Every WordPress website is a target for brute-force login attempts. Bots will swarm your site and flood it with various usernames and password combinations. If they find a weak or compromised password, they can do untold damage.
Enhancing your site’s login security is crucial, and implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) should be a part of your plan. The technology requires a user to verify their identity via email, text message, or a third-party app. It’s the last line of defense against a hacker accessing a user’s account.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a security expert to implement 2FA on your website. Several WordPress plugins can add this layer of security in just a few clicks.
We’ve put together a list of the top 2FA plugins to help you get started. You’ll find options covering different authentication methods, along with the ability to protect administrator and lower-level accounts. You’re sure to find the perfect match for your site’s needs.
An official plugin from the WordPress team, Two-Factor adds 2FA settings to each user’s profile. It also supports several verification methods, including email, time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), and backup codes. Note that 2FA can be enabled on a per-user basis or for all users via a code snippet.
Wordfence is known for its all-in-one security suite. However, they also offer a niche plugin that secures your site’s login. Wordfence Login Security supports TOTP-based apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy. What’s more, you can add reCAPTCHA protection to your login pages and guard against XML-RPC attacks. It’s a lightweight option that adds peace of mind.
WP 2FA makes it easy to protect user accounts. There are options for protecting all users, specific users, or users with a particular role. The plugin supports email and TOTP authentication methods. It also allows users to set up their 2FA preferences on the front end where appropriate. Developers can use the plugin’s API to add support for additional 2FA providers.
Add a layer of security to any user or user role on your WordPress website. Two Factor Authentication supports TOTP and HOTP methods. It’s also compatible with WooCommerce, Elementor Pro, Gravity Forms, and other popular plugins. The plugin can also remember trusted devices and will alert you if a user enters the correct password with an incorrect 2FA code.
Here’s a simple solution for adding 2FA to your website. Install Two Factor (2FA) Authentication via Email, and a toggle will be added to each user profile. Enable 2FA for individuals or use the provided code snippet to turn it on sitewide. Note that email is the only supported authentication method.
Solid Security includes a suite of tools to protect your website, including 2FA. The free version of the plugin offers email-based authentication, while the pro version supports TOTP and backup codes. You can also configure strong password requirements and ban users after repeated failed login attempts.
An Easy Way To Improve Your Website’s Security
Two-factor authentication is a must-have feature for every WordPress website. It’s also one of the easiest items to implement.
The plugins above streamline the process and provide multiple authentication options. So, whether you need to protect site administrators, e-commerce customers, or both, there’s a plugin for you.
We hope you found this plugin roundup useful. Check out our WordPress Security section for more helpful tips and tools.
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here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.
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