Brute force attacks are one of the most common security threats faced by WordPress websites. In these attacks, hackers repeatedly try different username and password combinations until they successfully gain access. Since WordPress allows unlimited login attempts by default, it becomes easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability.
The most effective way to prevent such attacks is to limit the number of login attempts using a security plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.
Why Limit Login Attempts?
Restricting login attempts enhances your WordPress security in several important ways:
Blocks brute force attacks: It prevents hackers from making unlimited login attempts, cutting off their access before they can guess your credentials.
Reduces server strain: Continuous failed login attempts can consume server resources; limiting them helps maintain your site’s performance.
Protects sensitive information: By stopping unauthorized access, it helps safeguard admin accounts, user data, and other private content.
How to Install the “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” Plugin
You can log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
Go to Plugins → Add New.
Search for “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.”
Click Install Now, then Activate once the installation is complete:
After activation, you can configure the plugin’s settings to define how many login attempts are allowed and how long to lock out users after failed attempts.
Configure the settings
Using Limit Login Attempts Reloaded (Free Version)
The free version of Limit Login Attempts Reloaded makes it simple to control how many times users can try logging in before being temporarily blocked.
Go to the Settings tab in your WordPress Dashboard.
Find the Limit Login Attempts section.
Set the number of allowed retries (recommended: 3–5 attempts).
Configure the lockout duration (for example, 20 minutes).
Enable email notifications to receive alerts whenever a lockout occurs.
Click Save Changes to apply your settings.
With this configuration, your website will automatically block repeated failed login attempts and temporarily lock out suspicious IP addresses.
Note: The free version is ideal for individual website owners. For agencies or users managing multiple sites, the Premium version offers additional security features and centralized management tools.
Best Practices to Strengthen WordPress Security
In addition to limiting login attempts, consider following these best practices to further protect your site:
Use strong, unique passwords for all admin and user accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date at all times.
Regularly review login logs to detect and address suspicious activity early.