Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin icon

Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin

Protect WordPress sites from brute-force attacks, malware, and bot threats through firewall and login security features. With over 1 million active installs and a 95.2 PF Score, this tool ranks in the top 1% of all WordPress security plugins.

Generated on 8 Jul 2026. Score and stats mentioned may differ from current live data.

  • #83 Global Rank
  • 1.0M+ active installs
  • 4.5/5 157 ratings
  • Since 2021 5 years active

PF Score (About PF Scores)

PF Score is not a quality guarantee. It is a ranking based on available public signals.

Platinum95.0
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Low

Score Breakdown

100
Popularity 40% 1.0M+ active installs
86.6
Reputation 35% 4.5★ from 157 ratings
98.9
Freshness 25% Updated 13 days ago

No active penalty: 7 historical CVEs, resolved - details

Download Trends

Loading download data...

Vulnerabilities

7 Total
7 Patched
0 Active
100% Resolved rate
CWE-287 · Improper Authentication

The Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to 2FA Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.6. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass a second factor of authentication when the first is known.

5.3 Medium Affected All - 1.6.6 Patched in ✓ 1.6.7 Published 28 Aug 2026 CVE CVE-2026-82228
CWE-348 · Use of Less Trusted Source

The Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to IP Allowlist Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass IP based restrictions.

5.3 Medium Affected All - 1.6.4 Patched in ✓ 1.6.5 Published 23 Jul 2026 CVE CVE-2026-13342
CWE-862 · Missing Authorization

The SiteGround Security plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on a function in versions up to, and including, 1.5.8. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to perform an unauthorized action.

5.3 Medium Affected All - 1.5.8 Patched in ✓ 1.5.9 Published 30 Nov 2025 CVE CVE-2025-66121
CWE-862 · Missing Authorization

The Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the hide_notice() function in versions up to, and including, 1.5.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to dismiss notices.

4.3 Medium Affected All - 1.5.0 Patched in ✓ 1.5.1 Published 19 Jul 2024 CVE CVE-2024-38774
CWE-89 · Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')

The SiteGround Security plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to blind SQL Injection via some if its filtering and paging parameters in versions up to, and including, 1.3.0 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for administrator-level attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.

7.2 High Affected All - 1.3.0 Patched in ✓ 1.3.1 Published 13 Jan 2023 CVE CVE-2023-0234

Vulnerability data provided by Wordfence Intelligence (opens in a new tab). CVE data: Copyright 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation. CVE Terms of Use (opens in a new tab).

Support Statistics

4 Support threads
3 Resolved
75% Resolution rate

About Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin

Secure your WordPress site from brute-force attacks, threats, malware, and bots. Free to use and easy to set up.

Bulletproof your website security in a few clicks against a range of security breaches, including brute-force attacks, malware threats and bots, with our free WordPress security plugin – Security Optimizer.

Proactively monitor your site’s security to detect any suspicious activity and take immediate actions to protect your site and prevent further damage with these essential features:

  • Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) for an extra layer of website security
  • Set Limit Login Attempts to deter malicious login attempts and brute-force attacks
  • Change your default login URL to Custom Login URL to avoid attacks
  • Activate Advanced XSS Protection to fortify your website against malicious attacks
  • Lock and Protect System Folders to ensure no unauthorized or malicious scripts can be executed in your system folders
  • Disable Themes & Plugins Editor to safeguard your website from unauthorized access via the WordPress editor
  • Hide WordPress Version effortlessly, keeping it hidden from prying eyes
  • Use Activity Log to monitor your site and quickly prevent malicious actions
  • Post-Hack Actions to take immediate actions and prevent further damages

Developed by the website security experts at SiteGround and trusted by over 900,000 webmasters for its robust security shield and ease of use to safeguard WordPress applications from possible attacks on any hosting platform.

AWARDS:

Monster Awards 2022: Best WordPress Security Plugin 🥇
Monster Awards 2021: Best WordPress Security Plugin 🥇

Plugin Video

Plugin Tutorial

Unveil the vast array of features and unleash the full potential of our security plugin in our Security Optimizer Tutorial.

