(view on wordpress.org)

Keep your sites safe from hackers, brute force attacks and malware with Defender, your easy-to-set-up, enterprise-level security plugin. With Defender, you can rely on the protection of a firewall, one-click hardening and 2FA, without having to be a cybersecurity expert.

As hackers continue to evolve, you know you need to stay on top of your site’s security. But you don’t have the time to learn to code, stay abreast of every emerging threat, or apply complicated technical settings.

Defender is here to give you the powerful security tools you need, without the technical headaches. Trusted by over 1 million WordPress users, this plugin works immediately with no confusing setup. Just activate Defender and let it handle the rest!

Trusted by 1+ Million Sites | 4.8/5 Star Rating

Defender makes it easy to:

Run on-demand malware scans to find suspicious files and code

Block malicious IPs with a global firewall

Enforce strong passwords, 2FA, and login limits

Apply recommended hardening settings in one click

Get clear reports that show what needs attention

Protect against compromised passwords before they are used on your site

Free Malware Scanner: Stop security threats before they harm your site

If your site has been infected by malware, this malicious code can cause a lot of damage before you even realize it’s there. Hackers use malware, often hidden in themes, extensions and plugins, to steal personal data, encrypt files for ransom, or spy on your activity.

Defender gives you a highly-effective yet easy-to-use malware scanner that runs deep diagnostics across your entire site, making sure no malware is lurking in the shadows.

Defender will scan your site for:

Files that have changed unexpectedly: The scan will compare all core files and extensions against the official WordPress repository and flag any modifications or rogue additions instantly.

Known vulnerabilities: Defender will check verified exploit registries to catch any security gaps in your active themes, plugins and core version, and help you fix them before they can be targeted.

Suspicious code: By continually checking your server files, Defender will spot any potential code injections or backdoors, a common way bad actors try to gain access to your site.

Outdated & removed plugins: Plugins that have been delisted from the repository or have not been updated in over two years become a significant risk to your site’s integrity. Defender flags these weak spots before they can cause a problem.

AntiBot Global Firewall: Block harmful IPs with data from over 750,000 sites

Put the collective threat intelligence of a massive network to work for your site. Powered by real-time threat data from over 750,000+ sites, the free AntiBot Global Firewall automatically blocks harmful traffic and spam bots with a single click.

When any site on our network flags a threat, all other sites get protected too. It’s like having a bouncer for your website. If an IP is on the blocklist (updated every 12 hours), they’re not getting in!

The most important part is, you’ll be in complete control.

User-friendly setup: Defender Pro gives you AntiBot on every site you connect, regardless of where they’re hosted. Just flip the switch and it’ll start working so efficiently you won’t even notice it’s there.

Choose your security level: Basic Mode offers balanced, everyday protection, while Strict Mode offers tighter security that blocks even the slightest suspicious activity.

Manage IPs in The Hub: Manually block specific IPs, apply blocklists and allowlists across all sites, implement Geo IP blocking and configure everything from one central dashboard.

Firewall Security & IP Management: Take control over your site’s traffic

Defender’s advanced Web Application Firewall (WAF) makes it easy to lock out hackers, scrapers, and malicious bots without touching a single line of code.

Advanced IP Lockouts: Manually block specific IPs, import custom blocklists, or set automated timed and permanent lockouts for repeat offenders.

Geo IP Blocking: Instantly ban traffic from specific countries or geographic locations with a single click.

User Agent Banning: Instantly block spam and scrapers using built-in bad bot presets. We automatically allowlist major engines to protect your SEO.

Malicious Bot Detector: Deploy layered defenses to trap aggressive bots that ignore your robots.txt rules and catch fake crawlers impersonating legitimate engines.

Login Security & 2FA: Prevent unauthorized access

Make sure the only users logging into your WordPress site are the ones you actually want . Defender can protect your sites from unauthorized access or brute force attacks with sophisticated login security features.

These features keep your site safe from malicious logins, while still ensuring legitimate users can log in easily.

Hide Login URL: Change the location of WordPress’s default login area, making it harder for automated bots to find and more convenient for your users.

Session Security: Protect your site from session hijacking, preventing attackers from stealing session tokens to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access to your website.

