How Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) Affects Your WordPress Speed
How is this scored?
Our Benchmark Methodology
Every speed score on MakeWPFast is based on real performance measurements, not estimates. We install each plugin on a clean WordPress 6.9 setup (PHP 8.3, MariaDB, GeneratePress theme) and measure the difference in three metrics:
TTFB (Time To First Byte) — how many milliseconds the plugin adds to server response time. This is the most important factor (50% of the score) because it directly affects every page load.
Memory usage — how much additional PHP memory the plugin consumes per request (30% of score). High memory usage can cause crashes on shared hosting.
Database queries — how many extra SQL queries the plugin runs per page load (20% of score). More queries mean more database work on every request.
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| A / A- | Negligible impact. Safe to install on any hosting. |
| B+ / B / B- | Light impact. Adds some overhead but manageable on most setups. |
| C+ / C / C- | Moderate impact. May noticeably slow down budget hosting. |
| D+ / D | Heavy impact. Will affect page load times. Consider alternatives. |
| F | Severe impact. Significant resource usage that hurts performance. |
Plugins marked "Not Yet Tested" have not been benchmarked yet. We do not estimate or guess scores — if there is no measured data, there is no grade.
Note: Benchmarks measure a plugin in isolation on a clean install. Real-world impact varies based on your hosting, other plugins, and how the plugin is configured.
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Performance Analysis
Really Simple Security (really-simple-ssl) is a WordPress security plugin that hardens your site with hardening checks, two-factor authentication, login protection, vulnerability scanning and SSL enforcement. It’s aimed at developers and site owners who want a quick, automated way to reduce common attack vectors without manual configuration. The plugin is popular with those who value a low‑effort security baseline.
It adds only about 3ms to TTFB, no memory overhead and roughly four extra queries per request. In practice that means a negligible impact on performance, especially on modern servers. However, if you need total control over security settings or want a custom hardening approach, this plugin is not the right tool—it’s a plug‑and‑play solution for the already‑secure WordPress environment.
Maintenance Status
Last updated: 2026-02-10. Requires PHP 7.4+. Trusted by 3.0M+ active installations.
Benchmark data measured in an isolated Docker environment (WordPress 6.8, PHP 8.3, GeneratePress). See our full methodology.
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Alternatives to Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL)
| Plugin | Speed Score | Active Installs |
|---|---|---|
| Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security | A | 5M+ |
| Hostinger Tools | A | 3M+ |
| Limit Login Attempts Reloaded – Login Security, Brute Force Protection, Firewall | A | 2M+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) slow down WordPress?
Is Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) still maintained?
What are the best alternatives to Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL)?
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