If you’ve ever managed a WordPress website that got hacked, you know the frustration and stress that follows. Many site owners assume that installing one security plugin is enough – but in reality, no single plugin can fully secure a WordPress site.
Through extensive testing, learning, and real-world implementation, I discovered a 3-layer WordPress security system that protects websites from every angle and that is DNS level, server level, and site level security.
This guide will show you how to replicate the same setup and protect your WordPress site like a pro.
Why You Need a Layered WordPress Security System
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites online — making it a prime target for hackers. Most attacks happen not because WordPress is insecure, but because site owners don’t follow best security practices.
A layered security system ensures that if one layer fails, others still protect your site. Here’s how it works.
Layer 1: DNS-Level Security (Your First Line of Defense)
Use Cloudflare for DNS Protection
The DNS level is where your security starts — before traffic even reaches your web server.
Cloudflare is the most effective tool here, blocking bots, spam, and DDoS attacks automatically.
Key Cloudflare Features for WordPress Security
- Bot and DDoS Protection: Stops malicious requests before they reach your hosting server.
- Hotlink Protection: Prevents other sites from linking directly to your images or files — protecting your SEO and bandwidth.
- Firewall Rules: You can add WordPress-specific rules to block login attempts, XML-RPC abuse, and spam bots.
Pro Tip: Cloudflare Enterprise via Cloudways
If you use Cloudways hosting, you can access Cloudflare Enterprise for only $2–$5 per site — preconfigured for top-tier protection.
That’s a small price for enterprise-grade defense and speed optimization.
Layer 2: Server-Level Security (Your Second Line of Defense)
Even if traffic passes the DNS filter, your server should act as a gatekeeper.
Choose Secure Hosting
Always choose dedicated or cloud-based hosting over shared hosting. Shared servers host hundreds of websites on one IP, meaning if one site is compromised, all others are at risk.
✅ Recommended: Use Cloudways or a VPS with a dedicated IP.
Add a Server Firewall
A server firewall filters out harmful scripts before they reach your WordPress files.
Two excellent options include:
- 7G or 8G Firewall (added via
.htaccess) - WP Login Lockdown Pro, which combines both 7G and 8G protection.
Cloudways recently launched a built-in firewall (free) that includes:
- IP and country blocking
- Bot and brute force protection
- DDoS prevention
- Weak password detection
- Web honeypots
This ensures malicious traffic is blocked at the server level, not your WordPress dashboard.
Layer 3: Site-Level Security (Your Final Line of Defense)
Once you’ve locked down your DNS and server, it’s time to secure the site itself.
3.1. Admin Alerts for New Users
Hackers often create new admin accounts after breaking in.
Add a simple email alert snippet (PHP code) that notifies you whenever a new admin is added.
This allows you to act immediately before major damage occurs.
3.2. Use Trusted Security Plugins
Two highly effective WordPress plugins are:
- Perfmatters: Optimizes your site and includes minor security features.
- WP Login Lockdown Pro: Adds firewalls, brute-force protection, and 2FA.
If you need to block traffic from specific countries, these plugins make it easy.
3.3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA is one of the simplest ways to protect admin logins.
If you’re looking for a free option, FluentAuth is excellent — built by the same team behind the Fluent suite.
Pairing FluentAuth with Cloudflare creates a strong combination of protection.
Continuous Security Monitoring and Vulnerability Scanning
Use WP Umbrella to manage multiple sites, monitor uptime, and back up data automatically.
It integrates with Patchstack, one of the best WordPress vulnerability scanners, which:
- Detects plugin and theme vulnerabilities
- Provides security alerts
- Offers direct patch recommendations
This ensures you’re notified instantly if a plugin you use becomes unsafe.
Maintain Plugin Hygiene
“Outdated plugins are the #1 reason WordPress sites get hacked.”
Audit your plugins regularly:
- Remove inactive or outdated ones.
- Only use plugins with active updates and strong developer support.
- Check the changelog and last updated date before installing any new plugin.
Even one vulnerable plugin can compromise an entire website.
Always Have Multiple Backups
If all else fails, backups are your ultimate recovery plan.
Maintain at least three automatic backup layers:
- Host-level backups (e.g., Cloudways)
- Third-party backups (e.g., WP Umbrella)
- Local or cloud storage backups
With frequent automated backups, you can restore your site quickly in case of an attack.
Remember: No Site Is 100% Unhackable
Even companies like PayPal have faced breaches. But that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize risks.
By layering protection at the DNS, server, and WordPress site levels, you can block over 95% of common attacks before they start.
✅ Quick Recap: WordPress Security Tips
- Use Cloudflare for DNS protection
- Avoid shared hosting
- Add a server firewall
- Enable 2FA for all admins
- Keep plugins updated
- Maintain 3 backup layers
By following this layered system, you’ll not only secure your WordPress site but also gain peace of mind — knowing your website and your clients’ websites are protected 24/7.
