# Renaming WordPress Admin Username [Is It a Good Idea?] - Link: https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/guides/rename-wp-admin-username-is-it-a-good-idea/ - Published: 2023-09-05T09:28:29+00:00 - Author: Greg Fisher Securing your WordPress website raises a significant question: Is it a good idea to change the default WordPress admin username? The general consensus among cybersecurity experts has been that **changing the default admin username in WordPress can contribute to enhancing security**. The idea is to make it more challenging for attackers to guess usernames, as the default “admin” is often targeted in brute-force attacks. In this article, we’ll tackle this issue explore whether renaming your admin username is a smart move for safeguarding your website. ## How Do Hackers Find My WordPress Admin Username? Hackers have smart ways to find admin usernames by exploiting vulnerabilities. One common trick is **checking blog posts**. If you use the default “admin” username and publish posts, hackers can easily spot it in the **author details**. This simple act of posting **becomes a road map for them**, revealing the admin username and giving them an easy way into the site. Another method is the **/wp-json/wp/v2/users JSON file**. By adding this to the end of a website’s domain, you get an **unfiltered list of users**. It’s like a secret file that exposes user details, making the admin username a prime target. In this hidden archive, hackers can study usernames so they can perform brute force attacks. For website admins aiming to secure their sites, grasping these subtle hacker moves is crucial to effectively strengthen their WordPress defenses. [ ](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/plans/) ## Should I Change My WordPress Admin Username? Yes! We not only suggest changing your WordPress admin username, but we also **advise implementing the following updates on your website**. Prior to making these changes, it’s essential to **consult with an IT professional or web developer** to ensure the integrity of your website remains intact and doesn’t encounter any disruptions. ### Create admin alias [Create an **alias** for your admin account](https://melapress.com/hide-wordpress-usernames-improve-wordpress-security/) that will be used in your blogs posts instead of the real admin user. Some familiarity with MySQL commands is necessary for this update. ### Don’t post with admin usernames We don’t recommend **creating ANY posts under an admin user**. Your site might have multiple admin users for various users. There are other user roles like **editor, author, contributor** that should be used for creating posts. ### Install Brute Force Protection Plugin (Highly Recommended) As hackers continuously refine their methods to obtain access to your username list, it’s imperative to ensure you’re protected from all potential threats. Installing robust [brute force protection](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/cyber-security/brute-force-attack-protection-the-best-tools-tips-to-keep-your-website-safe/) is a key measure to thwart unauthorized access. Among the recommended options,**** [**Limit Login Attempts Reloaded**](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/) stands out as a comprehensive solution, offering a formidable array of features including a **[login firewall](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/features/login-firewall/), malicious IP detection, [country-based denial](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/features/deny-by-country/), and effective safelist/denylist management**. This ensures that even if hackers manage to acquire your usernames, their login attempts are bound to fail, reinforcing the security of your system. ## Success Stories Hundreds of Agencies Across The World Use LLAR ![Photo Marica Brewster](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/llar/ images/marica-brewster-full.webp) ![Photo Marica Brewster](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/llar/ images/marica-brewster-card-full.webp) My number one priority with my clients is to keep their sites safe. I set them up with Limit Login Attempts on every new website. Our team gets an instant heads-up whenever there's any failed login attempts. When it comes to brute force protection, trust me, there's no better plugin out there✌! Marica Brewster Von Mack Agency ![Signature Marica Brewster](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/ llar/images/marica-brewster-signature.png) ![Photo Dan Woods](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/llar/images/ dan-woods-full.webp) ![Photo Dan Woods](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/llar/images/ dan-woods-card-full.webp) All of my sites use Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. It’s one of the first things I add when I take on a new client. Very simple to set up and upgrade. My favorite feature is the performance optimizer so my clients don’t eat up my server resources when they are under brute force attacks Dan Woods Vincent James Marketing ![Signature Dan Woods](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/themes/llar/ images/dan-woods-signature.png) ### Disable WP REST API Utilizing tools such as the [WP Hardening plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-security-hardening/) or [Disable WP REST API](https://wordpress.org/plugins/disable-wp-rest-api/) can effectively address the vulnerability of hackers accessing your WordPress admin username list. For those with advanced skills, [manual disabling is also an option](https://www.getastra.com/blog/knowledge-base/disable-wp-api-json-in-wp/). It’s crucial to note that many web hosting providers rely on the REST API for their control panels, managing your site, offering support, and implementing updates. Disabling the REST API **could result in the breakdown of these functionalities**, leaving you without the support of your hosting provider. Exercise caution and evaluate the potential consequences before proceeding. ## Conclusion There is no foolproof method to permanently halting hackers from accessing your WordPress admin username or list of usernames. However, by making the updates outlined in this article, you can greatly increase their difficult. Consult an IT pro before altering settings to avert performance issues on your site. [ ](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/plans/) ## Frequently Asked Questions **How can I hide my WordPress admin username from hackers?** Create admin alias by making updates in the MYSQL database. Also, don’t post blogs with your admin usernames. **What happens if a hacker finds my WordPress admin usernames?** If the hacker finds your admin username, they will try to access your website by using brute force methods. This is why it’s important to use login protection plugins such as limit login attempts reloaded. **Is it a good idea to change my WordPress admin username?** Yes, it’s not only a good idea for enhanced security, but you should also consider creating an admin alias.