WordPress is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) used to create and manage websites and blogs. It was started in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. However, 60% of small to medium-sized businesses are running WordPress.Because WordPress is an open-source platform, it has numerous potential vulnerabilities, making it susceptible to hacking. However if your WordPress installation is fully updated, the chances of your website being hacked are very low.
There are several reasons why a WordPress website may be vulnerable to hacking.
5 Common Reasons Your WordPress Website Gets Hacked Repeatedly
- Outdated Plugins and Themes: Often, we install themes on our WordPress websites that are outdated. An outdated theme means it has either expired or is no longer supported. It is essential to update such themes on a daily or monthly basis or check with the theme’s support to confirm whether it is still available in the market.
- Weak Passwords and Usernames: Using simple passwords or default usernames, such as “admin,” makes it easy for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
- Lack of Security Plugins: Generally, WordPress does not require specific plugins to prevent your website from being hacked, as WordPress is an open-source project. Many people contribute to it and constantly work to keep it secure. However, if you use a plugin that you have developed yourself, and its code is publicly available on GitHub or elsewhere, it carries a much higher risk of being hacked.
- Poor Hosting Environment: One of the biggest reasons WordPress sites get hacked is the hosting providers that offer cheap hosting. These providers often have many underlying issues. For example, some Linux services from providers like Red Hat Enterprise have faced this problem extensively.
- Unsecured or Infected Plugins/Themes: Using unlicensed or cracked plugins is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Keep in mind that hackers often exploit such software, and one of the main reasons your data may become publicly accessible is because of these unlicensed plugins.
What specific actions should I take to secure my WordPress site against these risks?
The easiest way to avoid all these risks is to always install licensed themes and plugins on your website and choose reliable hosting providers that are well-regarded in the market. If you have your own server, make sure it is regularly updated.
Are there recommended security plugins or best practices for choosing safe plugins?
Before installing any plugin or theme, research whether it is regularly updated in the market and check if there are any related CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) publicly available. If vulnerabilities exist, verify whether the plugin has been updated or patched. Additionally, if your team discovers a bug, ensure that it is reported properly.
How can I evaluate if my hosting provider is secure enough for my WordPress site?
If you are considering a reliable hosting provider for your WordPress website, first check the market to see what people are saying about it. You can check more information about specific hosting on Trustpilot or famous forums.