewall
Features:
- User account security.
- Firewall rules.
- Database security.
- Filesystem security.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the All In One WP Security & Firewall plugin.
- Enhance user account security.
- Configure firewall rules.
- Improve database and filesystem security.
7. MalCare Security
Features:
- Malware scanning.
- Firewall.
- Website hardening.
- Login protection.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the MalCare Security plugin.
- Run a malware scan.
- Set up the firewall.
- Harden your website’s security.
- Enhance login protection.
8. WP Security Audit Log
Features:
- Activity logging.
- User monitoring.
- Email notifications.
- Custom alerts.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP Security Audit Log plugin.
- Monitor user activity.
- Configure email notifications.
- Create custom alerts for specific events.
9. Defender Security
Features:
- Firewall.
- Malware scanning.
- Login protection.
- Audit logging.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Defender Security plugin.
- Set up the firewall.
- Run a malware scan.
- Enhance login protection.
- Review audit logs for suspicious activity.
10. Shield Security
Features:
- Firewall.
- Malware scanning.
- Brute force protection.
- Email alerts.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Shield Security plugin.
- Configure the firewall.
- Run malware scans.
- Set up brute force protection.
- Enable email alerts for security events.
11. WPScan
Features:
- Vulnerability scanning.
- Theme and plugin checks.
- Password brute forcing.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and set up WPScan on your server.
- Scan your WordPress site for vulnerabilities.
- Review the results and take necessary actions.
12. NinjaFirewall (WP Edition)
Features:
- Web application firewall.
- Real-time monitoring.
- Malware scanning.
- Event notifications.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) plugin.
- Configure the web application firewall.
- Enable real-time monitoring.
- Run malware scans.
- Set up event notifications.
13. Cerber Security, Antispam & Malware Scan
Features:
- Malware scanning.
- Antispam protection.
- Brute force protection.
- Traffic monitoring.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Cerber Security plugin.
- Run malware scans.
- Configure antispam and brute force protection.
- Monitor website traffic.
14. WP Cerber Security, Antispam & Malware Scan
Features:
- Malware scanning.
- Antispam protection.
- Brute force protection.
- Traffic monitoring.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP Cerber Security plugin.
- Run malware scans.
- Configure antispam and brute force protection.
- Monitor website traffic.
15. Astra Security Suite
Features:
- Firewall.
- Malware scanning.
- Real-time security.
- Vulnerability assessment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sign up for an Astra Security Suite account.
- Configure the firewall settings.
- Run malware scans.
- Monitor real-time security alerts.
- Perform vulnerability assessments.
16. WP fail2ban
Features:
- Brute force protection.
- IP banning.
- Login attempt monitoring.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP fail2ban plugin.
- Configure brute force protection.
- Set up IP banning rules.
- Monitor login attempts.
17. MalCare Security
Features:
- Malware scanning.
- Firewall.
- Website hardening.
- Login protection.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the MalCare Security plugin.
- Run a malware scan.
- Set up the firewall.
- Harden your website’s security.
- Enhance login protection.
18. WP Security by CleanTalk
Features:
- Malware scanning.
- Brute force protection.
- Firewall.
- Comment spam protection.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP Security by CleanTalk plugin.
- Run malware scans.
- Configure brute force protection.
- Set up the firewall.
- Enable comment spam protection.
19. WP Security Audit Log
Features:
- Activity logging.
- User monitoring.
- Email notifications.
- Custom alerts.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP Security Audit Log plugin.
- Monitor user activity.
- Configure email notifications.
- Create custom alerts for specific events.
20. Defender Security
Features:
- Firewall.
- Malware scanning.
- Login protection.
- Audit logging.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Defender Security plugin.
- Set up the firewall.
- Run a malware scan.
- Enhance login protection.
- Review audit logs for suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Securing your WordPress website is of utmost importance, and using a security scanner is a crucial step in this process. These 20 WordPress security scanners offer a wide range of features to help protect your site from threats. By following the step-by-step guides provided, you can easily enhance your site’s security, even if you’re not a tech expert. Remember, a well-protected website is a safer website for both you and your visitors.
