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Is Your Wordpress Website Secure? Here's What's the Data Says

Admin • August 2, 2023

WordPress, undoubtedly the most popular website-building platform, boasts widespread usage. However, this very popularity makes WordPress sites an attractive target for malicious hackers worldwide.

The reality is somewhat mixed: While hundreds of thousands of WordPress sites fall victim to hacking each year, the culprits are not typically vulnerabilities in the latest WordPress core software. Instead, the majority of attacks stem from entirely preventable issues, such as lax updating practices or weak passwords.

Let’s dive into the details.

How WordPress Sites Get Hacked

Out-of-Date Core Software

Sucuri's 2017 Hacked Website Report reveals an unsurprising correlation: 39.3% of the hacked WordPress sites they examined had one common factor: they were running out-of-date WordPress core software at the time of the incident.

The significance of keeping WordPress core software up-to-date lies in its role in addressing critical security issues. Failure to download updates exposes users to potential hacker attacks. For instance, in WordPress version 5.8.1, three major vulnerabilities, including a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Gutenberg block editor, were fixed.

Furthermore, outdated software not only compromises core security but also prevents updating themes and plugins, leaving the site susceptible to the various security threats listed below.

Vulnerable Login Credentials for WordPress, FTP, or Hosting

Although not directly attributable to WordPress, a notable portion of hacks stem from malicious actors gaining access to WordPress login credentials, webmasters' hosting, or FTP accounts.

According to the Wordfence survey, approximately 16% of hacked sites were compromised through brute-force attacks. Additionally, incidents of password theft, workstation breaches, phishing, and FTP account infiltration were observed, albeit on a smaller scale.

Once unauthorised access is obtained, the security measures in place for your WordPress site become inconsequential, underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding login credentials.

Supply Chain Attacks

Supply chain attacks exploit one of WordPress's most beloved features: themes and plugins. This attack unfolds in two ways: firstly, when a plugin owner installs malware on customer sites; and secondly, when a hacker acquires a popular plugin and injects spammy code disguised as a legitimate update.

Both methods provide hackers with backend access to the targeted sites, enabling them to compromise secure files, manipulate visitors' confidential information, and execute further malicious activities such as SEO spam and phishing.

Out-of-Date Plugins or Themes

WordPress's greatest allure lies in its customisability, with developers crafting numerous unique themes and plugins for site owners to personalise their websites.

However, utilising these extensions necessitates proper security measures. Just like out-of-date core software, outdated themes and plugins can expose your site to potential security risks.

Data from WPScan reveals an alarming statistic: approximately 97% of vulnerabilities in their database stem from plugins and themes, with core software accounting for only 4%. A survey from Wordfence of hacked website owners, over 60% of the website owners who knew how the hacker got in attributed it to a plugin or theme vulnerability.

Poor Hosting Environment And Out-Of-Date Technology

Your WordPress hosting service plays the most important role in the security of your WordPress site. An excellent hosting provider goes the extra mile to safeguard their servers against prevalent threats. They maintain constant vigilance, monitoring their network for any signs of suspicious activity.

All reputable hosting companies are equipped with tools to thwart large-scale DDoS attacks effectively. To fend off potential hackers exploiting known security vulnerabilities in outdated versions, they diligently update their server software and hardware.

Moreover, they are prepared with readily deployable disaster recovery and contingency plans to ensure your data remains protected in the event of a major accident or unforeseen catastrophe.

In a vast and sometimes intimidating online realm, awareness of potential risks and threats is crucial. This becomes especially significant when you've invested time in crafting a personalised, content-rich website on WordPress.

Embracing a proactive approach to cybersecurity is paramount. By staying informed, you can effectively safeguard your online presence, foster your business's growth, and instill confidence in your customers. Understanding the landscape of internet risks empowers you to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.

Book a call with Octopus Digital today to learn more about moving away from WordPress and upgrading your website to a new, high-tech, high-security platform that is easier to use and makes your business safer online.

SECURE YOUR WEBSITE NOW

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Social Commerce: Turning Your Social Media Pages into Sales Channels in Dromana

