WordPress security checklist for SMBs
The essential measures to secure a WordPress site and reduce the risk of incidents: updates, authentication, backups, monitoring. The content is freely available here — the full PDF is sent by email.
What this resource contains
The checklist brings together the security measures every SMB WordPress site should have:
- Updates: WordPress core, themes and plugins
- Strong authentication: 2FA, role management, robust passwords
- Backups: frequency, off-site storage, restore testing
- Hosting: SSL certificate, security headers (HSTS, CSP)
- Monitoring: Wordfence or equivalent, uptime monitoring, alerts
- Database: non-standard prefix, limited access
- Login attempt limiting
- Disabling file editing from the admin dashboard
- Law 25 compliance on the security side
- Incident response procedure
Who this resource is for
This resource is aimed at SMB executives and IT managers who depend on their WordPress site and want to avoid unpleasant surprises (hacking, data loss, downtime).
It also suits organizations without a dedicated technical team that want a clear starting point.
Why this resource exists
WordPress security isn't a matter of luck — it's a matter of method. Here we document the measures we apply every day for our clients — from Drummondville, for sites across Quebec — so you can assess where you stand.
These measures are part of our maintenance plan and our WordPress hosting. For a snapshot of your current situation, our free analysis already checks several of these points automatically.
Download the checklist as a PDF
Leave your email and the document downloads immediately.
Want to secure your site?
We can audit your security and close the gaps, on both the WordPress and server sides.
Questions fréquentes
Is WordPress a secure CMS?
Yes, as long as it's maintained. The WordPress core is continuously audited by a large community; the vast majority of incidents come through outdated plugins, weak passwords or neglected hosting — exactly what the checklist covers.
My site is small — am I really a target?
Yes. Most attacks are automated: bots sweep the web looking for known vulnerabilities, with no regard for a site's size or profile. A small, unmaintained site is actually an easier target.
What should I do first if I can't apply everything?
The four measures with the best effort-to-impact ratio: regular updates, two-factor authentication, tested off-site backups and a properly configured SSL certificate. The rest of the checklist can be added progressively.
Is security covered by your maintenance plan?
Yes. The maintenance plan applies updates, monitors the site 24/7, manages off-site backups and verifies the security items among its 176 checks. You don't have to do anything from the checklist yourself.