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.

What Is WordPress Multisite?

Imagine managing multiple websites without juggling separate logins or installations. That’s exactly what WordPress multisite lets you do.

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

This setup is popular among organizations, schools, and businesses handling several sites under one roof. It’s also a favorite for blog networks and thriving online communities.

Getting started with WordPress multisite might sound technical, but it’s surprisingly simple. We’ve broken it down in our step-by-step multisite setup guide to make the process effortless.

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.

Is WordPress Multisite Secure?

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.

WordPress Multisite Security Tips

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.

1. Back Up Your WordPress Multisite Regularly

Whenever we talk about WordPress security at WPBeginner, we always start with backups. It’s the single most important step to protect your website from data loss.

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.

The best way to back up your multisite network is with Duplicator. It’s a powerful backup plugin that makes protecting your network simple.

Why Do We Recommend Duplicator?

• Easily schedule automatic backups.
• Safely store backups on the cloud.
• Restore your entire multisite network with one click.

You can learn more about its features in our detailed Duplicator review.

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.

Need help getting started? Check out our step-by-step tutorial on how to back up WordPress multisite.

2. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider with Experience in Multisite Setups

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

For a new WordPress multisite, we recommend Bluehost. They offer a free domain, SSL, and built-in security features.

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 more details, take a look at our Bluehost review, which includes our performance test scores and pros and cons.

For Established WordPress Multisites

We all know that WordPress multisite can be resource-intensive, especially for websites with existing traffic and user base. For these kinds of websites, we’ll go for a little more expensive option: SiteGround.

Here is why we recommend SiteGround:

• Can handle more traffic than your average shared hosting provider.
• One of the top-rated managed WordPress hosting companies on the market.
• Excellent customer support, fast servers, and hassle-free platform.

We use SiteGround to host several websites, including WPBeginner. It has been incredibly reliable for our website’s growth and success. See why we switched to SiteGround, or take a look at our in-depth SiteGround review.

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

3. Limit Super Admin Privileges

In a WordPress multisite network, the ‘Super Admin‘ has complete control over every site. They can install plugins, manage themes, and even delete websites from the network.

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.

For larger teams, consider creating custom user roles with limited permissions using a plugin like Members. It allows you to create custom permissions for user roles, and this way, you can assign responsibilities without giving full control.

For more details, see our guide on WordPress user roles and permissions.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

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.

That’s why we always recommend enforcing strong passwords for everyone on your network. You can even make it automatic by following our tutorial on how to force strong passwords in WordPress.

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.

The easiest way to do this is with the WP 2FA plugin. It guides you through the setup and makes securing your network simple.

Need help? We’ve broken it all down in our step-by-step guide on how to add two-factor authentication in WordPress.

5. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated

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.

Start by making sure your WordPress core is always up to date. You can follow our step-by-step guide on how to update WordPress.

Don’t forget your plugins and themes—they need regular updates, too. We’ve explained how to do this safely in our tutorial on how to properly update WordPress plugins.

6. Set Up a WordPress Firewall

Imagine having a security guard at the entrance of your multisite network, stopping threats before they can even knock on your door. That’s exactly what a WordPress firewall does.

On WPBeginner, we use Cloudflare, and it’s made a huge difference. We’ve seen it blocking massive DDoS attacks, spam bots, and even suspicious login attempts—all without slowing down our site. For details, see our case study on why we switched to Cloudflare.

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

If you’re ready to set it up, we’ve got a full tutorial on how to set up Cloudflare in WordPress.

Want to take security even further?

You can also install a dedicated WordPress security plugin like Sucuri or Wordfence. These plugins add extra features like malware scanning and activity logs, making your multisite network even safer.

7. Restrict Plugin and Theme Installations

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.

If you’re unsure how plugin activation works in multisite, check out our guide on network activating plugins on WordPress multisite.

8. Enable Activity Monitoring and Logging

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.

That’s why we recommend using a reliable activity logging tool like WP Activity Log. It helps you monitor everything from user logins to content changes so you can catch suspicious activity early.

With a logging tool in place, you can:

• Track when plugins or themes are activated or deactivated.
• Monitor user logins and failed login attempts.
• Review content edits and permission changes.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on setting up activity monitoring, check out our tutorial on how to monitor user activity in WordPress.

Common WordPress Multisite Security Mistakes

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:

• Assigning Too Many Super Admins: Giving super admin access to too many users increases the risk of accidental changes and security breaches. Limit this role to trusted individuals only.
• Using Weak Passwords: Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to gain access. Enforce strong passwords for all users and set up two-factor authentication.
• Ignoring Updates: Failing to update WordPress core, plugins, and themes can leave your network vulnerable to known exploits. Always keep your software up to date.
• Relying Solely on Hosting Backups: Hosting backups aren’t always reliable or easy to restore. Set up your own offsite backups using a plugin like Duplicator.
• Installing Untrusted Plugins and Themes: Plugins and themes from unknown sources can introduce security risks. Stick to trusted sources and restrict who can install new tools on your network.

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.

Final Thoughts 💭

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.

Bonus Resources for WordPress Multisite Security

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

• Beginner’s Guide to Fixing Your Hacked WordPress Site 🛡️: If your WordPress multisite gets hacked, this guide shows the steps you need to take to start fixing it by yourself.
• Best WordPress Multisite Plugins You Should Use 🔌 : Our team shares their recommendations for essential plugins for WordPress multisite networks.
• How to Move a Site from WordPress Multisite to Single Install 🔃: This tutorial will come in handy if you ever need to move a site from multisite to its own WordPress installation.
• How to Add / Remove Default Pages in WordPress Multisite 📃 : This guide explains how to add or remove pages created by default on your multisite network.

We hope this article helped you improve WordPress multisite security. You may also want to explore our WordPress troubleshooting guide or learn about common WordPress maintenance tasks.

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The post Is WordPress Multisite Secure? WordPress Multisite Security Tips first appeared on WPBeginner.

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