If you’ve heard that WordPress is a hacker’s playground and have been hesitant about using it, it’s time to set the record straight. The idea that WordPress websites are always getting targeted by attackers is more myth than reality. Yes, WordPress sites do get attacked, but so do websites built on other platforms. The truth is, any website can be a target for hackers. So why does WordPress get such a bad reputation? Let’s dive into that, explore the common types of attacks, and arm you with the knowledge you need to keep your site secure.
Why WordPress isn’t the problem: the truth behind the myth
Let’s start with some perspective. WordPress powers around 43% of all websites on the internet today. That’s a staggering number—almost half the internet! Naturally, when you have such a huge portion of websites running on one platform, you’re going to see more reports of incidents involving WordPress. It’s like being at a huge party with a thousand people, and 430 of them are wearing red shirts. If you hear that people at the party are spilling drinks, odds are many of those who spill drinks will be in red shirts. Does that mean red shirts are cursed? Of course not! There are just so many people wearing them that it feels that way.
The same goes for WordPress. Its popularity makes it seem like it’s more vulnerable than other platforms, but the reality is, WordPress is as secure as any other content management system (CMS). Like anything else, it simply requires regular maintenance and proper security measures.
Common reasons why WordPress websites get hacked
While WordPress itself is a secure platform, certain practices can increase the risk of a website being compromised. These aren’t just hypothetical issues; they’re based on real-life incidents that we’ve personally witnessed over the years.
#1 Using poorly coded themes and plugins
One of the most common reasons WordPress websites get hacked is the use of poorly coded themes and plugins that don’t meet WordPress best practices. Many inexperienced or unethical website designers and developers, who claim they can build websites, are only good at installing themes and plugins. Especially those who offer to build websites cheaply often resort to using free or bootlegged themes and plugins. These low-quality themes and plugins may contain security vulnerabilities that open your website up to attacks. We’ve seen firsthand how clients have made this mistake, only to end up with a compromised site.
#2 Leaving WordPress, themes, and plugins unupdated
Another major reason for WordPress sites getting hacked is simply leaving WordPress, themes, and plugins unupdated. Many website owners are unaware that they need to regularly update these files to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. It’s similar to why your smartphone regularly prompts you to install software updates. It’s not just about adding new features or making your emoji library fancier—although who doesn’t love a new dancing cat emoji? More often than not, these updates are meant to patch security holes and protect your device from potential threats.
In the same way, keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date is crucial for security. Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your site. In our experience, we’ve seen several cases where clients neglected updates, leading to security breaches that could have been easily avoided.
#3 Using cheap or shared hosting services
The choice of hosting service also plays a significant role in your website’s security. Cheap or shared hosting services, in particular, are often a weak link. Shared hosting means that your website is on the same server as hundreds, if not thousands, of other websites. If one of those sites gets compromised, all other websites on the same server may be at risk. We’ve encountered clients who opted for the cheapest hosting available, only to find themselves vulnerable to attacks due to their neighbors on the server being compromised.
Common WordPress website attacks: what you need to know
Now that we’ve covered why WordPress sites might get hacked, let’s talk about what kinds of attacks these sites commonly face. Understanding these threats will help you take the right precautions.
- Brute Force Attacks
Brute force attacks occur when hackers use automated tools to try countless username and password combinations until they gain access. It’s like someone trying to pick a lock by trying every possible key. This is a common attack because many users don’t change their default login credentials or use weak passwords. Spread Mechanism: These attacks often originate from botnets—networks of infected computers that hackers control remotely. These bots try different combinations on multiple websites simultaneously, making it crucial to have strong security measures in place. - SQL Injection
SQL injection is a code injection technique where attackers insert malicious SQL code into your website’s database, allowing them to access or manipulate sensitive information like user credentials or personal data. Spread Mechanism: This attack typically spreads through vulnerabilities in poorly coded plugins or themes, where hackers exploit weak points to insert their malicious code. - Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting attacks involve injecting malicious scripts into web pages that get viewed by other users. When those users interact with the infected page, the script runs, potentially leading to data theft or other harmful actions. Spread Mechanism: XSS attacks usually spread through forms or comment sections on your site, where attackers can input their malicious scripts. Unsanitized input fields are particularly vulnerable. - Malware Injection
Malware can be injected into your website through vulnerable plugins, themes, or outdated software. Once inside, it can do anything from stealing data to spreading itself to visitors of your site. Spread Mechanism: Malware often spreads through phishing emails, infected downloads, or unsecured connections, and it can hide within legitimate software that has been compromised. - Phishing
Phishing attacks involve hackers inserting fake pages that mimic legitimate sites onto compromised websites. These pages are designed to trick users into entering sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Spread Mechanism: Phishing pages are often spread through links in emails, social media, or other websites that have been compromised.
