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Best WordPress Security Plugins in 2018

In this article, we will explore the best WordPress security plugins available right now.

WordPress by itself already has its own set of security features built-in to their platform. Whenever a vulnerability is discovered, WordPress has its own team of experts that work on the security patch and roll it out as soon as possible.

Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst

The problem there is, while the WordPress team is still working on the patch for the said vulnerability. Your WordPress website is 100% free for hackers to prey upon.

This is where the best WordPress security plugins will come in handy as they would add an extra layer of protection from the hackers.

Here are the best WordPress security plugins in 2018.

1. Wordfence

Wordfence is undoubtedly the most popular WordPress security plugin in this list with over 1 million downloads and installations.

Their security incorporates endpoint firewall and malware scanner that they custom built especially for WordPress.

They also has Threat Defense Feed which updates Wordfence with the newest firewall rules, malware signatures and malicious IP addresses. This means that you can rest assure that your system will always be up to date with the latest security threats and block them immediately.

Some of the top features of Wordfence are:

  1. WordPress Firewall
  2. WordPress Security Scanner
  3. Live Traffic Monitoring
  4. Bruteforce Protection
  5. IP Blocking
Go to Wordfence

2. iThemes Security

iThemes Security, formerly known as Better WP Security, is a top tier WordPress security plugin that lets you protect your WordPress website in over 30+ ways.

This plugin helps you lock down your WordPress website, fix common backdoor holes, stop automated bot attacks and also strengthen your credentials.

The team behind iThemes Security has been creating WordPress themes and plugins since 2008 and has a really outstanding track record behind them.

Some of the best features of iThemes Security are:

  1. Two-Factor Authentication
  2. WordPress Salts & Security Keys
  3. Malware Scan Scheduling
  4. Google reCAPTCHA
  5. User Action Logging
  6. Online File Comparison
  7. Temporary Privilege Escalation
  8. Obscure Dashboard Area
  9. Obscure Login Area
Go to iThemes Security

3. Sucuri Security

Sucuri Inc. is a well regarded company that specializes in website security. I have worked with their security tools before and found them really useful.

It does not come as a surprise when they finally created a dedicated WordPress security plugin.

Despite being a high profile figure in website security, their WordPress plugin remains free for all users to download.

Some of the best features of Sucuri Security are:

  1. Security Activity Auditing
  2. File Integrity Monitoring
  3. Remote Malware Scanning
  4. Blacklist Monitoring
  5. Effective Security Hardening
  6. Post-Hack Security Actions
  7. Security Notifications
  8. Website Firewall (premium)
Go to Sucuri

4. All in One WP Security & Firewall

Installing All in One WP Security & Firewall plugin will upgrade your WordPress security to a whole new level.

This plugin enforces the latest recommended WordPress security practices and techniques thus reducing security risk.

The All in One WP Security also has a security points grading system which shows you how well protected your website currently is.

Some of the best features of All In One Security are:

  1. User Accounts Security
  2. Brute Force Protection
  3. User Registration Security
  4. Database Security
  5. File System Security
  6. File Backup and Restore
  7. Blacklist Functionality
  8. Firewall Functionality
  9. Security Scanner
Go to All in One Security

5. Shield Security

Shield Security boasts that they are the easiest security plugin to setup by simply activating it.

The way they do it is after activating, you will be presented by a step by step guide that will walk you through the basic configurations of their plugin.

The other attention catching feature of Shield Security is that it doesn’t constantly send you useless notifications. Unlike its competitions.

It will only send you one if it is of an absolute importance.

Some of the top features of Shield Security are:

  1. Easy-To-Use Guided Wizards
  2. Limit Login Attempts
  3. Block Automatic Brute-Force Bots
  4. Powerful Core File Scanners
  5. Automatic IP Black List
  6. 2-Factor Authentication
  7. Audit Trail & User Activity Logging
  8. User Activity Logging
  9. Firewall
Go to Shield Security

6. SecuPress Free

SecuPress is a WordPress security plugin that protects your website from malware, block bots and blocks suspicious IPs.

They have a dedicated security scanner that will give you a clear security grade and report for your WordPress website.

Currently, SecuPress is the only security plugin with a full scanner able to fix the issues for its users. It only requires a consent from the user to roll out the fix by itself.

In addition to this, once it is finished fixing the security issues it will give a grade for your current security level.

Some of the best features of SecuPress are:

  1. Security Audit
  2. Two Factor Authentication
  3. XML-RPC Blocking
  4. REST API Blocking
  5. Firewall
  6. Malware Scan
  7. DB and File Backups
  8. Anti Spam
  9. Alerts
Go to SecuPress Free

7. BulletProof Security

BulletProof Security is another complete package WordPress security protection plugin which many advanced users love to use.