Smart Password Rules: Enforce strong passwords for new registrations, automatically block compromised credentials using a public “pwned” passwords database, limit login attempts so hackers can’t guess passwords, and force a site-wide password reset upon the login if you suspect a security breach.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection and security to your WordPress sites to prevent brute force attacks and login security vulnerabilities. Defender’s two-factor authentication (2FA) features include plenty of ways to verify logins, from mobile app verification (Google Authenticator, Authy) to Biometric Authentication (fingerprint/facial recognition) to Hardware Key Authentication (USB security keys.) Plus, built-in backup code generation, lost device emails and WooCommerce 2FA.

Security Hardening: Apply recommended settings with a single click

WordPress security hardening is all adding multiple layers of protection to your website, to reduce your risk of attacks and unauthorized access.

Defender makes it easy to do this, with 12 recommended hardening settings you can apply with one click.

For example, Defender’s hardening settings include:

Disabling the file editor to stop internal tampering

Updating outdated security keys

Hiding PHP error reporting on the frontend

Adding advanced security headers (XSS protection, Strict Transport, etc.)

Disabling trackbacks and pingbacks to prevent spam

Automated Defenses: Protect your entire site, on autopilot

With Defender, you can put your security on autopilot. It’ll be working around the clock with hands-off, automated defenses that run seamlessly in the background to keep intruders out and your data safe.

Here’s what Defender will be doing while you work on other things:

Performing scheduled scans for issues: Set up regular scans that look for malicious code, suspicious code injections, vulnerabilities, abandoned plugins, and missing hardening recommendations.

Creating automated security reports: Stay informed with health updates and immediate threat summaries delivered directly to your inbox.

Keeping audit logs: Defender logs key site activity — logins, user changes, plugin and theme updates, content edits, and settings changes — so you can track what happened and when.

There are plenty of WordPress security plugins out there, but many make it needlessly complicated to protect your site. Defender keeps the essentials simple.

You can scan for malware, block harmful traffic, strengthen login security, and harden your site from one plugin, without digging through confusing technical options.

It’s built specifically for WordPress, trusted across the WPMU DEV ecosystem, and designed to help you protect your site without slowing down your work.

With Defender, you get:

Security trusted by over 1 million WordPress users

Protection built specifically for WordPress vulnerabilities

Regular updates and threat intelligence improvements

Malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security in one plugin

Support from the award-winning WPMU DEV team

So you get serious WordPress security, without the overwhelming setup.

Built for speed and security

A security plugin should protect your site without getting in the way.

Defender is built to stop threats before they waste your server resources, with lightweight protection that runs quietly in the background.

With Defender, you can:

Detect and limit 404 bots before they drain server resources

Run malware scans without overloading your CPU

Keep your site protected without adding performance drag

So you get the security your site needs, without making visitors wait for it.

Works with your existing setup

You shouldn’t have to change your plugins, tools or workflow just to secure your site. Defender works smoothly with your current WordPress setup.

With Defender, you can:

Protect WooCommerce, BuddyPress, and sites built with major page builders

Apply saved security configs across multiple sites in a few clicks

Enable and configure protection alongside your favorite plugins

So you get the security your site needs, without getting in the way of the plugins, tools, and workflows you already rely on.

Get started in minutes

Defender works as soon as you activate it.

Install the plugin, run your first malware scan, enable your firewall, strengthen login security, and apply recommended hardening settings in just a few clicks. Defender shows you what needs attention, so you can lock down your site without editing code or guessing which settings matter.

Just install Defender, switch on the protections you need, and let it handle the rest.

WPMU DEV is a premium supplier of quality WordPress plugins and themes. For premium support with any WordPress-related issues you can here:

Don’t forget to stay up to date on everything WordPress from the Internet’s number one resource: WPMU DEV Blog

Hey, one more thing… we hope you enjoy our free offerings as much as we’ve loved making them for you!

Upload the wp-defender plugin to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory.

Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ in WordPress.

Configure and manage using the defender item in the WordPress dashboard.

Why should I choose Defender over other security plugins?

Defender is built to add all the best hardening and website security recommendations used by the pros without having to become a security expert. This means you get all the most effective and proven protection methods other services provide with fewer settings, one-click hardening and faster setup.

Is installing Defender the only step I need to take for better WordPress security?

Hackers and bot attacks are not the only security threats to your site. No matter what security plugin or service you use, always be prepared with a secure backup stored in a safe location away from your live site. Security does not protect from hosting outages, server errors and accidentally lost or damaged data. We recommend Snapshot . Defender with scheduled managed backups is the best way to keep your site safe.

