If you have a WordPress-powered website or are considering using WordPress as your CMS, you need to be aware of possible security issues. After all, you don’t want your site to be compromised.
Hackers generally unauthorised access to your WordPress site on an administrator level. So, it’s necessary that you know common security issues and how to address them.
So without further ado, here are the five most common WordPress security issues to keep note of:
1. File Inclusion Exploits
File inclusion exploits refer to your WordPress website’s PHP code vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit.
This security issue happens when vulnerable code loads remote files, allowing attackers to access your website. File inclusion exploits are one of the easiest ways attackers can access your site’s wp-config.php file, which is one of the most crucial files in your WordPress installation.
2. Malware
Malicious software is code used to gain unauthorised access to a WordPress website to collect sensitive data. A hacked WordPress site typically means that malware has been introduced into your files. If you suspect malware on your site, you can check your changed files to rule it out.
While there are thousands of malware infection types, WordPress isn’t vulnerable to all of them. Some of the most common are:
- Drive-by downloads
- Backdoors
- Malicious redirects
- Pharma hacks
All of these malware types can be identified and cleaned up manually. You can remove the malicious file, install a new version of WordPress, or restore your site from a previous, uninfected backup.
3. Brute Force Attacks
Brute force attacks are a trial and error method of entering different usernames and passwords until a successful combination is achieved. This security issue exploits the most straightforward way of gaining access to your site through your WordPress login page.
By default, WordPress does not limit login attempts, which means that bots can attack your WordPress login page and try different username and password combinations. Even when unsuccessful, bots can still wreak havoc on your server as multiple login attempts can override your system.
Moreover, going through a brute force attack may lead hosts to suspend your account, especially when you’re using a shared hosting plan.
4. SQL Injections
Your WordPress website uses a MySQL database to function. SQL injections happen when an attacker attempts to access your WordPress database and website data.
An SQL injection allows an attacker to create a new admin-level user account to log in and get complete access to your website. They can also be used to introduce new data into your database, such as malicious links to spam websites.
Conclusion
As a WordPress website owner, it’s essential to know what security vulnerabilities can compromise your website, especially security issues extending beyond WordPress core, such as themes and plugins you install.
Keeping your website secure from hackers trying to access your data and database should be a priority. If you’re not an expert on the matter, it’s best to have professional security specialists do the job for you.
At Stephenson’s IT Support Solutions, we deliver the best IT support and digital marketing services, including solutions to WordPress security issues. As a trusted local business, we provide local IT support services in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire.
Whether you want hardware and software repairs, infrastructure and digital presence maintenance, or general IT support, we have it all under one roof! Get in touch with us today!