Marc Armengou

Security Hardener is inspired by the official WordPress hardening guide (Advanced Administration / Security / Hardening). It uses the platform’s standard functions and does not override core. Applies a prudent set of defenses:
<ul>
<li>Security headers: <code>X-Frame-Options</code>, <code>X-Content-Type-Options</code>, <code>Referrer-Policy</code>, <code>Permissions-Policy</code>, <code>COOP/CORP</code>. </li>
<li>HSTS (optional; HTTPS only). </li>
<li>Basic nonce-based CSP (optional; requires testing). </li>
<li>Disable XML-RPC and pingbacks (optional; enabled by default). </li>
<li>Hide the WordPress version in the <code><head></code>. </li>
<li>Block user enumeration via <code>/?author=</code> by returning 404. </li>
<li>Generic login errors (prevents information leakage). </li>
<li>IP-based login rate limiting with transients (configurable threshold and window). </li>
<li>Restrict the REST API to authenticated users, with a minimal allowlist for oEmbed/index.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
⚠️ Important: The restrict REST API option and CSP can affect integrations and plugins. Test it in staging first.
</blockquote>
Privacy: the plugin does not send data to external services or create new tables. It only uses transients to count failed login attempts.

Security Hardener

Basic hardening: secure headers, enumeration blocking, generic login errors, IP-based rate limiting, and optional restriction of the REST API.

Ashar

SecurelyWP

SecurelyWP is a hassle-free security plugin that makes your WordPress site safer the moment you activate it. Most features work out of the box, with optional CAPTCHA and two-factor authentication (2FA) configuration for enhanced protection. It includes strong security features, system details, security headers, CAPTCHA integration, and 2FA to keep your site secure and healthy.
Why Choose SecurelyWP?
<ul>
<li>Works Out of the Box: Most security features activate automatically upon installation.</li>
<li>Comprehensive Protection: Guards against hacking, malicious files, form spam, and unauthorized access.</li>
<li>Lightweight: Designed to run smoothly without affecting your site’s speed or performance.</li>
<li>Free Features: Includes system details, security headers, CAPTCHA, and 2FA to monitor and protect your site.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Hide WordPress Version
<ul>
<li>Why: Stops hackers from targeting weaknesses in your WordPress version. </li>
<li>Impact: Good protection with no effect on your site’s appearance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Disable PHP Execution in Uploads Folder
<ul>
<li>Why: Prevents harmful scripts from running if someone uploads a malicious file. </li>
<li>Impact: Strong defense against file-based attacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Prevent User Enumeration
<ul>
<li>Why: Blocks hackers from guessing usernames through sneaky methods. </li>
<li>Impact: Keeps your user list safe from prying eyes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Detect & Warn About “admin” Username
<ul>
<li>Why: Alerts you if your site uses the risky “admin” username. </li>
<li>Impact: Big security boost if you change the username.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Disable File Editing in Dashboard
<ul>
<li>Why: Stops anyone from modifying your site’s code through the WordPress dashboard. </li>
<li>Impact: Major safeguard against unauthorized code changes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Force HTTPS for Login & Admin
<ul>
<li>Why: Ensures your login and admin pages use a secure connection. </li>
<li>Impact: Critical for keeping your credentials safe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Basic Brute Force Protection (Lite)
<ul>
<li>Why: Temporarily blocks repeated failed login attempts. </li>
<li>Impact: Strong protection against login attacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
System Details
<ul>
<li>Why: Shows important info about your site to monitor its health. </li>
<li>Impact: Keeps you informed about your site’s status.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Security Headers
<ul>
<li>Why: Adds HTTP headers to improve your site’s security. </li>
<li>Impact: Strengthens your site’s defense with minimal setup.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
CAPTCHA Protection (Cloudflare Turnstile)
<ul>
<li>Why: Adds CAPTCHA to prevent spam and bot submissions. </li>
<li>Impact: Enhances form security with user-friendly CAPTCHA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
<ul>
<li>Why: Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step during login. </li>
<li>Impact: Significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
2FA Features: 
– Authenticator App (TOTP): Use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy for time-based codes. 
– Email 2FA: Receive codes via email for verification. 
– Recovery Codes: Generate emergency codes for access if other methods are unavailable. 
– Per-User Settings: Each user can configure their own 2FA preferences. 
– Multisite Support: Super admins can enforce 2FA network-wide. 
– Flexible Options: Choose primary 2FA method from TOTP, Email 2FA, or Recovery Codes.
Supported Forms, Plugins & Multisite for CAPTCHA: 
– Core WordPress: Login, Registration, Lost Password, Comment 
– E-commerce & Membership: WooCommerce Checkout, MemberPress, Ultimate Member, WP-Members 
– Form Plugins: WPForms, Gravity Forms, Contact Form 7 (CF7), Formidable Forms, Forminator, Elementor Pro, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), Mailchimp for WordPress 
– Community / Forums: BuddyPress, bbPress 
– Multisite: Multisite Signup Forms
<h3>How to Set Up CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile</h3>
<ol>
<li>Sign Up for Cloudflare: Go to https://www.cloudflare.com/ and create a free account or log in. </li>
<li>Add Your Site: Click “Add a Site” in the dashboard and enter your domain. </li>
<li>Access Turnstile: Navigate to the “Turnstile” section in the Cloudflare dashboard. </li>
<li>Create a Turnstile Widget:
<ul>
<li>Click “Add Widget” </li>
<li>Provide a name (e.g., “SecurelyWP CAPTCHA”) </li>
<li>Add Hostnames (your domain, e.g., example.com) → Click “Add” </li>
<li>Choose the widget type (“Managed”) </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Get Your Keys: Copy the Site Key and Secret Key. </li>
<li>Add Keys to SecurelyWP: Go to SecurelyWP > CAPTCHA Settings in WordPress → paste keys → enable CAPTCHA for desired forms. </li>
<li>Test Your CAPTCHA: Visit a form to ensure the CAPTCHA widget appears and works correctly.</li>
</ol>
<h3>How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
<ol>
<li>Access 2FA Settings: Go to “Profile” > “Two-Factor Authentication” in your WordPress dashboard. </li>
<li>Enable 2FA Methods:
<ul>
<li>Authenticator App: Scan the QR code or enter the secret into your app (Google Authenticator, Authy). Verify with a code. </li>
<li>Email 2FA: Enable to receive codes via email. </li>
<li>Recovery Codes: Generate emergency codes. Copy or download codes for safekeeping. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Choose Primary Method: Select your preferred 2FA method (Authenticator App, Email, or Recovery Codes). </li>
<li>Test 2FA: Log out and log in to verify the 2FA prompt appears below the login form. </li>
<li>Multisite (Super Admins): Enable network-wide 2FA enforcement for all users.</li>
</ol>

SecurelyWP – all-in-one security

SecurelyWP is a simple security plugin that protects your WordPress site right after activation—no setup needed for most features.

Security Hardener vs SecurelyWP – all-in-one security