SiteLock WordPress Security Plugin
Fast to setup. Light to run. Harden WordPress the easy way.
Free on WordPress.org. Add essential security to your WordPress site with one plugin. Toggle WP-specific hardening, tighten login security, view Site Health and activity logs, and run off-server cloud checks - all inside WP Admin.
What the free plugin includes:
- Ready-to-apply WP-specific hardening toggles to reduce common attack paths
- Built-in login hygiene: enforce strong passwords, limit brute-force attack attempts and session timeouts
- View WordPress Site Health and cloud scan results* without leaving WordPress
- On-demand malware scans and recurring cloud checks*
* Available after connecting a free SiteLock account
Why do WordPress websites need protection?
As the most popular CMS platform, WordPress attracts hackers. Its plugin-driven flexibility widens the attack surface, increasing site security risk and ongoing maintenance overhead.
- WordPress sites are 25% more likely to have vulnerabilities than non-CMS sites
- WordPress sites are 3.27× more likely to be infected
Source: SiteLock 2024 Website Security Report
Cloud checks + safe hardening help close common attack paths
How does the SiteLock plugin help secure WordPress?
The SiteLock plugin helps secure WordPress by focusing on high-impact protections delivered in a simple, lightweight way:
- Action-first baseline - WordPress-specific hardening and core login protection in minutes, delivering quick wins without a maze of settings
- Light footprint - Cloud checks run off your server, so your site stays fast without heavy, on-server scans
- Built for clarity - Site Health view with a security summary for an at-a-glance posture check
- Assurance on demand - Run cloud security scans after updates or changes for immediate visibility
Wordpress website security made easy - How it works
The SiteLock WordPress plugin works directly inside WP Admin, giving you real-time visibility into site health and security. Use simple controls to apply WordPress hardening, then connect a free SiteLock account to run off-server cloud checks that validate changes without slowing your site.
The plugin provides baseline protection focused on prevention and visibility rather than full malware removal. For live attack blocking, malware cleanup, and performance optimization, connect a full SiteLock plan to enable firewall and CDN.
WordPress hardening
Toggle on WordPress specific hardening to cut common attack paths.
Login hygiene
Enforce password policies, gain visibility into login attempts, throttle brute-force attempts, and set session timeouts.
Site Health & activity in WP Admin
See Site Health; run on-demand scans and schedule recurring cloud checks (free SiteLock account required).
Free to start, easy to expand
Connect a free SiteLock account and add advanced protections later only when needed.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is currently in development and will be added in a future plugin update.
How to install the SiteLock plugin
Recommended
via WordPress Dashboard
- Log in to WordPress admin
- Plugins → Add New
- Search “SiteLock Security”
- Install Now → Activate
- Connect your free SiteLock account to enable Scan Now and recurring cloud checks
MANUAL INSTALL
from WordPress.org
Download SiteLock Security from WordPress.org and upload it to your site’s plugins.
Install & Uninstall Safety
Safe to install and remove
No code changes or theme conflicts. Revert toggles if you like, then uninstall. Your SiteLock account stays available on the web.
Upgrade any time. No re-install. No loss of settings.
FAQs
How does the SiteLock WordPress plugin protect my site without slowing it down?
The SiteLock security plugin keeps your site protected without heavy server load by running its most intensive checks in the cloud. Local controls like hardening toggles and login protections are designed to be lightweight, so your visitor experience stays fast while you still get strong baseline security.
Do I need a SiteLock account to use the plugin?
No, you do not need a SiteLock account to use the plugin. You can install and use the plugin’s core protections right away without an account. Connecting a free SiteLock account unlocks additional features like on-demand cloud scans and recurring cloud checks. Upgrading to a paid plan adds even deeper malware scanning and advanced protections.
What types of scans does the plugin run and how often?
The plugin itself doesn’t run constant background scans. You can trigger on-demand cloud checks after updates or changes, such as updating a theme. When connected to a free SiteLock account, recurring off-server checks can run on a schedule you control. These scans look for common issues like SSL problems, vulnerabilities, and email reputation issues, giving you clear security visibility without slowing down your site.
Do I still need a firewall or CDN if I use the SiteLock plugin?
Yes. As a best practice, the SiteLock WordPress security plugin should be used alongside a firewall or CDN. This plugin sets your on-site security baseline within WordPress. For active threat blocking and performance protection, you can connect a full SiteLock plan to enable the SiteLock WAF and CDN, creating a stronger, layered security approach.
Where can I view my security status in WordPress?
You can see an at-a-glance overview in the Site Health section. Your most recent cloud scan activity appears in the Cloud Services section, and complete scan history is available in your SiteLock dashboard.
Are the security controls flexible if I need to make changes later?
Yes. All hardening settings can be turned off at any time, allowing you to adjust and test configurations whenever needed.
Do I lose protection if my SiteLock account is disconnected?
Your on-site security features will continue to function normally if your account is unlinked. Any cloud-based scanning you’ve enabled can still run, but scan results and insights won’t appear inside the WordPress plugin unless the site is connected with an active license key.
Reduce your website security risks
Get started with SiteLock today
SiteLock quickly removes threats, restores functionality, and helps prevent future attacks, all backed by continuous monitoring and support.