SITE PROTECTION FEATURES

Safeguard your WordPress application using our powerful site security toolset. Our comprehensive features are specifically designed to strengthen your website’s defenses against malware, exploits, and various malicious activities. With these tools at your disposal, you can ensure the utmost bot, malware and brute force protection for your website:

Lock and Protect System Folders

Ensure the maximum security for your application’s system folders by preventing the execution of any unauthorized or malicious scripts. The Lock and Protect System Folders feature acts as a powerful shield against potential threats.

Hide WordPress Version

Protect your website from mass attacks by hiding the WordPress version, which helps to mitigate version-specific vulnerabilities.

Disable Themes & Plugins Editor

Enhance the security of your WordPress admin area by disabling the Themes & Plugins Editor, preventing potential coding errors and unauthorized access through the editor.

Disable XML-RPC

Mitigate potential security risks by disabling the XML-RPC protocol, which has been exploited in various attacks. Please note that disabling XML-RPC will restrict WordPress from communicating with third-party systems. We recommend enabling this feature unless you have a specific need for it.

Disable RSS and ATOM Feeds

Prevent content scraping and specific attacks on your site by disabling RSS and ATOM feeds. Unless you have readers accessing your site via RSS readers, it is recommended to keep this feature enabled.

Advanced XSS Protection

Add an extra layer of website security against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks by enabling Advanced XSS Protection, bolstering the overall security of your website.

Delete Default Readme.html

Eliminate potential vulnerabilities by deleting the default readme.txt file, which contains information about your website. By removing this file, you reduce the risk of your site being listed in vulnerable sites targeted by hackers.

Login Security

Custom Login Url

Personalize your login URL to thwart potential attacks and create a strong entry point. Bid farewell to the default login URL and embrace a bespoke path of your choosing. Additionally, you have the freedom to modify the default sign-up URL as well.

Login Access

Restrict login page access to specific IP addresses or IP ranges, effectively thwarting malicious login attempts and deterring brute force attacks.

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

Immerse your website in an impenetrable shield of security with 2FA. This formidable feature demands that all admin users furnish a unique token, generated exclusively through the Google Authentication application, during the login process.

Disable Common Usernames

Don’t fall victim to predictable security breaches! The use of common usernames, such as ‘admin,’ poses a significant threat to the integrity of your website. Activate this option to disable the creation of common usernames. If any weak usernames already exist, we’ll prompt you to provide new, stronger alternatives.

Limit Login Attempts

Maintain control over unauthorized access attempts with Limit Login Attempts. Set a specific threshold for the number of login failures users can endure before consequences arise. After reaching the limit, the IP address associated with the unsuccessful login attempts will be blocked for one hour. Persistent failures will result in longer restrictions, starting with 24 hours and escalating to a week.

ACTIVITY MONITORING

Monitor your website and login page for unauthorized visitors and brute force attempts to prevent malicious actions

Activity Log

The Activity Log page provides you with a comprehensive view of the activities performed by registered, unknown, and blocked visitors. It allows you to closely monitor any suspicious behavior and take appropriate actions in case of a compromised user, plugin, or hacking attempt. You can leverage the quick tools available to swiftly block future attempts.

Weekly Security Reports

Receive a weekly traffic summary for your website directly to your inbox. This Weekly Security Report compiles data on both bot and human traffic, along with details about blocked login and visit attempts to proactively monitor traffic and promptly identify suspicious activity.

POST-HACK ACTIONS

Take immediate measures to protect your website if you suspect a compromise and prevent further damage. Here, you’ll find convenient solutions to address the situation effectively:

Reinstall All Free Plugins

In the event of a hack, utilizing the Reinstall All Free Plugins feature can help mitigate potential harm. This action reinstalls all of your free plugins, reducing the likelihood of additional exploits or the reuse of malicious code.

Log Out All Users

To prevent any further unauthorized activities by users or attackers, you can choose to log out all users instantly using the Log Out All Users feature.

