# Wordfence Security > [!NOTE] Overview > Wordfence is a comprehensive security plugin for WordPress that includes an endpoint firewall and malware scanner to protect your website from attacks. ## Key Features 1. Web Application Firewall - Real-time threat defense - IP blocking - Country blocking - Rate limiting 2. Security Scanner - Malware detection - Core file integrity - Plugin/theme scanning - Blacklist monitoring 3. Login Security - Two-factor auth - reCAPTCHA - Brute force protection - Login page security ## Usage Status - **Recommendation Level**: Must Use - **Pricing**: Free (Basic), $99/year (Premium) - **Installation Type**: Security Plugin ## Configuration Guide ### 1. Basic Security Settings 1. Firewall - Enable WAF - Set blocking mode - Configure rules - Set up alerts 2. Scanning - Schedule scans - Set sensitivity - Configure alerts - Define actions ### 2. Advanced Protection 1. Live Traffic - Monitor requests - Track users - Block patterns - Rate limiting 2. Performance - Optimize WAF - Cache settings - Rule processing - Resource usage ## Best Practices 1. Initial Setup - Configure firewall - Set up scanning - Enable 2FA - Configure alerts 2. Maintenance - Regular scans - Review logs - Update rules - Monitor traffic ## Integration Notes - Works with: - Caching plugins - Performance plugins - Backup solutions - Analytics tools ## Common Issues & Solutions 1. Access Problems - Whitelist IPs - Adjust rules - Configure bypass - Test access 2. Performance Impact - Optimize settings - Configure caching - Adjust scanning - Monitor resources ## Personal Experience Essential security plugin for WordPress sites. The Premium version's real-time IP blacklist and advanced features provide comprehensive protection. Regular updates and excellent support make it reliable. ## Alternatives 1. Sucuri Security 2. iThemes Security 3. All In One WP Security 4. MalCare ## Best Use Cases 1. Website Protection - E-commerce sites - Membership sites - High-traffic blogs - Corporate websites 2. Security Monitoring - Traffic analysis - Attack prevention - Compliance requirements - Audit logging ## Security Recommendations 1. Basic Protection - Enable firewall - Regular scanning - Strong passwords - Update monitoring 2. Advanced Security - Custom rules - IP blocking - Rate limiting - 2FA enforcement ## Emergency Response 1. Attack Detection - Monitor live traffic - Check scan results - Review alerts - Analyze patterns 2. Recovery Steps - Block attackers - Clean infections - Restore backups - Update security ## Resources - [WordPress Repository](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordfence/) - [Documentation](https://www.wordfence.com/help/) - [Learning Center](https://www.wordfence.com/learn/) - [Support](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/wordfence/)