Title: WordPress Security Essentials
Author: Destiny Kanno
Published: 11 August 2026

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# WordPress Security Essentials

   60 mins   Beginner   Security     Updated August 11, 2026

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Participants will utilize the browser-based WordPress Playground environment, which
requires no prior security knowledge, accounts, or logins. Working directly within
the WordPress 7.0 dashboard interface, attendees will perform a live security audit,
inspecting software updates, managing user permissions, and identifying potential
system vulnerabilities. The session culminates in a hands-on technical configuration
where participants install and activate the contributor-supported Two Factor plugin,
establishing functional multi-factor authentication protocols using email validation
or a live mobile authenticator app QR-code test workflow.

## Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

 * **Audit System Vulnerabilities**: Inspect the WordPress dashboard and the Updates
   screen to identify pending core, plugin, and theme updates that expose the application
   to automated scanners and known CVE exploits.
 * **Evaluate User Permissions**: Analyze accounts within the Users menu to restrict
   Administrator access to essential personnel and eliminate unauthorized profiles
   or legacy “admin” usernames.
 * **Validate Technical Profiles**: Review profile settings to test real-time password
   complexity scores using the built-in password strength indicator, verify secure
   HTTPS protocol execution, and confirm administration email routing.
 * **Configure Multi-Factor Authentication**: Deploy the lightweight Two Factor 
   plugin to establish, activate, and test secure authentication pathways, specifically
   isolating the Authenticator App, Recovery Codes, and Email parameters.
 * **Diagnose Extraneous Software Risks**: Assess the installed plugin list to safely
   deactivate and permanently delete unmaintained or redundant software, thereby
   minimizing the site’s active attack surface.

## What's included

### Facilitator Guide

Step-by-step instructions for running the session, including timing cues and discussion
prompts.

### Slide Deck

Presentation slides for the full workshop as a PDF, ready to present or print.

## Download this kit

This download includes a facilitator guide and presentation slide deck.

 [  Download kit ](https://learn.wordpress.org/files/2026/08/WordPress-Security-Essentials.zip)

 Free · No account required · 356 KB