Does Defender security protect against harmful bots?

Yes! Defender’s Firewall gives you robust site protection and security by allowing you to block bad bot IPs and use geographical IP blocking

Can I use Defender with other security plugins?

You can. Just make sure not to enable the same security features in the third-party plugin that you also have enabled in Defender, as this might cause conflicts, such as malware scanners, firewall, and login security features.

Is Defender’s security compatible with WordPress Multisite?

Yes! All of Defender’s security features are fully compatible with a multisite installation. It can be network enabled and managed from the network admin.

Does Defender offer spam protection and security?

Yes, Defender provides multiple layers of spam protection and security. A large percentage of Trackbacks and Pingbacks are spam, and Defender allows you to easily disable both to reduce spam and improve site security. Additionally, Defender includes the AntiBot Global Firewall, which blocks known malicious IPs and bots before they even reach your site, offering proactive protection against common attacks and spam bots.

Will my site be protected from DDoS attacks and similar security threats?

Yes. Defender’s IP banning, IP lockout, and 404 detection security features can identify DDoS attacks and block bad IPs.

I’ve locked myself out of my admin panel, what can I do?

If you’re the administrator and you’ve been locked out due to multiple failed login attempts, Defender offers two options:

Option #1: Use the “Unlock Me” feature:

Click the Unlock Me button on the login page and enter your username or the email address linked to your site. You’ll receive an email with a secure link to unlock your account and regain access — no technical steps needed.

Option #2: Use the manual method (if email doesn’t work):

Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file, located in the main directory of your active theme.

Replace “YOUR IP HERE” with your actual IP address (you can use a tool like whatsmyip to find it.)

Help! I was already hacked. What should I do?

WPMU DEV’s expert support can advise you on how to clean up your site if it’s been hacked. Create a new thread in our support forum , or Defender Pro gives you access to 24/7 live support.

How can I report security issues or bugs?

We take plugin security incredibly seriously; if you have a bug or vulnerability to report, you can do so through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. It’s fast, easy, and you will be notified when the issue is fixed. Report a vulnerability .

I have another question, where’s the best place to get help with security?

Please open a new thread in Defender’s support forum . Our support team is always happy to help!

Gute Lösung, hat Sachen gefunden, die andere Security Tools nicht fanden. Does the job even at the free level. The premium obviously offers a more comprehensive set of options. Be sure to use backup software before letting security plugins do anything. They can often delete stuff you don’t want deleted. I use Updraft Plus. Even the free version allows you to install a clean WP, then the Updraft Plus plugin, then restore the whole site. Three steps. I use it in all the sites that I make, Best security plugin ever! I buy pro version after few test with free version! Excelent lightweight plugin! I uninstall Wordfence and i use now only this plugin! Price for Pro version is awesome and low – thanks alot. Wordfence is expensive! 🙂 Excellent app I recoment After updating to version 5.10.0, it conflicts with Elementor Pro version 3.35.7It causes it to switch to safe mode.Disabling the plugin resolved the issue.The plugin handles security tasks well. Read all 334 reviews

Contributors & Developers

“Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.

WPMU DEV – Your All-in-One WordPress Platform

“Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” has been translated into 15 locales. Thank you to the translators for their contributions.

Translate “Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” into your language.

Interested in development?

Fix: Streamlined schema method by removing bootstrap trait

Fix: 2FA > Web Authentication method binds credential verification to the target user (props: Tai)

New: Audit Log for Free Hub and WP.org users

Enhancement: Compatibility with WordPress 7.1

Enhancement: Replace PHP-DI third-party package with custom lightweight DI Container

Enhancement: Display the Audit Log Storage retention setting

Enhancement: Handle UI state when all scan types are disabled on the Settings page

Enhancement: Update WPMU DEV domain in Audit service codebase

Enhancement: Validate secret-key API response before writing to wp-config.php

Enhancement: Improve toast message when attempting to disable the last enabled Malware Scan type

Enhancement: Remove dash-notice submodule

Enhancement: Ensure all scan status messages are displayed during scan progress

Enhancement: Improving user communication while the site is connecting to the Hub

Fix: Clicking on ‘View Logs’ link does not filter Firewall Logs after the redirect

Fix: Security improvements on Hub-Connector (props: Jakub Herman)

Fix: Prevent adding duplicate recipient email addresses in Reports and Alerts

Fix: Changing the default report template should not affect existing recipient(s) preferences

