In the digital age, ensuring the security of your WordPress admin login is not optional—it's essential. Hackers frequently target this entry point, and without the proper safeguards, your entire site could be compromised. Here's how you can protect it effectively.

First and Foremost: Block Unauthorized Access to WordPress Admin URL

We reached out to several IT, MSP, and MSSP companies in the United States on this topic, and spoke to Stanley Kaytovich, an IT director at QWERTY Concepts, an award-winning managed service provider in New Jersey. He shared:

'One of the most effective ways to protect a web application is to block external access entirely using a zero trust model'

and added,

'..any additional security measures will only compliment your security defenses.'

The zero trust model operates on the principle that no one is trusted by default—access is granted only to individuals explicitly allowed and subsequently verified. Implementing a robust access management tool like Cloudflare's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) can significantly enhance your security posture without making modifications to the application or implementing any code to make it work.

Cloudflare's ZTNA allows you to:

• Restrict Access to Specific IPs or User Groups: Only authorized users can access the login page.
• Add an Additional Layer of Authentication: Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) before granting access.
• Monitor and Log Access Attempts: Keep an eye on who’s trying to access your site.

Additional Security Measures with Plugins

While blocking access is critical, other measures compliment your login security:

1. Rename the Login URL
   Many attacks rely on the default /wp-admin or /wp-login.php URLs. There are plugins to allow you to change this URL, making it harder for attackers to locate your login page.
2. Enforce Brute Force Protection
   Some firewall plugins can limit login attempts, effectively mitigating brute force attacks.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Adding 2FA ensures that even if your password is compromised, an attacker cannot gain access without a secondary authentication factor.
4. Set Strong Password Policies
   Ensure your admin users create passwords that are long, unique, and difficult to guess. Consider using a password manager for convenience.

There are several good security products available to enforce these additional measures. I will not recommend a specific plugin to use, but a search for a firewall plugin will show several viable solutions.

The concept here, however, is simple: if the user is not authorized, they should not even be seeing the WordPress login page, let alone attempting to gain access or perform exploits. By preventing access at the front door, you significantly reduce the risk of attacks.

The Comprehensive Security Approach

Combining these strategies ensures a multi-layered defense:

• Cloudflare’s Zero Trust to block unauthorized access.
• Plugins to enhance security features.
• Regularly monitoring logs and access attempts to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress admin login is about more than just installing plugins—it's about creating a comprehensive strategy. By leveraging tools like Cloudflare’s Zero Trust and implementing best practices, you can stay ahead of attackers and keep your site safe.