How to prevent common WordPress attacks
Now that we know the common types of attacks and how they spread, let’s talk about how to prevent them. Keeping your WordPress site secure isn’t rocket science, but it does require some regular maintenance and following best practices.
- Use strong passwords and change default usernames
Avoid using “admin” as your username, and ensure your password is a strong mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Better yet, some experts suggest using random words and spaces to create a stronger password—think “purple turtle on a windy day” instead of “password123.” We do this ourselves at WebSifu, and we can confirm that it’s an effective way to create a strong, memorable password that’s harder for hackers to crack. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your site from brute force attacks. - Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated
Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for hackers to get in. Hackers love to exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of WordPress, plugins, and themes. At WebSifu, we take this seriously. That’s why we check and update our clients’ websites daily or weekly, depending on the plan they’ve chosen. Regular updates close security gaps, keeping your site safe from known vulnerabilities. - Install a security plugin
A good security plugin is like having a security guard for your website. At WebSifu, we automatically install Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) for our clients. This plugin helps protect your site by scanning for malware, monitoring login attempts, and blocking suspicious IP addresses. It’s a comprehensive security solution that keeps threats at bay. - Limit login attempts
By limiting the number of login attempts, you can prevent brute force attacks. Once a user exceeds the allowed number of attempts, their IP address will be temporarily blocked, adding an extra layer of protection. - Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. This can be a text message code or a code generated by an app. It’s a simple step that makes it much harder for hackers to gain access, even if they have your password. - Backup your website regularly
Regular backups ensure that if something does go wrong, you can restore your website to a previous version without losing all your data. At WebSifu, we back up our clients’ websites daily and retain backup files for 30 days. So, if anything ever goes wrong beyond repair, we can roll back the website in a jiffy, ensuring minimal downtime and no loss of valuable content.
What to do if your website is compromised
Even with the best precautions, no system is 100% secure. If you suspect your WordPress site has been compromised, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Identify the problem
Look for signs that your website has been hacked, such as unexpected changes to content, slow performance, strange error messages, or the appearance of unfamiliar files. - Take your site offline
Temporarily take your site offline to prevent further damage. This can be done by placing your site in maintenance mode or by disabling it entirely until you’ve resolved the issue. - Restore from backup
If you have a recent backup, restore your site to that version. This will remove any malicious code or files that were added during the attack. At WebSifu, with our daily backup system, restoring your site is quick and painless. - Scan for malware
Use a security plugin or a professional service to scan your site for any remaining malware. Make sure to remove any suspicious files or code. - Change all passwords
Change all passwords associated with your website, including your WordPress admin, database, and FTP accounts. Ensure these passwords are strong and unique. Remember, using random words and spaces can create a surprisingly strong password that’s easy to remember but tough for hackers to crack. - Seek professional help if needed
If the attack is severe or you’re unsure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. This is where WebSifu comes in handy. With our maintenance plan, your website is constantly monitored and updated, drastically reducing the chances of a successful attack in the first place. Hackers simply stand no chance against our proactive security measures.
Conclusion
The myth that WordPress websites are always under attack is just that—a myth. Any website, regardless of the platform, can be targeted by hackers. But with the right precautions and a bit of vigilance, you can keep your WordPress site secure. At WebSifu, we specialize in keeping your website safe, updated, and backed up, so you don’t have to worry about hackers. Trust me, with the right tools and knowledge, you can enjoy all the benefits of WordPress without the headaches. And if you want to take your peace of mind to the next level, consider our maintenance plans—because prevention is always better than cure.
