In this article, we will explain a few reasons why WP sites get hacked and how to make your websites more secure.
Why Are WordPress Websites Targeted?
Hackers target WordPress because it’s the most widely used website platform, allowing them to attack many websites with the same automated methods. Hackers rarely choose websites individually. Instead, they use bots to scan thousands of sites looking for known vulnerabilities such as…
1. Insecure Web Hosting
WordPress websites, like any other website, are hosted on web servers. Some companies do not have secure hosting or lack modern security measures, and the websites hosted on these platforms are vulnerable to hackers. Choose a hosting provider that is safe and effectively blocks attacks against your website.
A reputable hosting provider should offer:
- Server-level firewalls
- Malware detection and removal
- Regular security updates
- Automatic backups
- SSL certificates
- DDoS protection
- Proactive server monitoring
Another thing we recommend is to use a managed WP hosting provider to go the extra mile in terms of security.
2. Outdated WordPress Core
Updates are sometimes quite heavy, and users often worry that installing an update will break their website, but a common reason a WordPress website gets hacked is running an outdated version of WordPress. Every WordPress update includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and, importantly, security patches that address issues in previous versions. If you don’t update WordPress, then you are, in fact, leaving your website open to all types of hackers out there.
If you fear that installing updates will harm your website:
- Create a complete backup first.
- Test updates in a staging environment where possible.
- Update WordPress, plugins, and themes regularly instead of waiting months between updates.
If the update breaks down your site, you can easily restore the previous version. Delaying updates leaves your website exposed to exploits that attackers already know how to use.
3. Unprotected Access to WP Admin
The WordPress admin area allows users to perform different actions on your website. This is the most popular attack area among hackers. Hackers try thousands of username and password combinations until they find one that works. This problem can be solved by adding layers of authentication in your WP admin directory.
Consider implementing:
- Strong, unique passwords
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Login attempt limits
- Password managers
- Administrator accounts are only for users who genuinely need them
- Regular reviews of user permissions
For websites that have multiple authors, administrators, or contributors, strong passwords can be used for added security.
4. Outdated Plugins and Themes
As mentioned above, the core WordPress websites need to be updated; similarly, plugins and themes also need to be updated. Security flaws are often discovered in plugins and themes, and updates are made to patch up those security risks.
A good maintenance routine includes:
- Updating plugins promptly
- Removing plugins you no longer use
- Deleting inactive themes you don’t need
- Replacing abandoned plugins that are no longer supported
The fewer unnecessary plugins your website runs, the smaller your attack surface becomes.
5. Installing Plugins or Themes from Untrusted Sources
Some websites distribute paid WP plugins or themes for free. Users are often tempted to use these plugins. But downloading premium plugins or themes from unreliable sources can create serious security risks for your website. Pirated or modified software may contain hidden malware, backdoors, or malicious code designed to compromise security or leak sensitive information.
To reduce your risk:
- Download plugins from the official WordPress Plugin Directory.
- Purchase premium themes and plugins directly from trusted developers.
- Check reviews, update frequency, and developer reputation before installing anything.
If you are on a budget and can’t afford to purchase these products, then stick to free plugins that are as good as the paid alternatives. Another option is to be on the lookout for deals for these themes and plugins and get the paid versions for half the price.
How Can You Tell if Your WordPress Website Has Been Hacked?
A hacked WordPress website doesn’t always stop working. Usually, it leaves a series of warning signs that, when recognised early, can help limit damage, reduce downtime, and prevent the attack from spreading further.
Common warning signs include:
- Unexpected redirects to unfamiliar websites
- New administrator accounts you didn’t create
- Suspicious pop-ups or spam content appearing on your pages
- Sudden drops in website traffic or search rankings
- Security warnings from your hosting provider or Google
- Your website running noticeably slower than usual
How to Fix a Hacked WordPress Website
The specific recovery procedure depends on how the website got hacked, but responding early can significantly reduce downtime and prevent further issues. The C.U.R.S.O.R. Recovery Framework provides a structured approach to restoring and strengthening the security of your website.
1. Create a secure recovery point before making changes by backing up the website and limiting public access if required.
2. Understand the source, scope, and impact of the compromise before attempting any cleanup.
3. Research every possible entry point, including plugins, themes, user accounts, server access, and hidden backdoors.
4. Structure a clean website by removing malicious code, restoring trusted files, and verifying core functionality.
5. Optimise security by updating software, rotating credentials, and closing vulnerabilities that enabled the attack.
6. Review the recovery with final security checks, ongoing monitoring, and preventative measures to reduce future risk.
Protect Your WordPress Website Before Problems Start
Website Protection is far easier and far less expensive than recovering from a successful attack. Regular maintenance, trusted hosting, timely updates, and ongoing monitoring all work together to keep your website secure.
If you’re worried your WordPress website has been hacked, or you’d like expert help improving your site’s security, Ben can help identify vulnerabilities, strengthen your website’s defences, and keep your WordPress site running safely and reliably.