How to Handle WordPress Security for Clients Without Being a Security Expert

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, making it a prime target for hackers and security exploits. As a web developer or agency owner, you need to protect your clients’ WordPress sites even if security isn’t your specialty. This comprehensive guide will walk you through practical steps to secure WordPress websites without requiring deep cybersecurity expertise.

Understanding WordPress Security Basics

WordPress security involves protecting three key components:

1. The WordPress core software
2. Themes and plugins
3. Server environment and hosting

Most security issues stem from outdated software, weak passwords, vulnerable plugins, or poor hosting security practices. By addressing these fundamental areas, you can eliminate the majority of security risks.

Essential Security Measures for Every Client Site

1. Keep Everything Updated

Regular updates are your first defense against security vulnerabilities:

• Set up automatic WordPress core updates
• Update themes and plugins promptly
• Maintain a regular update schedule (weekly or biweekly)
• Document your update process for team consistency

Consider implementing a maintenance plan that includes regular updates as a paid service for clients.

2. Implement Strong Authentication Practices

Password-related breaches are extremely common:

• Require strong passwords (12+ characters with a mix of character types)
• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) using plugins like Wordfence or Two Factor Authentication
• Limit login attempts with plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
• Use unique admin usernames (not “admin”)
• Consider password management tools for your team (LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden)

3. Choose Quality Plugins and Themes

Not all WordPress extensions are created equal:

• Use reputable plugins from the WordPress repository or trusted premium sources
• Check when plugins were last updated (avoid abandoned plugins)
• Review security histories of plugins before installation
• Limit the number of plugins to only what’s necessary
• Regularly audit and remove unused plugins and themes

4. Back Up Everything, Regularly

Backups are your safety net when security fails:

• Implement automated daily backups for all client sites
• Store backups in multiple locations (not just on the hosting server)
• Test restoration procedures regularly to ensure backups work
• Retain backups for at least 30 days
• Consider dedicated backup solutions like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or managed services

5. Secure Your Hosting Environment

Your hosting choice significantly impacts security:

• Choose reputable, security-focused WordPress hosting providers
• Use hosting with isolated environments (not shared hosting for important sites)
• Implement SSL certificates on all sites (Let’s Encrypt provides free options)
• Enable server-level firewalls when available
• Regularly review hosting security features and settings

Implementing a Security Plugin Strategy

Security plugins can handle many protection aspects without requiring technical expertise:

Popular WordPress Security Plugins

1. Wordfence: Comprehensive security with firewall, malware scanning, and login protection
2. Sucuri Security: Excellent for monitoring and hardening WordPress installations
3. iThemes Security: User-friendly interface with robust security features
4. All In One WP Security & Firewall: Free option with gradualized security implementation

When choosing a security plugin:

• Avoid using multiple security plugins simultaneously (they can conflict)
• Start with basic settings and gradually implement advanced features
• Document configuration changes
• Schedule regular security scans

Creating a Security Monitoring System

Ongoing monitoring is crucial for maintaining security:

1. Set up regular site health checks and security scans
2. Implement uptime monitoring to detect suspicious downtime
3. Monitor for unusual login activities or admin changes
4. Create alerts for critical security events
5. Document security incidents and responses

Tools like Uptime Robot, ManageWP, or MainWP can help automate monitoring across multiple client sites.

Developing Client Security Policies

Establish clear security protocols and communicate them to clients:

1. Create a security responsibility document outlining what you handle vs. client responsibilities
2. Develop procedures for security incident responses
3. Establish user access policies (who gets admin access, etc.)
4. Set password requirements for client accounts
5. Define accepted procedures for transferring sensitive information

Handling Security Breaches

Even with precautions, breaches can occur. Be prepared with an incident response plan:

1. Isolate the affected site (temporarily take it offline if necessary)
2. Identify the breach source and affected components
3. Clean the infection (security plugins can help with this)
4. Restore from clean backups if necessary
5. Document what happened and strengthen security
6. Communicate transparently with clients throughout the process

Building Security into Your Client Onboarding Process

Incorporate security from the beginning of client relationships:

1. Include security assessments in initial site audits
2. Make security recommendations part of your proposals
3. Set up security features during initial site development
4. Provide basic security training for client teams
5. Offer tiered security packages to match client needs and budgets

Scaling Security Across Multiple Clients

As you grow, you need efficient ways to manage security across your client base:

1. Standardize your security stack across all sites
2. Use management tools like MainWP or ManageWP to centralize security management
3. Create security templates for new client sites
4. Develop standardized security reports for clients
5. Consider dedicated team members for security tasks as you scale

Offering Security as a Service

Turn security into a revenue stream while protecting clients:

1. Create security maintenance packages at different price points
2. Include clear deliverables: regular scans, updates, monitoring, incident response
3. Provide monthly or quarterly security reports to clients
4. Bundle security with general maintenance services
5. Highlight the value of preventative security vs. breach recovery costs

Educating Yourself and Your Team

Stay informed without becoming a security expert:

1. Follow WordPress security blogs (Wordfence, Sucuri, WPScan)
2. Subscribe to WordPress vulnerability newsletters
3. Join WordPress security forums and communities
4. Attend basic security webinars focused on WordPress
5. Create internal documentation of security best practices

Perfect Security Doesn’t Exist

Handling WordPress security for clients doesn’t require advanced cybersecurity expertise. By implementing these foundational security measures, using quality tools, establishing clear processes, and staying informed about common threats, you can effectively protect client websites while adding value to your services.

You can rely on HOWPO as your source for freelance work-from-home guidance. We provide other WordPress freelancers with comprehensive resources and guides, so you can build stronger relationships with your clients.

Remember that perfect security doesn’t exist—your goal is to implement reasonable protections that address the most common threats while having solid recovery plans for when issues arise. With this balanced approach, you can confidently manage WordPress security for your clients without becoming a security specialist.