Wordfence Security
by Defiant
Firewall and malware scanner specifically built for WordPress.
Wordfence is The Bodyguard for Your Website
WordPress is the most hacked CMS in the world simply because it is the most popular. Wordfence acts as a bouncer at the door, checking every visitor's ID before they are allowed in.
The Endpoint Firewall
Unlike cloud firewalls (like Cloudflare), Wordfence runs on your server. This means it can identify logged-in user attacks that cloud firewalls might miss. It checks for SQL injection, XSS, and malicious file uploads.
Performance Tip
By default, Wordfence tracks "Live Traffic." On high-traffic sites, this can slow down your database. We recommend disabling "Live Traffic" logging if you are on shared hosting.
Free vs. Premium
The Free version is excellent, but there is a 30-day delay on new firewall rules.
- Free: Updates signatures 30 days after a new threat is discovered.
- Premium ($119/yr): Real-time updates. If a new vulnerability is found today, you are protected today.
Key Features
- Malware Scanner: Scans core files, themes, and plugins for bad code.
- 2FA (Two-Factor Auth): Adds a second layer of security to your login page.
- Leaked Password Protection: Blocks logins for administrators using known compromised passwords.
Final Verdict
Wordfence is a "must-install" for 99% of WordPress sites. Even the free version provides a level of protection that is irresponsible to ignore.
Our Review
Wordfence provides a robust endpoint firewall and malware scanner. While it can be resource-intensive on cheap hosting, its security benefits far outweigh the costs for most users.
Pros
- Endpoint Firewall runs before WordPress loads
- Free version includes a powerful Malware Scanner
- Login Security (2FA) is included for free
- Live Traffic view shows attacks in real-time
Cons
- Can bloat the database with logs if not configured
- "Live Traffic" feature consumes server resources
- Real-time IP blacklist is reserved for Premium users