What makes BulletProof Security standout from the rest of the WordPress security plugins in this list is that they allow you to custom code a security feature for your website.

Though their dashboard is pretty advanced, there is no need to shy away from them as they provide tons of written guides, video guides and also has public forums where you can join in.

Some of the best features of BulletProof Security are:

  1. One-Click Setup Wizard
  2. Malware Scanner
  3. Firewalls
  4. .htaccess Website Security Protection
  5. Hidden Plugin Folders
  6. Login Security & Monitoring
  7. DB Backup
  8. Security Logging
  9. Extensive System Info
Go to BulletProof Security

8. Cerber Security

Cerber Security is a WordPress security plugin that defends your website from trojans, viruses, hacker attacks, malwares and spam.

It can also mitigate brute force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts to discourage the attacker.

Cerber Security also provides you with a black access list and white access list. The latter will help you to not get accidentally locked out of your website.

The Cerber Security also has its own anti-spam engine which does not require reCaptcha and it is compatible with the popular form plugins.

Some of the best features Cerber Security has are:

  1. Limit Login Attempts
  2. Permit or Restrict Access
  3. Cerber Anti-Spam Engine
  4. File Integrity Checker
  5. Disable WP REST API
  6. Disable XML-RPC
  7. Stop User Enumeration
  8. Malware Scanner
Go to Cerber Security

9. Jetpack

Jetpack is an all rounder WordPress plugin which has services for design, marketing and security.

If we focus on the security features,  they provide automatic defense against hacking, malware, spam, data loss and downtime.

Jetpack also offers a notification in case your website went down by receiving an email or a push notification on your mobile app.

Some of the best features of Jetpack are:

  1. Brute Force Attack Protection
  2. Spam Filtering
  3. Downtime Monitoring
  4. Daily or Real-Time Backups
  5. Two-Factor Authentication
  6. Malware Scanning
  7. Fast & Reliable Support
Go to Jetpack

10. Anti-Malware Security

Anti-Malware Security is a WordPress security plugin created for the sole purpose of helping admins clean infection off their websites.

The creator of this plugin was inspired to create a WordPress security plugin after his WordPress website was hacked.

The Anti-Malware scanner searches for viruses, malware, trojan back doors and other security threats or vulnerabilities on your server.

If vulnerabilities or security threats where found, the plugin will help and give suggestions on how to fix them.

Some of the main features of Anti-Malware Security are:

  1. Website Firewall
  2. Malware Scanner
  3. File Integrity Checker
  4. Brute Force Protection
  5. DDoS Protection
  6. Malware & Virus Removal
Go to Anti-Malware Security

Conclusion

All of the WordPress security plugins mentioned above are complete package plugins which mostly include protection from viruses, malwares, trojans, spams and bruteforce attacks.

I highly recommend the top 4 in this list but you are still open to try the ones below them.

Just remember to keep your security plugin up to date at all times. If they provide an auto update feature then I highly recommend to keep it enabled.


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Best Google AdSense Alternatives in 2018

There are hundreds of Google AdSense alternatives out in the market right now.

Google AdSense is in no doubt one of the best means for you to monetize your website right now.

The only issue I see with AdSense is that I have stumbled upon a good number of reputable websites owners saying their account got banned right before they are about to get paid.

These are the main issues I have found with Google AdSense when I was reading reviews about them:

  1. You can find a high amount of articles about people getting banned from AdSense.
  2. They don’t give you the earnings for the month you got banned.
  3. They don’t provide proof why you got banned.
  4. Approval process takes months.
  5. Low income even with high traffic.
  6. Getting support is close to none existent if you got banned.
  7. Does not support withdrawal to e-Wallet.

If Google AdSense recently banned you or you are having issues with Google AdSense then this list will be perfect for you.

Here are the best Google AdSense alternatives in 2018.

1. Media.net

Media.net is the best one in this list and considered the #1 direct competitor of Google AdSense powered by the Yahoo! Bing network.

They are the second largest contextual advertising business worldwide by revenue.

With Media.net you can serve contextual ads, high-quality display ads or native ads. All ad formats are also highly customizable.

The best thing I like about Media.net is their 1 to 2 days approval.

  1. Payout Options – Payoneer, Paypal, Wire Transfer
  2. Minimum Payout – $100
Go to Media.net

2. Amazon Associates

Amazon is a world leader in eCommerce and it is no surprise why they created Amazon Associates.

The Amazon Associates lets you earn up to 10% in advertising fees. You can also earn from qualifying purchases not just from the products directly shown on your website.

You can choose from millions of products to advertise on your website. And you can show them through images, enhanced images with texts or just plain texts.

There are also tons of WordPress Amazon Associate plugins out there that will make this process very easy for you.

