7 Best WordPress Security Authentication Plugins (Free)
WordPress is one of the finest content management systems out there. It is extremely popular and holds the number one position. This also makes it a prime target for hackers and other types of malicious actors.
For users, it is all about having a safe experience online. In today’s article, we will list the seven best WordPress Security Authentication Plugins. The plugins we will list will all be free to use.
However, before we start, what’s the use of a security authentication plugin? A security authentication plugin for WordPress takes care of the authentication process. This means that users have a better time when logging into a WordPress website. An authentication plugin can authorize users automatically or let them go through two-factor authentication. The verification can be done using different methods including email, phone, phone app authentication and much more.
For anyone who is starting a website or has an existing one, it is advisable to install a two-factor authenticator to dither malicious actors.
WordPress has always had a robust library. However, this means fiddling with the not-so-awesome plugins. That’s why we are here. We will list only the best so that you don’t have to waste time finding them. So, without any delay, let’s get started.
1. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a free-to-use plugin that you can use to enable two-factor authentication on your website. The authenticator once installed, gives users the ability to allow authentication. For it to work, the user has to install the Google App authenticator on their smartphone. It can be installed on any smartphone including iPhone, Android or Blueberry.
Google mobile app is a useful app that can also be used for accessing other services that support it. For example, it can be used accessing Gmail, Amazon, etc.
Users can enable the option by going to User > Profile. The user now has to enable it using a secret key from the Google Authenticator Mobile App or QR code. Once set, the user has to enter the authenticator key everything he tries to log in.
2. Two factor Authentication
Two Factor Authentication is a relatively new plugin. It is created by the author of the popular UpdraftPlus plugin.
Just like any other two-factor authentication plugin, once activated, the user needs to use the one-time code whenever he logs in. Two-factor authentication comes with a lot of features including the support of HOTP and TOTP protocols. This means that it also supports Authy, Google Authenticator and other authenticators out there.
Other key features include the following:
- It can be turned on and off per user.
- It can be made accessible on a per-role basis. This means that it can be made available for admins and turned off for subscribers.
- It is WP Multisite compatible
- Supports emergency code [Premium version only]
3. Open ID
Open ID is an interesting concept that lets users authenticate websites without even creating a new password. Generally, two-way authentication works with a password and a one-time code generated every time you want to log in. In this case, the account created in using OpenID doesn’t need one. This makes it easy for users to access the WordPress website, comment using multiple accounts with just one click and so on.
Open ID has a much bigger ecosystem as it enables users to use their OpenID on other websites as well. The site only needs to have OpenID support.
4. SecSign
SecSign works similar to OpenID. By using SecSign you don’t need to use your password. All you need is a smartphone to log in. Two-factor authentication comes differently. Let’s try to understand it. The first-factor authentication comes from having a mobile device with the SecSign app. The second-factor authentication is the code generated by the app to log in. You can also choose to use biometric identification that is baked directly into the app.
Using SecSign is liberating as it doesn’t need you to type the password every time you want to log in. All you need to do is the type of your ID in a SecSign powered WordPress website.
5. Google Authenticator – WordPress Two Factor Authentication by miniOrange
Our next plugin is the Google Authenticator plugin by miniOrange. It is GDPR compliant and is perfect for businesses that are looking for a GDPR compliant plugin for their website. It enables users to use two-factor authentication(TFA) during the login process. However, don’t confuse it with OTP verification during the registration process.
The plugin comes with a lot of features. Apart from the basic functionality of providing TFA, it also includes language translation support. It also supports different authentication methods including Push Notification, Security Questions(KBA), Soft Token, QR Code and Google Authenticator.
Users can also login using two ways:
- Username + password + TFA
- Username + TFA
The plugin also comes with multi-site support.
Overall, it is a great free plugin with a valuable feature-set. You can also try out their paid plugin if you need more features.
6. Shield Security for WordPress
Shield Security for WordPress is an excellent security plugin that also offers two-factor authentication. So, if you are looking for a plugin that is an all-rounder regarding security, then you cannot go wrong with this plugin.
It provides two ways to do TFA. The first way is through email and YubiKey. Email authentication is then further divided into two methods including cookies and IP addresses. It is advised if you choose cookies for better TFA login experience. Only select an IP address if you have a static IP that doesn’t change much.
The plugin is versatile and offers you various ways to do TFA including IP address, email, YubiKe, and cookies. However, be wary that the plugin doesn’t support other authentication methods such as QR code, push notification, SMS, phone call, or via Google Authenticator.
This plugin is only recommended if you are using a custom WordPress theme that is built using a select website builder such as Karma Page Builder, Beaver Builder and so on.
7. Duo Two-Factor Authentication
Duo Two-Factor Authentication is also a good option. You can set up two-factor authentication in just two minutes. It works similar to other TFA’s out there. All you need to do is have a mobile or hardware token to make it work.
To make it work, the user needs to install the Duo mobile app which offers one-tap logins. It also provides one-time passcodes (even when offline), SMS, and phone call. It can also be accessed with the help of an OATH-compliant hardware token.
Conclusion
Two-factor authentication is a must-have for any sensitive account and fast access. It discourages hackers and protects your account against data theft. So, which WordPress security authentication plugins you are going to use? Comment below and let us know.