By Aaron Encinas • February 21, 2025

Dromana, a beautiful coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula, is a hub of vibrant businesses, from quaint cafes and boutiques to thriving local artisans and service providers. In today's digital age, leveraging the power of social media is crucial for these businesses to connect with customers and thrive. But simply having a social media presence isn't enough. True success lies in transforming those platforms into active sales channels through social commerce. This article explores how Dromana businesses can harness the potential of social commerce to boost their bottom line. What is Social Commerce? Social commerce is more than just posting pretty pictures on Instagram or engaging with comments on Facebook. It's about integrating your online store directly into your social media platforms, allowing customers to discover, browse, and purchase products or services without ever leaving their favourite social app. It streamlines the buying process, making it incredibly convenient for customers and significantly increasing the chances of a sale. Think of it as bringing your shop directly to where your customers already are. Why is Social Commerce Important for Dromana Businesses? Increased Visibility: Dromana businesses can tap into a vast audience on social media. By optimising your profiles and content, you can reach potential customers who might not otherwise discover your business. Enhanced Customer Experience: Social commerce simplifies the buying journey. Customers can purchase directly from your social media pages, eliminating the need to navigate to a separate website. This convenience leads to a smoother and more enjoyable shopping experience. Targeted Marketing: Social media platforms offer powerful targeting tools. Dromana businesses can target specific demographics, interests, and even locations within the local area, ensuring their marketing efforts reach the right people. Building Community: Social media is inherently social. It allows Dromana businesses to connect with their customers on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. This is particularly important in a close-knit town like Dromana. Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising, social media marketing can be incredibly cost-effective. Businesses can reach a large audience without breaking the bank, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Dromana. Real-Time Engagement: Social media allows for real-time interaction with customers. Businesses can answer questions, respond to comments, and address concerns promptly, building trust and strengthening customer relationships. Data and Analytics: Social media platforms provide valuable data and analytics that can help Dromana businesses understand their audience, track their performance, and refine their marketing strategies. How to Implement Social Commerce in Dromana Implementing social commerce requires a strategic approach. Here are some key steps for Dromana businesses: Choose the Right Platforms: Identify the social media platforms where your target audience spends their time. Are your customers more active on Instagram, Facebook, or perhaps a combination of both? Focus your efforts on the platforms that will yield the best results. Set Up Shop: Many platforms offer built-in shopping features. Set up your online store within these platforms, ensuring your product catalogue is up-to-date and your product descriptions are compelling. High-Quality Content is Key: Visual content is crucial for social commerce. Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products or services. Think about lifestyle shots, product demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. Engage with Your Audience: Don't just broadcast your products. Engage with your followers. Respond to comments, answer questions, and run contests or giveaways to build excitement and encourage interaction. Leverage Influencers: Partnering with local influencers in Dromana can be a powerful way to reach a wider audience. Influencers can promote your products or services to their followers, adding credibility and driving traffic to your social commerce store. Run Targeted Ads: Use the targeting options available on social media platforms to reach specific demographics and interests within Dromana. Targeted advertising can significantly boost your reach and sales. Offer Exclusive Deals and Promotions: Incentivise your followers to purchase through your social commerce store by offering exclusive deals and promotions. This can create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate purchases. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Ensure you have a system in place to handle customer enquiries and orders promptly and efficiently. Positive customer experiences are crucial for building loyalty and generating repeat business. Track Your Results: Monitor your social commerce performance regularly. Track key metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and sales revenue to assess the effectiveness of your strategies and make adjustments as needed. Social Commerce Best Practices for Dromana Businesses Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your social commerce store is optimised for mobile devices. Many people access social media on their phones, so a mobile-friendly experience is essential. Secure Payment Gateway: Use a secure payment gateway to protect customer data and build trust. Clear Shipping and Return Policies: Clearly outline your shipping and return policies to avoid confusion and manage customer expectations. Promote Your Social Commerce Store: Let your customers know about your social commerce store. Promote it on your website, in your email newsletters, and in your physical store (if you have one). Stay Up-to-Date: The world of social media is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices to ensure your social commerce strategy remains effective. How Octopus Digital Can Help Your Dromana Business Navigating the complexities of social commerce can be challenging, especially for busy business owners in Dromana. That's where Octopus Digital comes in. We are a website and digital marketing services company based right here in Dromana, specialising in helping local businesses thrive online. We can assist you with: Setting up your social commerce store: We can help you integrate your online store with your social media platforms, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers. Developing a social media marketing strategy: We can create a tailored social media marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals and target audience. Creating engaging content: Our team of experienced content creators can produce high-quality images, videos, and written content that captures the attention of your followers and drives engagement. Running targeted advertising campaigns: We can help you reach the right people with your social media ads, maximising your return on investment. Managing your social media accounts: We can take the hassle out of social media management, allowing you to focus on running your business. Providing ongoing support and guidance: We are here to support you every step of the way, providing expert advice and guidance on how to maximise your social commerce success. Social commerce presents a significant opportunity for Dromana businesses to connect with customers, boost sales, and build a strong online presence. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article and partnering with a local digital marketing expert like Octopus Digital , you can transform your social media pages into powerful sales channels and take your Dromana business to the next level.