Force Password Reset

By enforcing a password reset, you can ensure that all users are prompted to change their passwords during their next login. This not only strengthens the security of their accounts but also immediately logs out all currently logged-in users.

Requirements

  • WordPress 4.7
  • PHP 7.0
  • Working .htaccess file

Data Collection

Collection of technical data is optional and is listed here. This data is collected only for technical analysis, improvements and the possibility to contact the plugin user in case urgent issues need to be fixed (for example a critical security release that needs to be communicated to site owners). The plugin user can manage their preferences within the WP admin to control the collection of technical data. We advise opting in for this data collection, as it can enhance the plugin’s performance. You may find more information on data collection in our Plugins Privacy Notice.

Screenshots

Ratings & Reviews

Recent Reviews

Loading reviews...

View all reviews on WordPress.org (opens in a new tab)

Changelog

Version 1.6.8

Release Date Aug 28th, 2026

  • Fix issues with vendor library

Version 1.6.7

Release Date Aug 28th, 2026

  • Security Improvements

Version 1.6.6

Release Date Aug 26th, 2026

  • Legacy code removed

Version 1.6.5

Release Date Jul 9th, 2026

  • Security improvements
  • Dashboard visuals improvements

Version 1.6.4

Release Date Jul 1st, 2026

  • Security improvements

Version 1.6.3

Release Date Jun 22th, 2026

  • Version bump

Version 1.6.2

Release Date May 7th, 2026

  • 2FA improvements
  • Activity Log improvements
  • Weekly Email Reports improvements

Version 1.6.1

Release Date May 5th, 2026

  • Email Service improvements

Version 1.6.0

Release Date Mar 30th, 2026

  • Security improvements
  • Activity Log improvements
  • Third-party plugin compatibility improvements

Version 1.5.9

Release Date Jan 15th, 2026

  • Third-party plugin compatibility improvements
  • Custom URL improvements
  • Weekly Report improvements
  • Security Improvements

Version 1.5.8

Release Date Dec 4th, 2025

  • Custom Login improvements
  • Login Security improvements
  • Security improvements

Version 1.5.7

Release Date Nov 21st, 2024

  • Translation loading improvements

Version 1.5.6

Release Date: Oct 9th, 2024

  • Custom Login URL improvements
  • 2FA improvements
  • Activity Log improvements

Version 1.5.5

Release Date: Sep 18th, 2024

  • Options improvements.
  • Block Service improvements.

Version 1.5.4

Release Date: Sep 10th, 2024

  • Activity log code improvements.
  • Salt Shaker code improvements.

Version 1.5.3

Release Date: Aug 27th, 2024

  • Code Improvements.

Version 1.5.2

Release Date: Aug 1st, 2024

  • Improved Custom Login Url handling
  • Improved Plugins Reinstall actions
  • Improved Translations
  • Improved plugin config
  • Fixed deprecated warnings in custom WP-CLI commands

Version 1.5.1

Release Date: July 17th, 2024

  • Improved Activity log bot detection
  • Improved Activity log logout handling
  • Improved 2FA with third-party custom logins
  • Improved compatibility with third-party plugins
  • Security improvements related to plugin notices

Version 1.5.0

Release Date: May 23rd, 2024

  • Improved support for PHP 8.2 and 8.3.
  • Improved plugin configuration.

Version 1.4.13

Release Date: Mar 27th, 2024

  • Plugin optimization.

Version 1.4.12

Release Date: Feb 20th, 2024

  • Bugfixes related to cookies and 2FA

Version 1.4.11

Release Date: Feb 14th, 2024

  • Security improvements related to cookies
  • Performance improvements

Version 1.4.10

Release Date: Jan 11th, 2024

  • Static assets are now part of the plugin package and load locally.
  • New users will be prompted to give their consent for the collection of technical data upon their initial use of the plugin.

Version 1.4.9

Release Date: Dec 12th, 2023

  • Improved detection of bots in activity log
  • Improved feature “Reinstall All Free Plugins” – deactivated plugins no longer get activated after the reinstall.

