EssentialHeaders
EssentialHeaders is a focused WordPress plugin that attaches the HTTP security headers browsers expect, so protection is not left to chance or buried in server config. Under Settings → EssentialHeaders you get three tabs: Headers — overview of which headers are enabled and will be sent Settings — to
About this tool.
EssentialHeaders is a focused WordPress plugin that attaches the HTTP security headers browsers expect, so protection is not left to chance or buried in server config.
Under Settings → EssentialHeaders you get three tabs:
- Headers — overview of which headers are enabled and will be sent
- Settings — toggles and editable values for each header
- About — plugin info
Headers covered:
- Content-Security-Policy (CSP)
- Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS)
- X-Frame-Options
- X-Content-Type-Options
- Referrer-Policy
- Permissions-Policy
- X-Powered-By (remove it or replace its value)
Safer headers are enabled with sensible defaults. CSP starts off with a strict baseline, so you can test and allow only the sources your site needs before enabling it. Headers apply to public site responses (pages, feeds, and the login screen)—not wp-admin, AJAX, REST, GraphQL, or XML-RPC. HSTS is only sent over HTTPS. Default HSTS uses max-age only; add includeSubDomains yourself when every subdomain is ready.
Getting started.
- 01Upload the essentialheaders folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
- 02Activate the plugin through the Plugins menu in WordPress.
- 03Open Settings → EssentialHeaders to review and configure headers.
Frequently asked questions.
Will this break my site?
The default set is conservative. Content-Security-Policy is off by default because a strict CSP can block scripts or styles your theme needs. Enable CSP when you are ready to tune it.
Does HSTS work on HTTP?
No. Strict-Transport-Security is only sent when the visitor reaches the site over HTTPS.
