Getting Started
This guide walks you through installing and configuring WPSEC Security for the first time.
Installation
Install WPSEC Security directly from your WordPress admin panel:
- Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress admin.
- Search for WPSEC Security.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Alternatively, download the plugin ZIP from WordPress.org and upload it via Plugins → Upload Plugin.
Initial Setup
After activation, you will find WPSEC Security in your admin sidebar. Click on it to open the security dashboard.
On first launch, WPSEC automatically:
- Activates the firewall with default protection rules
- Starts monitoring login attempts and suspicious requests
- Runs an initial hardening scan of your installation
- Connects to the WPSEC threat intelligence network
Your Security Score
The dashboard displays your overall security score based on multiple factors including firewall status, hardening level, and configuration quality. A higher score means better protection.
Recommended First Steps
- Review the dashboard — Familiarize yourself with the security overview and KPIs.
- Check hardening findings — Go to the Hardening tab to see what improvements are recommended.
- Set up notifications — Configure email alerts so you are informed about security events.
- Verify firewall status — Ensure the firewall is active and blocking malicious traffic.
System Requirements
- WordPress 5.8 or higher
- PHP 7.4 or higher (PHP 8.x recommended)
- MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
- HTTPS recommended for full protection
Tip: After installation, allow 24 hours for the threat intelligence network to build a baseline for your site.