WordPress powers nearly one-third of the entire internet, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) on the planet. With such widespread usage, it's no surprise that WordPress websites are frequent targets for hackers. In fact, every minute, about 100,000 websites face attempted cyberattacks. However, the good news is that WordPress’s core platform is inherently secure, and security issues often arise from preventable vulnerabilities.

Common WordPress Security Vulnerabilities

Out-of-Date Software

Outdated software is one of the leading causes of website hacks. Running an outdated WordPress version, plugins, or themes increases the risk of cyberattacks in digital marketing. For instance, in 2018, many WordPress sites were compromised due to a vulnerability in WordPress version 4.7.1, which was fixed in the following release. Websites that didn’t update their WordPress version continued to be exposed to this vulnerability.

Why it matters: When WordPress core or plugins are outdated, they may not be equipped to handle the latest security threats. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated versions, which is why WordPress website security should be a priority.

Web Host Issues

Your web hosting provider plays a significant role in the security of your WordPress site. Many WordPress users opt for shared hosting, which can be an affordable solution for new websites. However, shared hosting can expose you to risks. If a hacker gains access to one site on a shared server, they can potentially compromise other sites on that server.

Why it matters: Shared hosting is cost-effective but leaves multiple websites vulnerable to security breaches. Managed WordPress hosting, on the other hand, offers enhanced security features that protect your site against hackers, making it a great choice for business website security.

Compromised Login Credentials

Weak login credentials are one of the easiest entry points for hackers. Brute-force attacks are commonly used to gain access to a site’s backend by guessing passwords. Many website owners make the mistake of using weak usernames like "admin" or simple passwords like "password123," making it easier for hackers to gain access.

Why it matters: If a hacker can gain access to your login credentials, they can easily compromise your entire website and its data. Make sure you implement website security best practices like strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

Too Many Admin Users

Having multiple admin users with full access rights to your WordPress site is a significant security risk. If a hacker gains access to just one admin account, they could wreak havoc on your website’s backend, modifying settings, deleting files, or stealing sensitive information.

Why it matters: Too many admins mean more potential entry points for hackers. Limiting the number of admin users on your site helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access. For website management, ensure you assign user roles and privileges carefully.

Non-SSL Certified Website

A website without an SSL certificate (Secure Socket Layer) is not only considered untrustworthy by search engines and browsers, but it also exposes sensitive data to potential theft. SSL certificates encrypt data between the user’s browser and the website, ensuring that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is safely transmitted.

Why it matters: Sites without SSL certification are more vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers can intercept sensitive data. SSL encryption is also a critical element in SEO ranking, as search engines prefer HTTPS websites for better security and user trust.

How to Resolve WordPress Security Issues

1. Fixing Out-of-Date Software

The first step in securing your WordPress website is to ensure that both the WordPress core and all installed plugins and themes are up to date. Here's how you can resolve the issue of outdated software:

• Update WordPress Core: Always run the latest version of WordPress. WordPress frequently releases updates with bug fixes and security patches. Regularly check for updates from your dashboard and install them immediately to ensure that you maintain a secure website.
• Update Plugins and Themes: Similarly, ensure that all plugins and themes are up to date. Use trusted sources like the WordPress Plugin Repository to download updates.
• Use Backup Plugins: For managing multiple sites, consider using a backup plugin like BlogVault, which makes it easier to perform updates across all your WordPress installations from one dashboard.
• Delete Abandoned Plugins/Themes: Remove any outdated or unsupported plugins and themes that are no longer being updated.

2. Improving Web Host Security

The security of your WordPress site heavily depends on your web hosting provider. If your website is hosted on a shared server, it’s time to consider upgrading to a more secure hosting environment. Here's what you can do:

• Switch to Managed WordPress Hosting: Managed hosting providers like WPX Hosting, SiteGround, or Kinsta offer robust security measures such as automatic backups, SSL certificates, and malware scanning tools.
• Consider a Virtual Private Server (VPS): VPS hosting offers more control over security settings and isolates your website from other websites on the same server, minimizing the risk of cross-site attacks.
• Migrate Your Site: If you're not happy with your current host, use migration plugins like Duplicator or Migrate Guru to move your site to a more secure hosting provider.

3. Securing Login Credentials

A weak password is an open invitation for hackers to attack your website. Here’s how you can secure your login credentials:

• Use Strong Passwords: Enforce strong passwords that include at least 8 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You can use tools like LastPass to generate and store strong passwords.
• Limit Login Attempts: Use plugins like Limit Login Attempts or Login Lockdown to limit the number of failed login attempts.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement two-factor authentication using plugins like Google Authenticator to require a second layer of security during login.
• Change the Default Login URL: The default login URL for WordPress is www.yoursite.com/wp-admin. Changing this to something more unique reduces the likelihood of brute-force attacks.
• Use Secure FTP: If you’re managing your site via FTP, ensure that you’re using SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) for encrypted data transfer.

4. Reducing Admin Users

Admin accounts should be limited to the necessary users. Here's how to control admin access:

• Assign Specific Roles: Use the WordPress role management system to assign only the necessary privileges to users. Admin rights should be reserved for trusted individuals.
• Keep Only One Super Admin: Only the site owner should have super admin access. For all other users, assign roles based on their responsibilities (e.g., Editor, Contributor).
• Monitor User Activity: Regularly audit your user accounts to ensure there are no unnecessary admin accounts.
• Use Strong Passwords: As with login credentials, make sure all admin users have strong, unique passwords.

5. Adding SSL Certification

SSL certificates are a must for securing your WordPress website. Here’s how to get started:

• Enable SSL on Your Website: If your website isn’t SSL-certified, contact your hosting provider to enable it. Popular hosting providers like SiteGround and Bluehost offer free SSL certificates with their plans.
• Migrate to HTTPS: Once SSL is installed, ensure that all your internal links use the HTTPS protocol. You can do this manually or with a plugin like Really Simple SSL.
• Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Set up 301 redirects to ensure that users are automatically redirected to the HTTPS version of your site.

Final Thoughts

WordPress security is essential for protecting your website from hackers and ensuring that your data remains safe. By keeping your WordPress software, themes, and plugins updated, selecting a secure web hosting provider, using strong login credentials, limiting admin access, and implementing SSL certification, you can significantly reduce the chances of a security breach.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor your site, update your software, and stay informed about the latest SEO Strategy and website security best practices. By taking these proactive steps, you’ll ensure that your WordPress site remains secure, and your visitors can browse with confidence.

By following these simple yet effective security practices, you can keep your website safe and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to hacking incidents. With WordPress’s robust security features and your vigilance, your site will be well-protected against future threats.