Fix: Fix responsive layout issues on Dashboard, Two-Factor Auth and Other Settings plugin pages

Fix: Reverting to Defender 5 causes JavaScript errors on the Notifications page

Fix: Recipients don’t receive email for all types of ‘Firewall Alert’ when a firewall lockout is enabled and triggered for XSS, Fake Bot, or ‘Non-installed plugin lockout’

Fix: Logs are displayed without timezone on Audit and Firewall log pages

Fix: Improve Malware Alert and Report flow for ‘always_send’ and ‘error_send’ params

Fix: Email notifications title issue with apostrophes

Fix: The scheduled time notice does not show after the Free upgrade

Fix: Defender Welcome Modal is displayed in wrong version

Fix: 3 strings were not imported for translation due to emoji

Fix: Unable to access the Custom Rules page

Fix: Force Authentication is not restricted to roles enabled under User Roles

Fix: Settings page layout breaks at 1280px with horizontal scrollbar

Fix: Incorrect ‘Enable Bot Protection’ modal on disabled reCAPTCHA toggles

Fix: Pagination remains visible after ignoring all files and only disappears after clicking a page

Fix: Defender Audit Logs creates incorrect and duplicate entries when updating General Settings

Fix: Minor code improvements

Enhancement: Improved compatibility of Central IP list status with Unlimited Hosting environments

Enhancement: Extended Whitelabel support to cover Global Firewall branding

Enhancement: User Agent lockout features reflected in the overall lockout count alongside 404 and Login lockouts

Enhancement: Added tooltip for the “Security actions required” badge and confirmation notice after applying configuration presets

Enhancement: Improved recipient name validation in Reports & Alerts and smarter alert scheduling for months with fewer than 31 days

Enhancement: Users remain on the current page after connecting to the Hub

Enhancement: Updated CVSS score handling for outdated plugin issues

Enhancement: Updated Defender icon, configuration branding, dropdown design, and Hub Connector submodule

Fix: Resolved multiple v5 to v6 upgrade issues where notification, 2FA, and Usage Tracking settings were incorrectly reset or disabled

Fix: Fixed errors triggered by third-party plugin conflicts and Notification model properties

Fix: Fixed WP-CLI command handling, including duplicate scan lines and missing subcommands

Fix: Resolved AntiBot and Bot Protection state issues, including Unlock Me button and feature activation modal

Fix: Fixed Firewall Logs status filter, IPv6 Blocklist lookup, and custom IP block/allow list sync

Fix: Fixed UI issues including pagination, file details panel truncation, and config dialog behavior

Fix: Minor code improvements, PHP warning fixes, and performance refinements

Fix: Resolved a fatal error caused by legacy null date values

New: Reimagined Defender interface for a seamless, clutter-free optimization experience

New: Comprehensive Activity Log to track scans, optimizations, and configuration changes in real time

Enhancement: Transitioned to real-time Auto-save for all settings to provide a frictionless workflow

Fix: Minor code improvements and performance refinements

5.11.0 ( 2026-03-31 )

Enhancement: Improvements to Audit Logging in both API and plugin

Enhancement: Compatibility with WordPress 7.0

Enhancement: Improve compliance with wp.org guidelines throughout the plugin

Enhancement: Submit button activates without radio button selection on Deactivate modal

Fix: Error when Uninstall plugin settings are set to Delete value

Fix: Console error when saving User Agent Banning changes

Fix: Deprecated function warnings on PHP 8.5.X

5.10.0 ( 2026-02-26 )

Enhancement: Improve AntiBot Stats endpoint

Enhancement: Improve handling of response data in the Audit API

Enhancement: Update malware signatures

Enhancement: Improve suspicious issue view on the Malware Scanning page

Enhancement: Include selected presets in the User Agent blocklist during export

Fix: Error when filtering the Firewall logs

Fix: Error when switching languages with WPML while Bot Trap is enabled

Fix: Strong Passwords do not work when Mask Login URL is enabled

Fix: Colored elements appear on Defender admin pages when High Contrast Mode is enabled

Fix: Exported Firewall logs do not follow the selected sort order

Changelog for versions .

305 5-star reviews 5 stars 305

11 4-star reviews 4 stars 11

5 3-star reviews 3 stars 5

5 2-star reviews 2 stars 5

8 1-star reviews 1 star 8