Easily improve site security with WordPress Hardening, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Login Protection, Vuln...
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3M+ installs 4.9★ (8,862)
Kadence Security
Harden your site security with Login Security, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Vulnerability Scanner, Firewall, and more. Formerly iThemes Security.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.6★ from 3,990
- Active installs
- 700k+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 27 Jul 2026
- Added
- Oct 2010
- Requires WP
- 6.5
- Tested up to
- WP 7.0.4
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 39,129,140
Our analysis
AI-assistedKadence Security is a WordPress plugin designed to enhance the security of your website against cyber threats. It offers features such as brute force protection, user login authentication security, and real-time monitoring of security-related events. The plugin is suitable for various types of websites, including eCommerce, blogs, and portfolios, with tailored security templates for each type.
The setup process is straightforward, allowing users to secure their sites in under ten minutes, regardless of their technical expertise. Kadence Security also includes a dashboard for monitoring security activities, making it easier to manage and respond to potential threats.
Best for: This plugin is best for WordPress site owners looking to improve their site's security with minimal technical knowledge.
What it does well
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
- ✓Supports multiple site types with tailored security templates
- ✓Real-time monitoring of security events
- ✓Easy setup process in under ten minutes
- ✓Strong user base with 700,000 active installs
Where it falls short
- •Limited information on advanced features without the Pro version
- •No specific details on the effectiveness of the Brute Force Protection Network
Verdict
Kadence Security provides essential tools for protecting WordPress sites from cyber threats, making it a practical choice for users seeking straightforward security solutions.
From the developer
Nexcess's own description of Kadence Security, lightly tidied.
Reduce your WordPress website’s risk to nearly zero with Kadence Security
Formerly iThemes Security. Looking for iThemes? Learn more here.
On average, 30,000 websites are hacked every day.* Cyberattacks in the US increased by 57% in 2022.** Bad actors who want to hack your site, steal your data, and cripple your business are a 24/7/365 threat.
You need a proactive, strategic approach to WordPress website security that protects your site from brute force attacks, malware infections, and other cyber threats.
Kadence Security shields your site from cyberattacks and prevents security vulnerabilities. It automatically locks out bad users identified by our Brute Force Protection Network that is nearly 1 million sites strong and leverages your own blacklist. It secures and protects your most commonly attacked part of your WordPress website – user login authentication.
With Patchstack integration (Pro) protects your site before you even have a chance to address vulnerabilities and before a plugin or theme vendor or developer can even issue a patch.
That’s 24/7/365 always-on truly Kadence Security.
🌐 Secure your Website in Minutes
The Kadence Security setup and onboarding experience allows anyone to secure their WordPress website in under 10 minutes, regardless of technical acumen. Knowing that you have enabled all the right security settings for your website will leave you feeling like your site has never been more secure.
📚 Security Site Templates to Fit Your Type of Site
Enabling the correct security settings based on the type of website you are building or maintaining is essential for proper security. An eCommerce site requires a different level of security than a basic blog. Kadence Security Site Templates make it quick and easy to apply the right security settings for your website.
Choose from six different site templates to apply the type of security your site needs:
- Ecommerce – websites that sell products or services
- Network – websites that connect people or communities
- Non-Profit – websites that promote your cause and collect donations
- Blog – websites that share your thoughts or start a conversation
- Portfolio – websites that showcase your craft
- Brochure – simple websites that promote your business
⌚ Real-Time Website Security Dashboard
Every day, lots of activity is happening on your website that you can’t see. Many of these activities can be related to your site’s security, so monitoring these events is vital to keeping your site secure.
The Kadence Security Pro plugin provides a real-time WordPress security dashboard that monitors security-related events on your site around the clock. The Kadence Security Dashboard is a dynamic dashboard with all your WordPress website’s security activity stats in one place, including brute force attacks, banned users, active lockouts, site scan results, and user security stats (Pro).
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