How to Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page?

Enhancing your WordPress site’s security is crucial to protect against unauthorized access and potential threats. One effective method is to add security questions to WordPress login page. 

This additional layer of authentication requires users to answer a personal question correctly before gaining access. Thus, it is significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to infiltrate your site. 

Using security questions strengthens your site’s login security and provides users with a personalized and secure experience.

Here, we’ll walk you through how to add security questions to the WordPress login page. 

Let’s go!

Why Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page?

Adding security questions to your WordPress login page is a smart way to make your website safer. Let’s explore why this is important and how it helps protect your site.

Security questions add an extra step when someone tries to log in. Even if a hacker knows your password, they still need to answer a question only you know. This makes it harder for them to get in. 

Benefits of Implementing Security Questions

• Protection Against Brute-Force Attacks: Hackers sometimes guess passwords repeatedly until they get it right. Security questions prevent this because hackers will need to answer your secret question even if they guess your password. 
• Enhanced Security for Multi-User Websites: If many people use your website, security questions help keep each account safe. As each user has their question, it’s harder for a hacker to get into multiple accounts. 
• Improved User Account Recovery Processes: When you forget your password, security questions help to get back into your accounts by answering something only you know. This is easier and safer. 

In simple terms, adding security questions to your WordPress login page makes your website safer by adding an extra step that only you know, keeping bad people out.

How to Choose a Plugin to Add Security Questions to WordPress?

Adding security questions to your WordPress login page is a smart way to keep your website safe. To do this, you’ll need to choose the right plugin. 

Here’s how you can pick the best one:

• Choose a plugin that’s simple to install and set up. You shouldn’t need to be a tech expert to use it. For example, the Two Factor Authentication plugin lets you add security questions without hassle.
• Ensure the plugin works well with your current WordPress version and other plugins. 
• See what other users say about the plugin. High ratings and positive feedback are good signs. 
• A good plugin should have regular updates and support to fix bugs and improve security. 
• Look for plugins that let you create your security questions. This allows you to tailor the questions to your users, enhancing security.

Focusing on these factors can help you choose a plugin that helps you effectively add security questions to your WordPress login page, making your website more secure.

Guide to Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page 

Adding security questions to your WordPress login page enhances your website’s security by requiring users to answer personalized questions during login. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing this feature using the Two Factor Authentication plugin by miniOrange.

Log in to your WordPress admin area. On the left-hand menu, hover over Plugins > Add New Plugin. Search for Two-Factor Authentication, click Install Now, and, after installation, click Activate.

Configuring Security Questions

After activation, a new menu item labeled Multi-factor Authentication will appear in your dashboard. Click on it. Within the plugin settings, navigate to the Two-Factor tab and click on the Configure button under the Security Questions box.

You can select from predefined questions or add your custom questions. Type in the answers to the chosen questions. These answers will be required during future logins.

After setting your questions and answers, click Save to apply the changes.

Test the Security Login Questions

Now, try to log in; you’ll first enter the username and password as usual. After entering valid credentials, you’ll be prompted to answer their configured security questions.

You’ll get access to the WordPress dashboard upon providing correct answers to the security questions.

By following these steps, you can effectively add security questions to your WordPress login page, providing additional protection for your website.

Alternative Methods to Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page

While plugins offer a straightforward solution, you might prefer custom coding to add security questions to the WordPress login page. Here’s a detailed guide on alternative methods to implement security questions through custom coding.

Custom Coding Solutions

First, access your theme’s functions.php file. Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor. Select the functions.php file from the list on the right. Then, add the following code to display a security question field on the login form:

function custom_security_question_field() {

    ?>

    <p>

        <label for="security_question">What is your favorite color?<br />

        <input type="text" name="security_answer" id="security_answer" class="input" size="25" /></label>

    </p>

    <?php

}

add_action('login_form', 'custom_security_question_field');

This code adds a new input field labeled What is your favorite color? to the login form.

Add Validation Function

To ensure users provide the correct answer, insert this code into your functions.php:

function validate_security_question($user, $username, $password) {

    if (isset($_POST['security_answer']) && strtolower($_POST['security_answer']) !== 'blue') {

        return new WP_Error('security_question_error', '<strong>ERROR</strong>: Incorrect answer to the security question.');

    }

    return $user;

}

add_filter('authenticate', 'validate_security_question', 30, 3);

Replace blue with the correct answer to your security question. This function checks the user’s input and returns an error if the answer is incorrect.

You can add security questions to your WordPress login page using custom code, tailoring the security measures to your site’s specific requirements. 

However, be mindful of potential compatibility issues and the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure a secure and functional website.

Note: The Them File Editor option is under the Tools menu in your WordPress dashboard if you’re using the Block Themes. 

Considerations for using custom code

• Test thoroughly in a staging environment before applying changes to your live site.​

• Updates to WordPress can override customizations, especially if added directly to theme files. To prevent this, consider creating a child theme for your custom code.​
• Custom code requires regular maintenance to ensure compatibility with new WordPress versions and plugins. 
• Keep documentation of your customizations for future reference.

Best Practices When You Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page

Adding security questions to your WordPress login page is a smart way to make your website safer. To do this effectively, follow these best practices:

• Choose questions only the user can answer, like What was the name of your first pet? 
• Avoid questions with answers that can be found on social media or public records.
• Instead of What’s your favorite color? Which has limited answers, opt for What was the model of your first car?
• Use questions that have meaning only to the user, reducing the chance of others guessing the answer.
• Encourage users to update their security questions and answers every few months to keep their accounts secure.
• Send reminders to users to refresh their security information, ensuring ongoing protection.
• Explain why security questions are essential and how they protect user accounts.
  Show examples of strong security questions and answers to guide users in setting their own.

By following these steps, you can effectively add security questions to your WordPress login page, enhancing the overall security of your website.

Conclusion

That’s all for now! Here, we’ve learned how to add security questions to WordPress login page. 

As you know, this adds a vital layer of protection against unauthorized access. This measure enhances your site’s security by requiring users to provide unique answers known only to them.

By integrating security questions, you safeguard your content and build trust with your users. Knowing their data is protected. Prioritizing such security enhancements is essential for maintaining a secure and trustworthy online presence.