  1. Payout Options – Direct Deposit, Gift Certificate, Check
  2. Minimum Payout – $10
Go to Amazon Associates

3. Adsterra

So far I have read nothing but praises to Adsterra. It is a highly recommended ads network and has been compared to Google AdSense by so many publishers.

Adsterra currently serves 10 billion impressions per month. They also have the highest CPM rates in the market.

Furthermore they offer a lot of ad formats like display banners, popunders, direct links, interstitials, push up ads, sliders and more.

Adsterra also runs their ads through in-house and third party fraud detection system so you can rest assure that your ads are malware free.

  1. Payout Options – Bitcoin, Wire Transfer, Paxum, Paypal, WebMoney, ePayments
  2. Minimum Payout – $100
Go to Adsterra

4. Infolinks

Infolinks is the third largest publisher marketplace in the world with over 1.5 billion impressions monthly.

Currently, they have over 100 thousands publishers under them worldwide.

With Infolinks, you can serve your ads through infold, inscreen, intext, intag, inframe and inarticle formats.

They also currently have an offer where you can earn 20% more for the next 6 months if you get your code live within 24 hours after joining.

  1. Payout Options – PayPal, eCheck, ACH, Payoneer, Bank Wire Transfer
  2. Minimum Payout – $50
Go to Infolinks

5. Skimlinks

Skimlinks is best used on an eCommerce website. This is because Skimlinks works mostly with merchant advertisers so what will be shown on your site are products of these merchants.

This makes them very similar to Amazon Associates as they also show products on your website.

As soon as you become a publisher of Skimlinks you will have access to some of their very efficient tools including editor tool, URL shortener and merchant alerts.

You can also earn 35% commission if you prefer another publisher to Skimlinks.

  1. Payout Options – Direct Deposit, Paypal
  2. Minimum Payout – $65
Go to Skimlinks

6. PropellerAds

PropellerAds is well known for their great eCPM rates which they pay you whenever you get 1000 impressions.

The PropellerAds currently serves 700 million impressions monthly and have more than 100 thousand websites under them.

It is also very easy to start using PropellerAds as your account gets activated as soon as you confirm your email.

PropellerAds serve their ads in popup unders, mobile dialogue ads, mobile interstitials, banner ads, direct links and video ads formats.

  1. Payout Options – PayPal, Bank Wire, Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard, Payoneer Global Bank Transfer, ePayments, EPESE and Webmoney
  2. Minimum Payout – $25
Go to PropellerAds

7. Chitika

Chitika provides smart advertising to your website and will let you monetize your website regardless of its size.

Their network currently has over 350 thousand quality publisher all around the world.

They also serve 4 billion strategically targeted ads per month and has access to top tier advertising partners like Yahoo!, SuperMedia and HomeAdvisor.

  1. Payout Options –  Payoneer, Wire Transfer
  2. Minimum Payout – $50
Go to Chitika

8. BidVertiser

BidVertiser is a direct advertising network founded in 2003 when their previous company spotted the need for website owners to sell their ad space.

Since they have been founded, BidVertiser have worked with over 80 thousand publishers and advertisers.

BidVertiser also allows immediate approval so you can possibly get started within 5 minutes after signing up.

With BidVertiser you can serve your ads through banners, pop unders, sliders, smartlinks, XML and programmatic formats.

  1. Payout Options – Paypal, Check, Bank Wire
  2. Minimum Payout – $10
Go to BidVertiser

9. VigLink

VigLink is a top-tier publisher network with more than 2 million publishers using them as their premier performance network.

Some of their top-tier publishers include MSN, DailyBeast, CNet, Audizine.com, VerticalScope, XDADeveloper and more.

As soon as you become a publisher in VigLink, you will gain access to some of their performance metric applications like the merchant explorer and trend explorer.

In VigLink you can show your ads using VigLink Convert, VigLink Insert and VigLink Anywhere implementations.

  1. Payout Options – PayPal,  ACH,  Check, Wire
  2. Minimum Payout – $10
Go to VigLink

10. Adversal

Adversal is another advertising company that has been founded in 2003 to answer a call for transparent marketplace.

They are known for their fully responsive advertisements and fraud filtering technology.

The latter will be used to protect your account from fraudulent activities on your website.

Adversal has a traffic requirement which states that your website need to have atleast 50,000 page views in order to get approved.

  1. Payout Options – Check, PayPal, Bank Wire, ACH
  2. Minimum Payout – $20
Go to Adversal

11. RevContent

RevContent is the #1 fastest growing ads network with over 250 billion content recommendations per month.

They have some of the biggest clients out there including Forbes, Newsweek, Internation Business Times, Reuters, Archant and ITV.

RevContent is very committed to representing quality thus they deny 98% of websites that apply if they do not meet their quality requirements.

