WordPress essential security fixes and workarounds

20.05.2025

Fozzy

When running an outdated version of WordPress, security is always a concern. Old versions may not receive the latest patches, leaving your site vulnerable to attacks. Here are the key security fixes and workarounds you should consider to protect your site:

Question: Why are old versions of WordPress more vulnerable?
Answer: Older WordPress versions don’t receive regular security updates or bug fixes from the WordPress team. As a result, vulnerabilities that were discovered in previous versions remain unpatched, making sites running these versions more susceptible to hacking attempts, malware, and other attacks.

Question: What can I do to protect my site if I can’t upgrade?
Answer: If upgrading to a newer WordPress version isn’t an option, you can still improve your site’s security by:

Updating plugins and themes: Even if your WordPress version is old, make sure all your plugins and themes are up to date. Developers often patch security issues in these components, and keeping them updated is crucial.
Strengthening login security: Use strong passwords for all users and consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).
Using an SSL certificate: SSL encrypts data between the server and users, helping prevent interception of sensitive information.

Question: Should I disable XML-RPC to improve security?
Answer: Yes. XML-RPC is a feature that allows remote connections to WordPress, but it has been a target for brute-force attacks. If you don’t need it, it’s a good idea to disable it.

You can disable XML-RPC by adding this code to your .htaccess file:
<Files xmlrpc.php> Order Deny,Allow Deny from all </Files>

Question: How can I limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks?
Answer: To prevent attackers from trying multiple login attempts, limit the number of failed login attempts allowed before locking the account temporarily. You can do this by using a plugin or modifying settings in your wp-login.php file.

Some plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded help set these restrictions easily.

Question: Are there any basic hardening techniques for WordPress?
Answer: Yes, some simple hardening techniques include:

Changing default login URLs: Use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to change the login URL from wp-login.php to something more secure.
Securing the wp-config.php file: Add the following to your .htaccess to prevent unauthorized access to your wp-config.php file:
<files wp-config.php> order allow,deny deny from all </files>