8 Best Plugins to Limit Logins in WordPress [2024]

In the world of WordPress websites, security is paramount. One of the key security measures you should employ is limiting login attempts. In this article, we'll discuss why you should install a plugin to limit login attempts, and the consequences you may face if you overlook this security practice. We'll then provide you with a comprehensive list of the 8 best plugins for limiting logins, accompanied by detailed descriptions and attributes of each plugin.

Why Should You Limit Login Attempts?

Restricting login attempts is an essential step in enhancing the security of your WordPress site. The majority of WordPress installations lack built-in login limiting software, leaving your website exposed to potential attacks. Limiting login attempts acts as a shield against brute force attacks, where malicious actors repeatedly guess login credentials.

10 reasons to limit login attempts in WordPress

1. Mitigate Brute Force Attacks: Limiting login attempts helps protect your site from malicious actors attempting to guess passwords through repeated login tries.
2. Enhance Security: It adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
3. Protect User Data: Limits login attempts to safeguard sensitive user information stored on your site.
4. Prevent Unauthorized Access: Reduces the risk of unauthorized access, which can lead to content manipulation or defacement.
5. Maintain Website Integrity: Helps maintain the integrity of your website by preventing unauthorized modifications or data loss.
6. Reduce Server Load: Limits unnecessary server load caused by excessive failed login attempts, improving site performance.
7. Prevent Downtime: Avoids potential downtime due to server overload caused by brute force attacks.
8. Safeguard Reputation: Protects your website's reputation by preventing hackers from defacing your content or spreading malware.
9. Avoid Legal Consequences: Prevents potential legal consequences resulting from security breaches or data leaks.
10. Maintain User Trust: Ensures your users' trust in your site's security, encouraging continued engagement and interaction.

Consequences of Not Limiting Login Attempts

Neglecting to limit login attempts can expose your site to severe consequences. Hackers may gain unauthorized access, leading to the compromise of sensitive data, potential defacement, or even complete destruction of your content. Such security breaches can tarnish your reputation, drive away visitors, and result in significant financial losses.

8 Best Plugins To Limit Login Attempts

We've compiled a selection of the best WordPress plugins to limit login attempts, drawing our recommendations from ratings, reviews, and the number of active installations.

#1 - Limit Login Attempts Reloaded (Highly Recommended)

A customizable plugin that allows you to set precise login attempt limits. It also offers block logins by country, IP access rules, and a login firewall that includes IP intelligence.

• Pros:
  • Advanced customization options.
  • Cloud protection & IP intelligence.
  • Focuses extensively on login security.
  • Easy to install and automated.
• Cons:
  • Limited to mostly login security tools only.
  • Does not offer hack repair.
• Latest Review Score: 4.9/5
• Active Installs: 2+ million

#2 - Login Lock Down

A straightforward and user-friendly plugin that records IP addresses for blocked login attempts, making it easy to monitor suspicious activity.

• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface.
  • IP address tracking for blocked attempts.
• Cons:
  • Limited customization options compared to other plugins.
  • It lacks some advanced security features available in other plugins.
• Latest Review Score: 4.7/5
• Active Installs: 100,000+

#3 - Loginizer

Helps you fight against brute force attacks by blocking logins for the IP after it reaches maximum retries allowed. You can blacklist or whitelist IPs for login.

• Pros:
  • Specialized in limiting login attempts.
  • IP blocking and password policies.
• Cons:
  • Some advanced features are available only in the premium version.
  • Some advanced features may require a premium version.
• Latest Review Score: 4.8/5
• Active Installs: 1+ million

#4 - Solid Security

Offering a wide range of security features, Solid Security includes built-in brute force protection. It's a feature-rich plugin suitable for users who want comprehensive security.

• Pros:
  • Comprehensive security features.
  • Built-in brute-force protection.
• Cons:
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its feature-rich nature.
  • Some advanced features may require a premium version.
• Latest Review Score: 4.7/5
• Active Installs: 900,000+

#5 - Wordfence Login Security

Known for its firewall and malware scanner, Wordfence Security also effectively limits login attempts. It's a robust solution with comprehensive security features.

• Pros:
  • Firewall and malware scanner.
  • Effective login attempt limitations.
• Cons:
  • Resource-intensive and may impact site speed.
  • Some advanced features are available only in the premium version
• Latest Review Score: 4.9/5
• Active Installs: 4+ million

#6 - All In One WP Security & Firewall

With a user-friendly interface, this plugin offers a comprehensive range of security features, including login attempt limitations.

• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Basic login attempt limits.
• Cons:
  • Limited customization of login attempt settings.
  • It may not have as many advanced features as some other security plugins.
• Latest Review Score: 4.6/5
• Active Installs: 800,000+

#7 - Sucuri Security

Sucuri Security includes a website firewall for enhanced protection and effectively monitors and restricts login attempts.

• Pros:
  • Website firewall.
  • Login attempt monitoring.
• Cons:
  • Premium version required for advanced features.
  • It might not provide as comprehensive site scanning as dedicated security plugins.
• Latest Review Score: 4.7/5
• Active Installs: 700,000+

#8 - Shield Security

With straightforward setup and configuration, Shield Security provides effective login attempt limitations and enhances overall website security.

• Pros:
  • Simple setup.
  • Effective login attempt restrictions.
• Cons:
  • Some advanced features are available only in the pro version.
  • Not as well known and used.
• Latest Review Score: 4.8/5
• Active Installs: 50,000+

Final Take

In conclusion, securing your WordPress site through login attempt limitations is pivotal in today's digital landscape. Choose a plugin that suits your specific needs and expertise level to bolster your website's security. By implementing one of these 8 plugins, you can substantially reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your valuable online content.

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About the Author

Greg Fisher

CMO

Greg Fisher has over 20 years of digital marketing experience. Along with Alex Benko, Greg’s has owned and operated several companies including an online travel agency, tour reservation software, and web host. Greg’s responsibilities at LLAR include marketing and user expansion.