Still Relying on Outdated WordPress Security Advice?
You’re not alone. WordPress security is surrounded by outdated advice, and those myths can leave your site vulnerable.
In this FAQ, we clarify the most common misconceptions, explain what actually matters when it comes to securing your site, and show how Pressidium delivers built-in protection that goes far beyond the basics.
Here’s what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what actually keeps your WordPress site secure.
WordPress Security FAQs: Myths vs. Reality
➡️ WordPress is insecure because it’s open-source
No. Open-source platforms like WordPress benefit from global code reviews. Vulnerabilities are identified and patched faster than most proprietary systems.
In fact, transparency improves security. A large community of developers and researchers continuously inspects the code, reports issues, and contributes fixes, resulting in rapid response times and peer-reviewed improvements.
➡️ WordPress is insecure because it gets hacked a lot
No. WordPress is the most targeted CMS simply because it’s the most widely used, not because it’s flawed.
The core itself is actively maintained and patched by a dedicated security team. Most breaches happen through outdated plugins, weak passwords, or misconfigured settings, not WordPress core vulnerabilities.
At Pressidium, we keep your core secure with automatic updates and hardened default configurations, so the real risks are managed before they become problems.
➡️ Are WordPress plugins unsafe?
Plugins aren’t unsafe by nature, but poor choices can expose your site to real risks. The key is selecting well-maintained plugins from trusted developers. Reputable plugins are regularly updated, follow secure coding practices, and respond quickly to emerging threats.
Most issues happen when users install outdated, abandoned, or nulled (cracked) plugins. These often contain unpatched vulnerabilities or hidden malware.
At Pressidium, you can safely test new plugins in isolated staging environments while our platform monitors for suspicious activity automatically.
➡️ Is securing WordPress too complicated?
No. WordPress security isn’t hard. It’s about doing the right things consistently.
Most risks come from neglect, not complexity. Strong passwords, regular updates, and two-factor authentication go a long way, even for non-technical users.
At Pressidium, we handle the heavy lifting with automated updates, real-time threat detection, and smart firewall protection, so you don’t have to guess what’s next.
➡️ Is installing a security plugin enough?
No. Security plugins help, but they can’t fix vulnerable servers or misconfigured settings. You need a layered security strategy.
Plugins are just one part of the puzzle. Real protection includes secure hosting, regular updates, strong authentication, and proactive monitoring across all levels of your site.
With Pressidium, protection starts deep in the stack, from network-level firewalls to OS hardening, not just WordPress plugins.
➡️ Do small WordPress sites really need security?
Yes. Bots don’t care how big your site is. Automated attacks scan the web for any vulnerability they can exploit. Small sites are just as likely to be targeted and can be used to spread malware, host phishing pages, or join botnets.
That’s why every site on Pressidium, regardless of size, gets the same enterprise-grade protection by default.
➡️ Once a Site is Secure, It Stays Secure
No. Threats evolve constantly. A secure site today could be vulnerable tomorrow without regular updates and monitoring.
New plugin vulnerabilities, phishing tactics, and automated exploits emerge every day. Security requires ongoing attention to stay ahead of attackers. It is not a one-time task.
We keep your site ahead of evolving threats with adaptive security policies, automated updates, and continuous scanning.
➡️ “I haven’t been hacked, so I must be fine.”
That’s like saying, “I haven’t crashed my car yet, so I don’t need a seatbelt.”
Just because nothing bad has happened doesn’t mean you’re secure. Most attacks are automated and opportunistic. If your site has security gaps, it’s only a matter of time.
At Pressidium, proactive security comes built-in. From real-time threat detection to hardened infrastructure and automated updates, your site is protected before problems begin.
➡️ Can I run a security scan once and be done?
No. Security scans must be ongoing to detect emerging threats. One scan isn’t enough to ensure long-term safety.
New vulnerabilities appear daily, and a site that’s clean today could be compromised tomorrow. Continuous monitoring is essential for early detection and fast response.
Our daily scans and file integrity monitoring detect even subtle changes, so threats are caught before they escalate.
➡️ Will strong passwords alone keep my site safe?
No. Strong passwords are important, but comprehensive protection requires layered security measures such as two-factor authentication, IP restrictions, and limited login attempts.
Even strong passwords can be exposed in data breaches or guessed through brute-force attacks. Extra layers of defense significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
We enforce brute-force blocking and IP rate-limiting and support two-factor authentication for airtight login security.
➡️ Do all hosting providers offer the same security?
No. Security varies widely. Shared hosts often lack advanced protection. Managed WordPress hosts offer much more.
Many providers offer only basic safeguards, leaving sites exposed to common attacks. Look for hosts that include malware scanning, firewalls, and update management as part of their service.
Unlike generic hosts, Pressidium includes per-site isolation, malware removal, and an enterprise-grade Web Application Firewall on every plan, no exceptions.
➡️ Security is the Job of Your Hosting Provider
Not exclusively. Hosting providers secure the server, but you’re responsible for your site’s users, plugins, and configs.
Security is a shared responsibility. While a good host provides a strong foundation, you still need to manage updates, enforce strong passwords, and control user access.
➡️ Does HTTPS mean my site is fully secure?
No. HTTPS only protects data in transit, not your entire site.
It uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt the connection between a browser and your server. This prevents eavesdropping or tampering with what’s being sent.
But the padlock icon can be misleading. HTTPS doesn’t stop malware, brute-force attacks, or vulnerable plugins. It’s just one piece of a complete security strategy.
At Pressidium, every site gets free SSL by default, as part of a broader, built-in security shield.
➡️ Can I rely only on backups if something goes wrong?
No. Backups help with recovery, but they don’t prevent attacks from happening in the first place.
Many site owners assume backups can “undo” any damage. But backups can be outdated, incomplete, or even infected if they’re not properly managed. And relying only on recovery means you’re reacting to threats, not preventing them.
Backups are just the fallback. At Pressidium, we combine offsite recovery with active defense to stop threats before they cause harm.
What You Get with Pressidium Security
Believing these myths can leave your WordPress site exposed. Real security isn’t about quick fixes or assumptions, it’s about smart decisions, reliable tools, and a hosting partner that has your back.
At Pressidium, we build security into every layer of our platform, from automatic updates and malware scanning to enterprise-grade firewalls and isolated environments.
Whether you’re running a personal blog or managing enterprise-level infrastructure, Pressidium’s managed WordPress platform includes:
- Hardened infrastructure with OS-level and edge-layer protection
- Daily malware scans and continuous file integrity monitoring
- Automated core and plugin updates with secure default configs
- Per-site isolation and secure staging environments for testing
- Advanced firewalls and brute-force protection
- Free managed SSL (HTTPS) on every site
- Real-time intrusion detection and prevention
- Automated offsite backups that are always clean and ready
All plans include these enterprise-grade security features. No upsells. No hidden fees.
Pressidium delivers enterprise-grade WordPress security out of the box.
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