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Is WordPress Multisite Really Secure? 8 Security Tips to Know

Is WordPress Multisite Really Secure? 8 Security Tips to Know

Running multiple websites from one WordPress installation sounds so cool—until you start worrying about security.

Many users worry that managing a WordPress multisite may require them to spend more time on securing it.

This concern is not misguided. We’ve seen how a single weak spot can put every site in a multisite network at risk.

The good news? WordPress multisite can be secure when you take the right steps.

We’ve been running our own multisite setup for a while now, and in this guide, we’ll share our tried and tested WordPress multisite security tips to help protect your network.

It’s a built-in feature that allows you to run multiple websites from a single WordPress installation, all controlled from one dashboard.

While multisite is powerful, it comes with its own security challenges. Since all websites share the same core files, a single vulnerability could impact the entire network if not properly secured.

Yes, WordPress multisite is very secure, particularly when it is properly managed.

It is part of the core WordPress software, which is actively maintained and regularly updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

However, multisite introduces unique risks to the setup. Since all websites share the same core files and database, a single weak spot could affect the entire network.

We’ve worked with multisite setups where a minor plugin vulnerability impacted every connected site. It’s a reminder of how important proactive security measures are for protecting your entire network.

Don’t worry—when you take the right precautions, WordPress multisite can be just as safe as a standard WordPress site. Let’s explore how you can secure your network with confidence.

Securing a WordPress multisite isn’t just about locking things down—it’s about staying one step ahead of potential risks. We’ve learned that small gaps, like forgotten updates or too many admin privileges, can create unexpected vulnerabilities.

But securing a WordPress multisite doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few smart practices can go a long way in keeping every site in your network safe.

Let’s walk through the key steps we recommend to strengthen your WordPress multisite security with confidence.

We’ve seen firsthand how a reliable backup can turn a stressful situation into a minor inconvenience. Whether it’s a malware attack, plugin error, or accidental deletion, having a backup means you can restore your entire network without losing a thing.

Many users tell us their hosting company offers automatic backups. Here’s the truth—those backups aren’t always guaranteed or easily accessible when you need them most.

That’s why we always recommend taking control of your own backups. It’s easier than you think, especially with the right tools.

Why Do We Recommend Duplicator?

Once you install Duplicator, it will guide you through the setup process. From there, you can automate backups on a schedule that fits your needs.

Expert Tip: Tired of keeping track of WordPress backups and updates? Why not offload these tasks to the professionals?

Your hosting provider plays a huge role in the security of your WordPress multisite network. Not all web hosts are built for multisite setups, and choosing the wrong one can leave your entire network vulnerable to attacks.

We’ve worked with a few different hosting providers that offer great performance with a properly secure platform.

Starter WordPress Multisite

They support all types of WordPress multisite configurations, including custom domains, subdomains, and directory sites. Plus, they are offering WPBeginner users a huge discount on hosting (you can start at $1.99 / mo).

For Established WordPress Multisites

Here is why we recommend SiteGround:

Going with a trusted hosting provider gives you peace of mind, knowing your sites are protected from the ground up.

We’ve seen WordPress multisite networks where each individual site admin was also a super admin. Giving too many people super admin access can backfire.

A simple mistake or compromised account with this level of control can put the entire network at risk.

The best practice? Keep super admin privileges limited to only the most trusted individuals managing the network.

To restrict access, go to Network Admin » Users » All Users and ensure only essential team members have super admin rights.

We’ve all been guilty of using a password that’s a little too easy to guess—something like password123 or a pet’s name. But when you’re running a WordPress multisite network, weak passwords can be a serious risk.

We’ve seen cases where a single compromised password gave hackers access to an entire multisite network. It’s stressful, and recovering from a security breach can take a lot of time and effort.

But strong passwords alone aren’t enough these days.

To add another layer of protection, you should set up two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s that extra step where you enter a one-time code after your password—kind of like having a second lock on your door.

We get it—updating WordPress, plugins, and themes can feel like a chore. But skipping updates can open the door to serious security risks.

We’ve seen cases where outdated plugins became the entry point for hackers, turning a small oversight into a network-wide issue.

The good news? Keeping everything updated doesn’t have to be complicated.

WordPress regularly releases updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. Staying current helps keep your entire multisite network safe.

The best part? Cloudflare offers a free plan, so you can add this extra layer of protection without spending anything.

Want to take security even further?

In a WordPress multisite network, only super admins can install plugins and themes for the entire network. Site admins can only activate plugins that have already been installed by the super admin.

We’ve seen how unrestricted plugin access can lead to issues—like when a poorly coded plugin introduces security vulnerabilities across multiple sites. Keeping plugin and theme installation restricted helps avoid these risks.

The safest approach? Limiting plugin and theme installations to trusted super admins who only network activate thoroughly tested and well-reputed plugins.

When managing a WordPress multisite network, keeping track of user actions isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for security. We’ve seen how a single unnoticed change, like a plugin deactivation or permission update, can lead to unexpected vulnerabilities.

With a logging tool in place, you can:

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook certain security practices when managing a WordPress multisite network. Unfortunately, small mistakes can snowball into major vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the most common security mistakes to avoid:

Avoiding these mistakes can go a long way in keeping your WordPress Multisite secure. The key is to stay proactive and regularly review your network’s security settings.

Securing a WordPress multisite network may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s completely manageable with the right steps. We’ve worked with many different multisite setups and have seen how proactive security measures can prevent serious issues.

By setting up regular backups, limiting super admin privileges, and using tools like Cloudflare and WP Activity Log, you can create a safer environment for every site in your network.

Remember, security isn’t a one-time task. It’s about staying vigilant—keeping your software updated, reviewing user access, and monitoring activity regularly.

Take the time to apply these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to running a secure and reliable WordPress multisite network.

The following are some additional resources that you may find helpful in maintaining your WordPress multisite network:

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If you need help creating a digital marketing strategy for your business, don’t hesitate to contact one of CodeWorks’ consultants.

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