Really Simple Security – SSL WordPress Plugin

Really Simple Security makes migrating your WordPress site to HTTPS fast, reliable, and effortless. It detects your site’s configuration and automatically applies the necessary redirects and security headers to ensure a fully secure connection. The plugin resolves common issues like mixed content (HTTP resources on HTTPS pages) and ensures cookies are transmitted securely. It integrates seamlessly with Let’s Encrypt to enable free SSL certificate generation.

Designed with a modular approach, it loads only the code needed for active features, minimizing impact on site performance. Now part of the broader Really Simple Security platform, it continues to offer a “set-and-forget” SSL experience while providing a foundation for more advanced security enhancements.

SSL WordPress Plugin

Really Simple Security is a lightweight, user-friendly WordPress plugin designed to simplify the process of securing a website with SSL/HTTPS. Trusted by millions, it automatically configures your site for a secure connection with a single click, handling critical tasks like enforcing HTTPS, setting up 301 redirects, and fixing mixed content issues. Built for performance and ease of use, it’s the go-to solution for site owners who want robust security without the technical complexity. While the original SSL-focused plugin remains popular, its functionality has been expanded into Really Simple Security, a comprehensive security suite that includes hardening, vulnerability detection, and login protection.

Really Simple Security

Really Simple Security is the simplest way to secure your WordPress site with HTTPS. When you install an SSL certificate (manually or via Let’s Encrypt), the plugin automates the entire migration process. It configures 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS, updates your site URL, forces SSL for the admin area, and secures cookies. It also includes tools to detect and fix mixed content—a common issue where insecure HTTP resources (images, scripts, CSS) break the secure connection on an otherwise HTTPS page.

The plugin works on a wide range of hosting environments, including shared, VPS, and managed WordPress hosts. It supports both .htaccess and PHP-based redirects, offering flexibility depending on your server setup. For multisite networks, it can be network-activated and configured site-wide.

SSL Management

One of its core strengths is its lightweight design. Unlike bloated security plugins, Really Simple SSL uses a modular architecture—disabled features don’t load any code, ensuring zero performance impact. This makes it ideal for sites where speed and simplicity are priorities.

The plugin has evolved into Really Simple Security, which bundles SSL management with additional security layers such as:

• WordPress hardening (disabling file editing, blocking directory browsing, preventing user enumeration).
• Login protection with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and IP-based access control.
• Vulnerability detection for plugins, themes, and WordPress core.
• Security headers (HSTS, X-Frame-Options, etc.) to protect against modern web threats.
• Firewall features (in Pro version) to block bots, crawlers, and malicious traffic.

Supports & Integration

Despite its advanced capabilities, the plugin maintains a beginner-friendly interface with a guided onboarding wizard that walks you through setup in under a minute. It’s translation-ready (58+ languages), regularly updated, and backed by a strong open-source community. Support is available via forums, and the plugin is co-developed on GitHub.

Whether you’re launching a new site or securing an existing one, Really Simple SSL provides a fast, reliable, and performance-conscious path to a fully secure WordPress experience.

Features

Core SSL & HTTPS Features:

• One-Click HTTPS Migration: Automatically configure 301 redirects and enforce SSL.
• Mixed Content Fixer: Detect and fix insecure HTTP resources on HTTPS pages.
• Secure Admin & Login: Force SSL for /wp-admin/ and login pages.
• Secure Cookies: Set the secure flag on cookies to prevent transmission over HTTP.
• Let’s Encrypt Integration: Generate and install free SSL certificates directly from the dashboard (where supported).
• Flexible Redirect Methods: Choose between .htaccess or PHP-based redirects.
• Multisite Compatible: Works across WordPress Multisite networks.

Security & Hardening (via Really Simple Security):

• WordPress Hardening:
  • Disable file editing in the WordPress dashboard.
  • Prevent directory browsing.
  • Disable XML-RPC (optional).
  • Block login feedback and user enumeration (e.g., “user not found” errors).
  • Restrict usernames (e.g., block “admin”).
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enforce 2FA for specific user roles via email codes.
• Login Protection:
  • Limit login attempts to block brute force attacks.
  • Add CAPTCHA (hCaptcha or reCAPTCHA) after failed logins.
  • IP blocklist and allowlist.
• Vulnerability Detection: Get notified when your plugins, themes, or WordPress core have known security issues.
• Security Headers:
  • HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS).
  • X-Frame-Options, X-Content-Type-Options, Referrer-Policy.
  • Support for HSTS Preload list submission.

Performance & Usability:

• Lightweight & Modular: Only active features load code—no bloat.
• Onboarding Wizard: Guided setup in under 60 seconds.
• Server Health Check: Analyze your server configuration for security best practices.
• CLI Support: Manage SSL and security settings via command line.
• REST API Compatibility: Works in headless or API-driven environments.

Pro Version Additions (Really Simple Security Pro):

• Advanced Mixed Content Scanner & Fixer: Fix front-end and back-end mixed content automatically.
• Firewall: Block bots, crawlers, and bad actors with IP/region blocking and custom rules.
• Region Blocking: Allow or deny access by country.
• Premium Support: Priority assistance from the development team.

Developer & Community:

• Open Source (GPL): Free to use, modify, and contribute to.
• GitHub Integration: Community-driven development and issue tracking.
• Translation Ready: Available in 58+ languages.

Really Simple SSL—and its evolution into Really Simple Security—delivers essential WordPress security with unmatched simplicity, speed, and reliability, making it a must-have for any site owner seeking a secure, high-performing website.