Defender Security — WordPress Security Plugin
Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall
by WPMU DEV - Your All-in-One WordPress Platform · WordPress.org page · Website
Defender Security has 80,000+ active installs on WordPress.org and 4,268,920 downloads all time. We have tracked it since September 4, 2026; download trends appear after 30 days of data. The last update was on August 24, 2026, tested up to WordPress 7.1.
Defender Security at a glance
Is Defender Security well maintained?
Features
The feature list from the plugin's own readme on WordPress.org, trimmed to the essentials.
- Run on-demand malware scans to find suspicious files and code
- Block malicious IPs with a global firewall
- Enforce strong passwords, 2FA, and login limits
- Apply recommended hardening settings in one click
- Get clear reports that show what needs attention
- Protect against compromised passwords before they are used on your site
Defender Security reviews and ratings
334 reviews on WordPress.org, with the most recent ones as their authors posted them.
334 reviews
- 5★
-
305
- 4★
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11
- 3★
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5
- 2★
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5
- 1★
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8
-
4 tools getestet - dies ist das Beste!
Gute Lösung, hat Sachen gefunden, die andere Security Tools nicht fanden.
anker13 -
Does the job even at the free level
Does the job even at the free level. The premium obviously offers a more comprehensive set of options. Be sure to use backup software before letting security plugins do anything. They can often delete stuff you don't want deleted. I use Updraft Plus. Even the free version allows you to install a clean WP, then the Updraft Plus plugin, then restore the whole site. Three steps.
Nigel Parry -
Really defends
I use it in all the sites that I make,
zebracrossing -
Best security plugin ever!
Best security plugin ever! I buy pro version after few test with free version! Excelent lightweight plugin! I uninstall Wordfence and i use now only this plugin! Price for Pro version is awesome and low - thanks alot. Wordfence is expensive! :)
maca8291 -
Excellent app
Excellent app I recoment
ivanhomecom -
Defender 5.10.0
After updating to version 5.10.0, it conflicts with Elementor Pro version 3.35.7It causes it to switch to safe mode.Disabling the plugin resolved the issue.The plugin handles security tasks well.
Mykola Kolos
Where Defender Security ranks on WordPress.org
The rankings we track that Defender Security appears in, and how its position changed over 30 days.
| Ranking | WordPress.org placement | Position | 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Security Plugins | #32 by tag, #9 in search | #12 | – |
| Best Authentication Plugins | #24 in search, not tagged | #47 | – |
| Best Password Protection Plugins | #30 in search, not tagged | #55 | – |
| Best Login Plugins | #27 in search, not tagged | #67 | – |
Defender Security alternatives
Plugins that solve the same problem, ranked by how closely they overlap with Defender Security.
-
Security Plugin, Firewall & Malware Scanner with Auto Removal 40,000+ installs · 4.8 -
Security Optimizer 1 million+ installs · 4.5 -
Security and Firewall 1 million+ installs · 4.7 -
Limit Login Attempts Security 1 million+ installs · 4.8 -
Wordfence Security 5 million+ installs · 4.7
Details
WordPress security plugin with malware scanner, IP blocking, audit logs, antivirus scans, firewall, 2FA, brute force login security, and more.
The full description, screenshots and every review live on the WordPress.org page.
Rankings Defender Security competes in
Tags
- firewall
- login security
- malware
- malware scanner
- security
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- Version
- 6.2.2
- Last updated
- Aug 24, 2026
- First published
- Jun 7, 2017
- Requires WordPress
- 6.4
- Tested up to
- 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 8.0.0
- Pricing
- Free, paid version available
Defender Security FAQ
What does Defender Security do?
According to its WordPress.org readme, Defender Security offers Run on-demand malware scans to find suspicious files and code, Block malicious IPs with a global firewall, Enforce strong passwords, 2FA, and login limits, Apply recommended hardening settings in one click and Get clear reports that show what needs attention.
How many active installs does Defender Security have?
WordPress.org reports 80,000+ active installs for Defender Security as of September 7, 2026.
Is Defender Security still maintained?
Yes. The last release was on August 24, 2026 and it is tested up to WordPress 7.1.
Does Defender Security have good support?
On the WordPress.org forum, 4 of 4 recent support threads for Defender Security are marked resolved. That is the developer's free support; a paid version usually comes with its own channel.
Is Defender Security free?
Defender Security is free to install from WordPress.org. The developer lists it as commercial, so a paid version or paid add-ons exist.
Where does Defender Security rank among Security Plugins?
Defender Security is #12 in the WordPress.org Security Plugins ranking.