This makes RevContent very similar to how Google AdSense runs their network but as soon as you get approved you will be rewarded handsomely.

They feature fully responsive widget, infinite scroll technology and RPMs as high as $40 which is an industry leading return.

  1. Payout Options – Check, ACH, PayPal, Wire Transfer
  2. Minimum Payout – $50
Go to RevContent

12. Taboola

Taboola is an ads networks launched in 2007 by a team of engineers and digital media mavens.

Since they have been launched, they have been delivering over a billion personalized recommendations per month.

Taboola’s top-tier publishers includes Tribune, Aol, Business Insider, USA Today, TMZ, NBC, Bloomberg, Daily Mail, Stroer and many more.

One of the main features Taboola has is the Taboola Feed. Using this you can bring the scrolling newsfeed experience we all love from our most popular social media platforms to your audience.

  1. Payout Options – Bank Transfer, Payoneer, 
  2. Minimum Payout – $50
Go to Taboola

13. Outbrain

Outbrain has over a decade long experience as an ads network and has grown into a business capable of serving over 275 billion recommendation monthly.

They are a global workforce with publishers and marketers in over 55 countries including US, UK, France, Brazil, Japan and India.

Some of the biggest publishers using Outbrain are CNN, ABC News, Fortune, People, Wired and TIME.

  1. Payout Options –  MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Credit Cards
  2. Minimum Payout – $50
Go to Outbrain

14. PopCash

PopCash is a well regarded pop under network that started just in 2012. Their platform immediately gain traction right after their launch.

They currently have over 850 million monthly visitors and over 50 thousand active publishers.

Some of the eye catching qualities of PopCash is their fast daily basis payments and very quick domain approval.

  1. Payout Options – PayPal, Paxum, Payza, Wire
  2. Minimum Payout – $10
Go to PopCash

15. RevenueHits

RevenueHits is a self-service ad network platform for publishers owned by Intango.

There are over 20 thousand publishers worldwide using RevenueHits to boost their revenue.

RevenueHits is also partnered with PropellerAds, LeadWave, Clickadu and LinkShrink.

The best characteristics of RevenueHits is their fast approval and their highly intuitive user dashboard.

RevenueHits also offers a wide variety of ways you can show ads including display banners, buttons, footer, interstitial, pop ads, shadow box, slider, top banner, dialogue and notifier.

  1. Payout Options – PayPal, Payoneer, Wire Transfer
  2. Minimum Payout – $20
Go to RevenueHits

16. Adbuff

Adbuff sets themselves as a direct alternative ad network for Google Adsense.

Their current top advertising partners are PulsePoint, Criteo and AOL Online.

Some of the attractive features of Adbuff is their real-time dashboards, 100% fill rate on CPM & CPC basic, clean ads and anti-fraud protection.

They are also well known for their high competitive rates. They achieved this by giving 90% of advertiser revenue back to their publishers. 

  1. Payout Option – Payoneer, Bank Wires
  2. Minimum Payout – $100
Go to Adbuff

17. Sovrn

Sovrn is comprised of a small team of people dedicated to provide a very publisher friendly platform.

In case you want to join Svorn, you would need to signup to their Meridian platform. Which is where their publisher tools are installed.

In Svorn, they provide you with latest methods to show ads like header bidding, OnScroll InView ads and cross platform content distribution.

If you are in WordPress, they can also make you content available in formats like Google’s AMP, Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News using their Workbench plugin.

Another eye-catching feature of Sovrn is backfill. What it basically does is if they cannot serve an ad then you can tell them to show an alternative ad from another network.

They also have a community forum where you can join to directly communicate with other publishers.

  1. Payout Options – ACH eCheck, Local Bank Transfer, Global ACH, Paper Check, International Wire Transfer, PayPal
  2. Minimum Payout – $25
Go to Svorn

Conclusion

All of the websites mentioned above are very reputable. Some of them require a specific amount of traffic in order to join but there are many where you can join within a day.

The top 6 ads networks in this list really sold me on their performance. I highly recommend trying them out.

Now you maybe asking. Despite knowing all this, why are you not showing ads in this website?

There are a number of reasons for that.

The first reason is some ads, not all, kill user experience. I am not a fan of that. I want this website to offer a great user experience to its visitors always.

The second reason is, this website only cost me a few dollars per month right now so I will keep this ad free for as long as possible.

Third reason is I want to create my own free plugin that will secure me from activities like fraudulent clicks, fake impressions or malware from ads first.

My main goal right now is to build the community first and provide quality contents on a consistent basis.

If you did not meet the criteria I mentioned in the beginning of this article.

I am in no way stopping you from joining Google AdSense. They are still considered a top tier ads network. This is because a large amount of advertisers still use them.