When it comes to WordPress security, hacker attacks are often seen as something remote that “only happens to big sites”. In reality, the most vulnerable sites are precisely the ones left without maintenance.
If you manage your site yourself, there are 5 essential technical checks you should do every month to avoid nasty surprises. For a broader review that also covers performance, forms and indexing, see the complete monthly checklist.
1. Regular (but controlled) updates
WordPress, plugins and themes constantly receive updates that fix security holes and improve features.
Every month, check:
- The WordPress version (ideally the latest stable release)
- All plugins (update only compatible ones)
- The active theme
⚠️ Before updating, always take a backup. Some updates can break the layout or features.
2. Check active users
Go to Users > All Users and make sure there are no:
- Suspicious accounts with the “Administrator” role
- Unused accounts or accounts of collaborators who no longer work on the site
If you find anything odd, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account.
3. Review access logs and recent activity
If your hosting or a security plugin (e.g. Wordfence, iThemes Security) offers this feature, check the logs for:
- Failed login attempts
- Logins from unusual countries
- Recent actions taken by users
These signals can help you notice an attack before it is too late.
4. Scan the site for malware
Every month, run a scan with tools such as:
- Sucuri SiteCheck
- Wordfence (free version)
- VirusTotal (for specific files or URLs)
It is a quick, simple way to check whether there is anything suspicious on your site or whether malicious code has been injected.
5. Working, tested backups
Having a plugin that “does backups” is not enough. You need to know:
- Where the files are stored (ideally off-site: Dropbox, Google Drive and so on)
- Whether the backups are recent
- Whether you can restore them easily when needed
The backup is your safety net: if something goes wrong, it lets you start again.
Conclusion
WordPress security does not end with installing a plugin. It requires attention, monitoring and a strategy. Doing these 5 checks every month can prevent attacks, avoid data loss and protect your online reputation.
If you want a professional check of your site or a tailored monthly maintenance plan, get in touch: I will take care of the technical side so you can focus on your content and your work.