To determine whether a WordPress plugin is safe to install, start by checking its number of active installations—a high count usually indicates reliability. Look at user reviews and ratings to see what others are saying. It's also important to check the date of the last update; actively maintained plugins are more likely to be secure and compatible. Finally, make sure the plugin is compatible with your current version of WordPress to avoid potential issues.

Additional Security Best Practices:

• Download plugins only from trusted sources, such as the official WordPress Plugin Repository or well-known developers. Avoid downloading plugins from random websites or forums.

• Avoid nulled or pirated plugins, as they often contain malicious code that can compromise your website.

• Check the developer’s reputation and see if they actively support and respond to issues.

• Keep plugins updated regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches.

• Use as few plugins as necessary to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities. Unused or poorly maintained plugins can be a security risk.

• Install a security plugin to monitor for suspicious activity or malware, especially if you use third-party plugins.