Last updated: 10th July 2026 for CC Security Essentials Pro version 1.0

Introduction

CC Security Essentials Pro extends the functionality of CC Security Essentials, adding additional security features for websites that require greater control over administrator accounts, passwords, REST API access and security monitoring.

Before installing the Pro plugin, the core CC Security Essentials plugin must already be installed and activated.

The two plugins work together, with the core plugin continuing to provide the essential security features while Pro adds additional capabilities.

Before You Begin

Before installing CC Security Essentials Pro, ensure that:

CC Security Essentials is installed.
CC Security Essentials is activated.
You have administrator access to your WordPress website.
Your website is running a supported version of WordPress.
You have downloaded the latest release of CC Security Essentials Pro.

Installing the Plugin

Install the Pro plugin in the same way as any other WordPress plugin.

Sign in to WordPress as an administrator.
Open Plugins → Add New Plugin.
Select Upload Plugin.
Choose the CC Security Essentials Pro ZIP file.
Select Install Now.
After installation completes, select Activate Plugin.

If CC Security Essentials is already active, the additional Pro functionality becomes available immediately.

If the Core Plugin Is Not Installed

CC Security Essentials Pro requires the core plugin.

If the core plugin is not installed or activated, WordPress will display an administrator notice explaining that the dependency must be installed first.

Once the core plugin has been activated, Pro will operate normally.

Confirming Installation

After activation you should notice additional functionality throughout the plugin.

Depending on your configuration, you may see:

Login Protection
Password Policies
Password Age Monitoring
Password Change Enforcement
REST Rules
Security Events
additional Security Health checks
additional Security Overview information
enhanced dashboard information

The exact features available depend upon the plugin version and your website configuration.

Existing Settings

Installing CC Security Essentials Pro does not alter your existing CC Security Essentials configuration.

Settings that you have already configured remain unchanged.

The Pro plugin simply introduces additional settings where appropriate.

Updating the Plugin

Updates can be installed in the same way as any other WordPress plugin.

Before updating we recommend:

creating a recent website backup;
testing updates on a staging website where practical;
reviewing the release notes;
confirming that any custom integrations continue to operate correctly after updating.

Updates to the Pro plugin do not normally affect your existing settings.

Deactivating Pro

If CC Security Essentials Pro is deactivated:

the core CC Security Essentials plugin continues operating normally;
essential security features remain available;
Pro-specific functionality becomes unavailable until the plugin is reactivated.

Any settings used only by the Pro plugin are retained unless they are explicitly removed.

This allows the plugin to resume normal operation if it is activated again later.

Troubleshooting Installation

The plugin reports that CC Security Essentials is required

Install and activate the core CC Security Essentials plugin first, then activate the Pro plugin again.

I can’t see any additional features

Confirm that:

both plugins are activated;
you’re signed in as an administrator;
you’re using the latest versions of both plugins.

If the problem persists, review the troubleshooting guide.

WordPress reports a plugin conflict

Although CC Security Essentials Pro is designed to work alongside other well-written plugins, some security plugins may provide overlapping functionality.

Review any administrator notices or compatibility information before enabling duplicate protections.

Next Steps

Once installation is complete we recommend following this order:

Review Security Health.
Configure Login Protection.
Configure Password Policies.
Review Password Age Monitoring.
Configure REST Rules if required.
Review Security Events periodically.

Introducing new protections gradually makes it easier to understand how each feature affects your website.

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