WordPress is a powerhouse, fueling millions of websites worldwide. But with great popularity comes great vulnerability. Hackers are always looking for ways to exploit weaknesses, and if you’re not careful, your site could be their next target.
The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to safeguard your site. Let’s walk through eight of the most common WordPress security threats and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from them.
1. Vulnerable Plugins and Themes
Your WordPress site is only as strong as the plugins and themes it runs on. If they’re outdated, unsupported, or poorly coded, they can become an open door for cyberattacks.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Stick to reputable sources—install plugins and themes from the official WordPress repository or trusted developers.
- Before downloading, check when it was last updated and ensure it’s compatible with your WordPress version.
- Always keep your plugins, themes, and WordPress core updated. You can do this manually, set automatic updates, or use a maintenance service to handle it for you.
2. Weak Passwords and No Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Brute-force attacks use automated bots to guess login credentials at lightning speed. If your password is weak, you’re practically inviting them in.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Use strong, complex passwords (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using a plugin like WP 2FA to add an extra security step when logging in.
- Consider using a password manager like LastPass to securely store and generate strong passwords.
3. Poor Control Over User Permissions
Every user on your site doesn’t need full control. Yet, by default, new WordPress users are assigned administrator-level permissions—meaning one compromised account could lead to disaster.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Assign user roles wisely. Here’s a quick guide:
- Administrator: Full control
- Editor: Edits and publishes all posts
- Author: Edits and publishes their own posts
- Contributor: Writes and edits their own posts but can’t publish
- Subscriber: Can only manage their profile
- To adjust user roles, go to your WP dashboard > Users > All Users and modify as needed.
4. Malware and Malicious Plugins
Malware can cripple your site, steal sensitive data, and even lock you out entirely. It can sneak in through outdated software, rogue plugins, or deceptive links.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Only install plugins and themes from trusted sources.
- Regularly scan your site with a security plugin like Sucuri or Wordfence.
- Be cautious with email attachments and unsolicited plugin recommendations—phishing attacks are everywhere.
5. Unrestricted XML-RPC Protocol
XML-RPC was once essential for connecting WordPress with third-party applications. But now, it’s mostly a liability, often exploited for brute-force attacks and DDoS amplification.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Check if XML-RPC is active using the WordPress XML-RPC Validation Service.
- If it is, disable it with the Disable XML-RPC plugin.
6. Code and Scripting Attacks (SQL Injection & XSS)
Hackers inject malicious code into your site to steal data, create admin accounts, or spread malware. SQL injections target your database, while XSS attacks manipulate scripts to affect users.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated.
- Use a security plugin like Sucuri or Wordfence to monitor and block suspicious activity.
- If you’re not tech-savvy, consider hiring a developer to harden your wp-config.php file.
7. DoS and DDoS Attacks
A denial-of-service (DoS) attack overwhelms your site with traffic until it crashes. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is even worse—coordinated from multiple devices, making it harder to stop.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Use a secure hosting provider with built-in DDoS protection (WP Engine is a solid option).
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) like Cloudflare to help absorb traffic surges.
8. Zero-Day Exploits
The scariest type of cyberattack? The one you can’t prepare for. Zero-day exploits target unknown vulnerabilities, often before developers have a chance to release a fix.
How to Protect Your Site:
- Keep your WordPress site, plugins, and themes updated.
- Run a security plugin and firewall for real-time threat monitoring.
- Partner with a WordPress security expert for ongoing protection.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your WordPress Site Locked Down
Security isn’t something you can afford to ignore. The internet is full of bad actors looking for vulnerabilities, but with the right precautions, you can keep them at bay.
If you want complete peace of mind, consider partnering with a security service like StateWP. Our team keeps your WordPress site up to date, monitors for threats, and responds to security incidents—so you don’t have to worry about them.
Don’t wait for an attack to happen—take action today and secure your WordPress site before it’s too late.