WordPress is a very secure platform. The WordPress core code is regularly audited by security experts. However, as with any piece of software, there are always vulnerabilities that can be exploited. If the website owner does not take the necessary precautions, their WordPress site can be hacked.
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems, powering about 30% of all websites. This popularity makes it a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals.
Key Takeaways
- Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Credentials: Avoid using weak passwords and common usernames like “admin” to prevent brute force attacks.
- Choose Reputable Sources: Only download themes and plugins from trusted sources to avoid malware and security risks.
- Implement SSL: Secure your site with SSL to encrypt data and boost visitor trust.
- Security Plugins and Features: Use security plugins, limit login attempts, enable two-factor authentication, and back up your site regularly.
This article explores how WordPress can be hacked and offers tips to keep your WordPress site secure.
How can WordPress be Hacked?
Although WordPress is quite secure, many sites still get hacked daily. Here are some of the most common ways a WordPress site can be compromised:
Outdated WordPress Software
Most WordPress hacks occur because people don’t update their WordPress software. WordPress releases new versions regularly to fix security holes and vulnerabilities. Always update your WordPress site to the latest version.
Outdated Themes and Plugins
It’s vital to update all the themes and plugins on your site. Themes and plugins, like WordPress core, have security gaps that hackers can exploit. Recently, most hacks occurred due to vulnerabilities in themes and plugins.
Using Cracked Themes or Plugins
Hackers often use nulled or cracked themes and plugins. These pirated versions are available for free. The issue is they usually contain malicious code that can expose your site’s credentials to hackers.
Weak Credentials
Using weak passwords and usernames often leads to WordPress sites getting hacked. Many still use the default “admin” username, which hackers target by guessing passwords. Always use strong passwords and unique usernames to protect your site.
Not Using SSL
If you’re not using SSL on your site, you’re making it easy for hackers to steal visitor credentials. SSL encrypts the connection between your site and the visitor’s browser, making it much harder for hackers to intercept data.
Using Poor Quality Hosting
Picking an unreliable, low-cost hosting provider can get your WordPress site hacked. These providers usually lack proper security measures to safeguard their servers. If their servers get compromised, your site will also be at risk.
How to Keep Your WordPress Site Secured
Now that you know some common ways WordPress sites get hacked, let’s see how you can keep your WordPress site secure.
Use a Security Plugin
Many security plugins can secure your WordPress site and prevent common attacks. Popular options include Sucuri, Wordfence, Jetpack, and iThemes Security.
Use Reputable Themes and Plugins
I’ve said this before: using nulled or cracked themes and plugins is a bad idea. They’re illegal and put your site at risk of being hacked. Instead, use reputable themes and plugins from well-known developers. Even if you can’t afford the paid versions, most developers offer free versions that are still quite good.
Keep the Site Up to date
One of the best practices to keep your WordPress site secure is to keep it up to date. Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly. This ensures your site has the latest security patches and is less likely to be hacked.
Use Strong and Unique Credentials
Weak passwords and usernames are a common way WordPress sites get hacked. It’s critical to use complex passwords and distinct usernames. A strong password should be at least eight characters long, mixing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Set User Roles Wisely
Another important security measure is setting user roles wisely. WordPress offers five default user roles: administrator, editor, author, contributor, and subscriber. Each role has different capabilities and permissions.
For example, the administrator role controls the entire site, while the subscriber can only read and comment on posts. When adding users to your WordPress site, assign them the right role.
Use SSL
SSL is a security protocol that encrypts data between your website and the visitor’s browser, making it harder for hackers to intercept sensitive information. It also boosts your site’s trustworthiness with visitors.
Limit Login Attempts
Hackers often gain entry to WordPress sites through brute force attacks, guessing usernames and passwords with countless combinations. By limiting login attempts, you can make it much harder for hackers to break into your site.
Turn on Two Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security by requiring a code from your phone to log in. It makes it harder for hackers to access your site, even if they have your username and password.
Backup Your Site Regularly
Even if you’re cautious, your site could still get hacked. It’s crucial to back up your site regularly. This ensures you can restore it quickly if anything happens, minimizing damage.
Integrate a CDN
A content delivery network (CDN) is a distributed server system that delivers content based on geographic location. Using a CDN improves your site’s speed and reduces server load. Most CDNs also offer security features to protect your site from attacks.
I recommend Cloudflare, a free CDN service with strong security features.