Version 1.4.8

Release Date: Nov 22nd, 2023

  • Dashboard visuals improvements
  • Readme file improvements
  • Weekly Security Report improved translations

Version 1.4.7

Release Date: Oct 24th, 2023

  • Data collection opt out option
  • Readme file formatting improvements
  • Plugin name formatting improvements
  • Weekly Activity Report Sending Schedule Randomisation

Version 1.4.6

Release Date: Sept 26th, 2023

  • Changing the name we use inside the plugin from SiteGround Security to Security Optimizer
  • Updating data collection process and Introducing a link in the plugin interface to the Plugin Privacy notice

Version 1.4.5

Release Date: May 4th, 2023

  • Improved log cleanup

Version 1.4.4

Release Date: May 3rd, 2023

  • Improved Visitors DB table indexing
  • Block service restored

Version 1.4.3

Release Date: Apr 27th, 2023

  • Block service temporally disabled

Version 1.4.2

Release Date: Apr 27th, 2023

  • Improved Activity Log process and filters
  • Improved restricted login response code
  • Improved PHP 8.2 compatibility
  • Alternative constant added for non-standard cron job usage

Version 1.4.1

Release Date: Feb 23rd, 2023

  • Internal configuration improvements

Version 1.4.0

Release Date: Feb 1st, 2023

  • Internal configuration changes

Version 1.3.9

Release Date: Jan 25th, 2023

  • Improved Foogra Theme support

Version 1.3.8

Release Date: Dec 6th, 2022

  • Improved Rest response
  • Improved Settings Page checks
  • Improved Disable Themes & Plugins Editor

Version 1.3.7

Release Date: Nov 15th, 2022

  • SG Security Dashboard bugfix
  • Improved 2FA Encryption key validation
  • Improved Custom Login/Register URL validation
  • Improved LiteSpeed Cache support
  • Option to use custom 2FA encryption key filepath

Version 1.3.6

Release Date: Nov 8th, 2022

  • Improved 2FA security with encryption
  • Improved Access Log filters
  • New WP-CLI command: reset all users 2FA setup

Version 1.3.5

Release Date: Oct 18th, 2022

  • Improved Custom Login URL
  • Improved Activity log

Version 1.3.4

Release Date: Oct 10th, 2022

  • Install service fix

Version 1.3.3

Release Date: Oct 10th, 2022

  • New Manage Activity Log option
  • New filter – Disable activity log
  • Improved Custom login url
  • Improved WP-CLI support
  • Improved Jetpack plugin support
  • Improved error handling
  • Minor bug fixes
  • Legacy code removed

Version 1.3.2

Release Date: Sept 21st, 2022

  • 2FA Backup codes security strengthening

Version 1.3.1

Release Date: Sept 13th, 2022

  • 2FA Authentication Security Strengthening
  • IP Address detection Security Strengthening

Version 1.3.0

Release Date: July 14th, 2022

  • Brand New Design
  • Improved 2FA Authentication compatibility with Elementor custom login pages
  • Improved data collection
  • Minor fixes

Version 1.2.9

Release Date: June 20th, 2022

  • NEW Filters for “Lock and Protect System Folders” excludes
  • Improved IP Ranges support
  • Improved Blocked IP addresses list
  • Improved Delete the Default Readme.html
  • Improved 2FA Authentication validation
  • Improved 2FA Authentication support for “My Account” login
  • Improved Data Collection
  • Minor fixes

Version 1.2.8

Release Date: May 18th, 2022

  • Improved plugin security

Version 1.2.7

Release Date: April 8th, 2022

  • Minor bug fixes

Version 1.2.6

Release Date: April 7th, 2022

  • 2FA Refactoring

Version 1.2.5

Release Date: April 6th, 2022

  • 2FA Authentication refactoring
  • Improved Weekly Emails
  • HTST service deprecated

Version 1.2.4

Release Date: March 16th, 2022

  • Improved Weekly Emails
  • Improved Woocommerce Payments plugin support
  • 2FA Authentication Security Strengthening

