By Hridoy Ahmed | Last updated: October 2026 | 6 min read
Short answer: Security headers are instructions your server sends to the browser to make your site safer. Add HTTPS with HSTS first, then X-Content-Type-Options, X-Frame-Options and Referrer-Policy. Add Content-Security-Policy last, because a strict one can break scripts, fonts and embeds.
Why check security headers?
Short answer: Security headers are invisible when you browse your own site. A checker shows which ones are missing, so you can close easy gaps without guessing.
Real use case: You moved your site to a new host or CDN. You run the checker and find HSTS and X-Content-Type-Options are no longer sent. You add them back.
Benefits
- See at a glance what is in place, partial or missing
- Get a short list of what to add next
- Re-test after a host, CDN or plugin change
- Build trust with a safer, properly configured site
Why use this tool
- Free, no signup.
- Live check of public headers only
- Clear order: it tells you what to fix first
It is not a malware scan. It checks headers, not hacked files.
Check your headers in 4 steps
- Open the tool. Use my free Website Security Headers Checker.
- Enter your website URL.
- Click Check Security. It makes a live request to your site.
- Read each item. Green is in place, amber is partial, red is missing.
What to add first
- HTTPS and HSTS. HTTPS encrypts traffic. HSTS tells browsers to always use it. Make sure HTTPS works on every page before you turn HSTS on.
- X-Content-Type-Options. Stops browsers guessing file types.
- X-Frame-Options (or CSP frame-ancestors). Stops other sites from putting your pages in a frame.
- Referrer-Policy. Controls how much of your URL is shared when someone clicks a link.
- Content-Security-Policy (CSP). Powerful, but test it carefully.
Where to add headers
- Your hosting or server settings
- A CDN or firewall
- A security plugin that supports headers
Test again with the tool after every change.
Common mistakes
- Adding a strict CSP on a live site without testing. Use staging or report-only mode first.
- Turning on HSTS before HTTPS works everywhere
- Thinking headers are a malware scan. They are not.
FAQ
Is this a malware scan?
No. The tool reads public response headers and basic HTTPS signals. It cannot find malware or hacked files. If you suspect a hack, read how to know if your WordPress site is hacked.
Will adding headers break my site?
A strict CSP can block scripts, fonts or embeds. Test first. The other headers listed above rarely cause problems.
Do headers help SEO?
They are mainly for safety and trust. HTTPS is a light ranking signal, but headers are not a ranking tool.
Try the tool: Check your security headers. Need them set up safely? See my WordPress security service.
About the author: Hridoy Ahmed is an SEO specialist and WordPress security expert based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has 8+ years of experience and works with clients worldwide.