title: 'WordPress Setup: 12 Security & Speed Defaults' description: 'Lock down WordPress on day one—no plugin bloat, no scary surprises, just fast, safe foundations.' date: '2025-03-07'

WordPress Setup: 12 Security & Speed Defaults

A fast, safe site from day one—no plugin bloat, no scary surprises.

Why this matters

Core Web Vitals and basic security determine user trust and rankings. Do these once; benefit forever.

The 12 defaults

1. HTTPS + HSTS enabled in hosting.
2. Strong admin username (not “admin”); use a password manager.
3. Two-factor authentication for admin logins.
4. Auto core updates on; minor updates always.
5. Daily offsite backups with a one-click restore.
6. Caching (server-level or lightweight plugin).
7. Image optimisation (auto compress plus WebP).
8. Limit login attempts to deter brute-force attacks.
9. Disable XML-RPC if not required.
10. Minimal plugins (avoid “mega” bundles).
11. CDN for global speed, especially image-heavy sites.
12. Privacy and disclosure pages published early.

Recommended lightweight stack

• Caching: Server cache or a single, reputable plugin.
• Images: Auto WebP and lazy-load.
• Security: 2FA plus least-privilege roles.
• Analytics: GA4 or Plausible; track affiliate clicks.

Checklist (copy/paste)

• [ ] Change admin username and enforce 2FA
• [ ] Turn on backups; test a restore
• [ ] Enable CDN and minify CSS/JS
• [ ] Replace oversized hero images
• [ ] Publish Disclosure and Privacy pages

CTA: Follow this with our Theme Setup Guide.