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

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 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.

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 Just like out-of-date core software, outdated themes and plugins can expose your site to potential security risks.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.

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 To fend off potential hackers exploiting known security vulnerabilities in outdated versions, they diligently update their server software and hardware.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.