iThemes Security Technology Intelligence

What is iThemes Security?

iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) is a comprehensive WordPress security plugin that hardens WordPress installations through over 30 security measures. Now part of SolidWP, it focuses on fixing common security vulnerabilities and strengthening user credentials.

The plugin provides security hardening, file change detection, brute force protection, and two-factor authentication. It includes both basic and advanced features suitable for beginners and security professionals, with guided setup and one-click hardening options.

Detection of iThemes Security indicates WordPress security implementation, commonly found on WordPress sites where owners want straightforward security hardening with clear recommendations and easy-to-implement fixes.

iThemes Security Features

Security Hardening: 30+ security measures. One-click hardening. Best practices. WordPress lockdown.

Two-Factor Authentication: Mobile app codes. Email verification. Backup codes. User-level settings.

Brute Force Protection: Login attempt limits. Lockouts. Network brute force protection. IP blocking.

File Change Detection: Core file monitoring. Plugin changes. Theme modifications. Alert notifications.

Password Requirements: Strong password enforcement. Password expiration. Compromised password detection.

Database Security: Table prefix changes. Database backups. Optimization. Security headers.

iThemes Security Use Cases

WordPress Hardening: Security baseline. Default protection. Best practice implementation.

Small Business: Straightforward security. Guided setup. Manageable complexity. Affordable protection.

Multi-User Sites: User security management. Role-based security. Password policies. Access control.

Developer Handoffs: Client site security. Standard configuration. Documentation. Maintenance.

Compliance: Security checklists. Audit preparation. Documentation. Policy enforcement.

Migration Security: Post-migration hardening. New site setup. Security baseline establishment.

iThemes Security Configuration

Security Hardening Settings

// iThemes Security recommended wp-config.php additions
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);  // Disable file editor
define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);      // Force SSL for admin

// Security headers (via plugin or manually)
header('X-Frame-Options: SAMEORIGIN');
header('X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff');
header('X-XSS-Protection: 1; mode=block');

.htaccess Rules

# iThemes Security generated rules

# Protect wp-config.php
<files wp-config.php>
    order allow,deny
    deny from all
</files>

# Block access to sensitive files
<FilesMatch "^.*(error_log|wp-config\.php|php.ini|\.[hH][tT][aApP].*)$">
    Order deny,allow
    Deny from all
</FilesMatch>

# Disable directory browsing
Options -Indexes

iThemes Security Benefits

Ease of Use: Guided setup wizard. One-click hardening. Clear recommendations. Beginner friendly.

Comprehensive: 30+ security features. All-in-one solution. Multiple protection layers.

Two-Factor Auth: Built-in 2FA. Multiple methods. User management. Strong authentication.

SolidWP Integration: Backup integration. Performance tools. Ecosystem benefits.

Active Development: Regular updates. New features. Security patches. Ongoing support.

Documentation: Extensive guides. Video tutorials. Knowledge base. Community support.