Millions of websites run on WordPress, one of the most popular content management systems (CMSs). As a result of its popularity, it is also a prime target for hackers. Attempts are constantly made by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress sites. That’s why you should take steps to secure WP site from hackers. Until then, check out some of the most notorious WordPress hacks.
- A well-known WordPress hack occurred in 2017 when the Equifax website was breached, compromising the personal information of over 143 million people. Equifax’s network was compromised because of a vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework, which the company uses to build its web applications, including its WP site.
- In 2015, Ashley Madison, a dating site, was breached by hackers, compromising millions of users’ personal information. Attackers exploited a SQL injection vulnerability in the WordPress blog to gain access to the site’s database.
- WP GDPR Compliance, a popular WordPress plugin, was hacked in 2019, potentially exposing the personal information of over 100,000 websites. Attackers exploited a vulnerability in the plugin to gain access to WordPress sites using it.
- In 2020, the United Nations website was hacked, using a vulnerability in a plugin called WP Statistics. An attacker defaced the website and left a message claiming responsibility for the hack.
It’s not true that a small blog or website is not interesting to hackers. Your website may reveal information you collect from your clients if someone gets access to it. That’s why you need to make all the necessary steps to secure your site from possible attacks. If you are still not convinced, here’s how you can see real attacks on your website. Install a plugin Wordfence, it has a section that displays attacks on your site, install it and you’ll see what I mean.
Keep Your WordPress Site Updated
Updating your WP site is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect it from hackers. Regular updates to WordPress fix security vulnerabilities and improve functionality. Your WordPress-based site will be protected from known security threats if you keep it updated to the latest version.
Use Strong Passwords
Hackers often use brute force attacks to crack weak passwords to gain access to WP sites. Make sure all user accounts on your WordPress-powered site have strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
Create a strong password by combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.
Limit Login Attempts to Secure WordPress Site From Hackers
Limiting the number of login attempts on your WP site is another way to prevent brute-force attacks. WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which means hackers can keep trying different password combinations until they find one that works. You can limit login attempts using a plugin like a Login LockDown or Jetpack.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
You can add an extra layer of security to your WordPress blog by using two-factor authentication (2FA). In addition to their password, users must provide a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to their phone or email. Despite having your password, hackers will have a much harder time gaining access to your site.
Install Security Plugins
WordPress has a variety of security plugins that can protect your site from hackers. You can try Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri, which are some of the most popular options. Your site can be scanned for vulnerabilities, blocked from malicious traffic, and monitored for suspicious activity using these plugins.
Use HTTPS
The HTTPS protocol encrypts data between the user’s browser and the website, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information. With an SSL certificate, you can enable HTTPS on your WordPress site. There are many web hosting companies that provide free SSL certificates, such as Let’s Encrypt.
Disable File Editing
WordPress allows administrators to edit theme and plugin files from within the dashboard by default. Hackers who gain access to an administrator account can edit these files to inject malicious code, posing a security risk. Add the following code to your wp-config.php file to disable file editing:
define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);
Backup Your Site Regularly
There is always a chance that your WordPress site could be compromised, no matter how many security measures you put in place. That’s why regular backups are essential. In this way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your site. Automate backups with a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack.
In the End
In order to protect your WordPress site and your users’ information, you need to secure it from hackers. If you follow these tips, your site will be significantly less likely to be hacked. Keep your site updated, use strong passwords, limit login attempts, use 2FA, install security plugins, use HTTPS, disable file editing, and back up your data.
Secure WordPress Site From Hackers FAQ
Some of the most common vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to access WP sites include outdated software, weak passwords, unsecured file permissions, vulnerable plugins and themes, and SQL injection attacks.
To prevent SQL injection attacks on your WordPress blog, you should avoid using dynamic SQL queries and use prepared statements or parameterized queries instead. You should also sanitize user input and escape special characters to prevent malicious code injection.
Yes, using a security plugin on your WP can help to protect it from cyber-attacks. A good security plugin can provide features such as malware scanning, brute force protection, and two-factor authentication.
Some best practices for creating strong passwords include using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, avoiding common dictionary words or phrases, and using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
You can keep your resource up to date by regularly checking for and installing updates to the WordPress core software, themes, and plugins. You should also consider using a WordPress security plugin that will scan your site for vulnerabilities and alert you to any issues.