Hacking a WordPress website can have serious ramifications for both the website owner and the visitors. It can lead to the loss of sensitive information, damage to the website’s reputation, and financial losses. In this article, we’ll look at the various reasons why WordPress websites get hacked and what you can do to avoid it.
Outdated Software
One of the most common reasons for WordPress website hacking is using outdated software. WordPress is constantly updating its platform to fix bugs and improve security, so it is crucial to constantly update the website’s WordPress version, plugins, and themes. If a website is using an outdated version, it may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
To prevent this, website owners should regularly check for updates and install them as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to set up automatic updates to ensure that the website is always using the latest version.
Weak Passwords
Another reason for WordPress website hacking is the use of weak passwords. Hackers can use tools to guess or brute force weak passwords, so you should always use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.
To create a strong password, it should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It should also be unique and not used for any other accounts.
You need to up your game with modern and effective solutions for creating passwords. And one way to do that is password manager. You can create a password with 40-50 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
It is humanly impossible to remember such passwords and you don’t need to because you can secure those passwords in your password manager with a 2-step verification.
Website owners should also use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to their login process. This requires the user to enter a code sent to their phone or email in addition to their password.
Besides that you should encourage your users to create strong passwords for their accounts. That would help both you and the user to secure the account and login credentials from lurking hackers.
Unsecured Hosting
Using unsecured servers for hosting a website makes it more vulnerable to hacking. It is critical to select a reputable hosting provider with strong security measures in place.
It is a predominant factor to take steps to secure their servers, such as installing firewalls and keeping their software up to date.
Security Vulnerabilities
All software has vulnerabilities, and WordPress is no exception. Hackers may find and exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress or a plugin, allowing them to gain access to the website.
To prevent this, website owners should regularly check for security updates and install them as soon as possible. They should also be cautious about which plugins and themes they install, as some may have security vulnerabilities.
Phishing Attacks
Hackers may use phishing attacks to trick website owners into giving them access to the website. To get hold of the hacker’s IP address, use phony login pages, fraudulent emails, or other means.
To prevent phishing attacks, website owners should be cautious when clicking on links or entering login credentials. They should also use a reputable email service and ensure that their email accounts are secure.
Malware
Malware is a type of software that is intended to gain access to or damage computer systems. If you visit a malware-infected website, there is a good chance that malware will be transferred to your website.
To prevent malware infections, website owners should ensure that their website is secure and avoid visiting untrustworthy websites.
Even if you do have to visit an untrustworthy website, try doing it in incognito mode or on a separate device that does not have any important credentials. They should also use reputable antivirus software to scan their computer and website for malware.
SQL Injection
SQL injection is a malevolent malware attack where a hacker injects malicious code into a website’s database. It gives them a free pass to the user’s sensitive information, such as passwords and user data.
To prevent SQL injection attacks, website owners should use prepared statements and parameterized queries to sanitize user input. They should also ensure that their database has the proper permissions.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of attack where a hacker injects malicious code into a website. This code is executed when a user visits the website, allowing the hacker to steal information or perform other actions.
To prevent XSS attacks, website owners should sanitize user input and use proper escaping when displaying user-generated content. They should also ensure that their website is updated to the latest version of WordPress, as it includes XSS protection measures.
Brute Force Attacks
A brute force attack allows hackers to use automated tools to guess a website’s login credentials. It generally works with a hit-and-trial method, using many different permutations and combinations to find the correct password.
To prevent brute force attacks, website owners can use a plugin that limits the number of login attempts from a single IP address. They can also use two-factor authentication and strong, unique passwords to make it more difficult for a hacker to guess the correct login credentials.
DDoS Attacks
When a hacker floods a website with traffic, causing it to crash or become inaccessible, the user has become prey to a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack.
To prevent DDoS attacks, website owners can use a DDoS protection service or a CDN (Content Delivery Network) to absorb the excess traffic. They can also ensure that their hosting provider has undergone the necessary measures to handle DDoS attacks.
Concluding
In conclusion, there are many reasons why a WordPress website may be hacked. By keeping software up to date, using strong passwords, securing hosting, and taking other security measures, website owners can help protect their websites from hacking.
If you are on the very first step of starting your WordPress website, get your services from the best web development agency that adds the necessary plugins for security purposes and helps you with the services after the website launch.