Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL)
View on WordPress.orgScores higher than 99% of indexed plugins
About
Easily improve site security with WordPress Hardening, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Login Protection, Vulnerability Detection and SSL certificate.
Security History
What It Does
Really Simple Security handles the technical side of forcing HTTPS across a WordPress site and then layers on hardening features like two-factor authentication, login protection, and vulnerability detection. It also monitors your SSL certificate so it does not silently expire. The 3,000,000 active installs suggest most people use it as a set-and-forget baseline security plugin.
Who It's For
Small to mid-sized site owners who want sensible security defaults without configuring a firewall or learning WAF rules. It is a good fit for business sites, blogs, and WooCommerce stores that need HTTPS enforcement and 2FA but do not want the overhead of a full security suite. Agencies running multiple client sites will also appreciate the centralized license options.
Who Should Skip It
If you already run Wordfence or a managed security stack with its own SSL and login protection, adding Really Simple Security is redundant and risks overlapping rules. Enterprise sites with compliance auditors who mandate specific WAF vendors should also skip this and stick with their required platform.
The Bottom Line
Really Simple Security earns its 98.71 quality score by doing the security essentials well: HTTPS enforcement, 2FA, login hardening, and vulnerability detection in one package. It is not a replacement for a dedicated WAF on high-risk sites, but for most WordPress installs it is a sensible default. The 3,000,000 installs and 98% rating make it one of the safer picks in the category.
Related Plugins
Pick Wordfence if you need a full application firewall and malware scanning rather than just hardening and 2FA.
Pick AIOS if you want a free, broad security plugin with a firewall and content protection but do not need vulnerability scanning.
Pick Jetpack if you want security bundled with backups, performance, and stats under one subscription.
Pick Limit Login Attempts Reloaded if your only concern is brute-force login protection and you want the lightest possible footprint.
Pick Safe SVG only as a companion plugin if your team regularly uploads SVGs and you need to sanitize them, since it solves a very different problem.