WordPress is one of the most popular open source Content Management Systems (CMS) available today. WordPress is cost effective, expandable, customizable and, best yet, free to install. The ease-of-use means that even non-tech savvy users can maneuver their way around to produce content. It is no wonder why 75 million businesses use this website and content creation tool. Unfortunately, WordPress, like many aspects of the technology world has its vulnerabilities. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these and break down where users should be wary.
Along with being popular with users, WordPress is popular with hackers as well. Since WordPress sites are mainly self-hosted, the main responsibility of security lies with the administrator. Here are three vulnerabilities that your WordPress may be exposed to on a daily basis.
SQL Injection & URL Hacking
WordPress is a database-backed platform that executes server-side scripts in PHP. These characteristic can make WordPress vulnerable to malicious URL insertion attacks. Hackers can embed commands in a URL that trigger behaviors from the database. This could reveal vulnerabilities as to ways to access information. In order to avoid this, a set of access rules for your website should be defined. By using a plugin you can identify if your site has been a victim of SQL Injection or not. You may want to use WPScan or Sucuri SiteCheck to check that.
Brute Force Attack
Brute Force Attack means that a powerful algorithm is being used, through trial and error, to guess your username and password in order to gain access to your site. While this type of attack is difficult, a “bot” could try to execute usernames and passwords by the hundreds since WP does not shut out the user. To avoid this, use strong password creations, and integrate Two Factor Authentication to authenticate the users logging into your site twice.
Malicious Code
We have seen this used before and WP is not immune. An outdated plugin or script could infect with malicious code. This code could either insert malicious data or be used to extract data. To avoid this we recommend security plugins and to only download themes only from trusted resources.
Do you have security issues with WordPress at your office or in your business? M&H Consulting can take a look and evaluate where your vulnerabilities lie. Contact us at 1-866-964-8324 or visit our website.
Categorised in: Consumers, internet issues, IT Consulting Services, Security