Version 1.2.3

Release Date: March 11th, 2022

  • 2FA Authentication Security Strengthening

Version 1.2.2

Release Date: March 11th, 2022

  • 2FA Authentication Security Strengthening

Version 1.2.1

Release Date: March 9th, 2022

  • Improved Weekly reports
  • Improved HTTP Headers service
  • Code Refactoring

Version 1.2.0

Release Date: February 28th, 2022

  • NEW – Weekly Reports
  • Code Refactoring and General Improvements
  • Improved 2FA user role support
  • Improved error handling
  • Improved Limit Login IP Range support
  • Improved Event log
  • Improved Phlox theme support
  • Minor fixes
  • Improved WP-CLI support
  • Environment data collection consent added

Version 1.1.3

Release Date: October 1st, 2021
* Improved Hide WP version functionality

Version 1.1.2

Release Date: August 20th, 2021
* Improved Custom Login URL functionality
* Improved 2FA
* Improved success/error messages

Version 1.1.1

Release Date: August 12th, 2021
* Improved 2FA
* Improved logout functionality

Version 1.1.0

Release Date: July 27th, 2021
* NEW! Added 2FA backup codes to the profile edit page
* NEW! Custom login and registration URLs
* NEW! Added automatic HSTS headers generation
* Improved Disable common usernames functionality
* Improved Mass Logout Service
* Improved Activity Logging and added custom labeling
* Improved Password Reset functionality

Version 1.0.4

  • Improved Limit Login Attempts

Version 1.0.3

  • Fixed rating box bug on safari
  • Improved RSS & ATOM Feed Disabler service

Version 1.0.2

  • Added filter to configure log lifetime
  • Added WP CLI support
  • Improved strings

Version 1.0.1

  • Added defaults on install
  • Improved translation support
  • Added cleanup on uninstall

Version 1.0.0

  • First stable release.

Version 0.1

  • Initial release.

Alternatives to Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin

Other WordPress plugins serving a similar purpose, ranked by relevance and PF Score.

Platinum90.6
Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall icon

Defender Security

Malware scanner, firewall, login security, and audit logs for WordPress site protection.

★ 4.8/5·80K+ installs·Updated 24 Aug 2026
Platinum89.3
WP Ghost (Hide My WP Ghost) – Security & Firewall icon

WP Ghost (Hide My WP Ghost)

Hides WordPress paths and applies firewall protection, brute force blocking, and passkey login security.

★ 4.5/5·100K+ installs·Updated 3 Sep 2026
Platinum86.4
BulletProof Security icon

BulletProof Security

Malware scanner and firewall with login security, database backup, and anti-spam features.

★ 4.8/5·20K+ installs·Updated 19 Aug 2026
Platinum98.2
Limit Login Attempts Security – Login Security, 2FA, Firewall, Brute Force Prevention icon

Limit Login Attempts Security

Defends WordPress logins with brute force protection, two-factor authentication, and IP blocking.

★ 4.8/5·1.0M+ installs·Updated 1 Sep 2026
Platinum97.8
Loginizer icon

Loginizer

Protects WordPress login pages from brute force attacks through automated threat detection and blocking.

★ 4.8/5·1.0M+ installs·Updated 19 Aug 2026
Platinum97.1
Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security icon

Wordfence Security

Firewall, malware scanner, and two-factor authentication for WordPress site security.

★ 4.7/5·5.0M+ installs·Updated 10 Aug 2026
Platinum90.9
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) – Advanced Security Plugin and Firewall icon

NinjaFirewall (WP Edition)

Web application firewall designed to protect WordPress sites from malware and security threats.

★ 4.9/5·100K+ installs·Updated 16 Aug 2026
Platinum90.8
Sucuri Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening icon

Sucuri Security

Provides malware detection, integrity monitoring, and security hardening for WordPress sites.

★ 4.2/5·600K+ installs·Updated 7 Jul 2026
Platinum90.5
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin – Malware Scanner, Cleaner, Security Firewall icon

MalCare WordPress Security Plugin

Firewall and malware scanner that detects vulnerabilities and removes threats from WordPress sites.

★ 4.4/5·200K+ installs·Updated 28 Aug 2026