Ever since the use of the internet has become mainstream, many people are interested in building their own websites. This is why blogs, or micro websites, are so popular these days. Aside from being a platform for expressing oneself, websites also have a handful of uses, including building e-commerce sites.
Among the different ways to create a website using WordPress is probably the most widely-used. Both tech-savvy individuals and newbies alike can navigate through the simple steps in creating a website with WordPress. Although it is popular and many established blogs and websites were created using WordPress, it is also a common concern among users about WordPress security. Incidents of accounts being hacked are rising every year. Many people scared but the truth is, they shouldn’t be.
In order to avoid getting into a situation where you might need to recover WordPress site, there are useful information about WordPress security that can learn about. Just like when a computer is compromised, there are also methods in WordPress virus removal and website malware removal to keep your account safe.
Reasons for the Increased Hacked WordPress Accounts
First thing that you need to understand about WordPress security is that it is not because the site itself is vulnerable why it is hacked. Most of the reasons why websites and blog accounts are hacked are because of preventable issues, like using insecure passwords.
Here are other reasons why there are WordPress accounts that are hacked:
1. Outdated Core Software
According to studies, most WordPress security issues happen to those accounts that are running out-of-date WordPress software. Outdated platforms lack the essential security patches and other updates that are supposedly to protect the account against new vulnerabilities. Those who have turned off automatic updates are the common victims because of this.
2. Outdated Plugins
WordPress is popular because of the wide array of useful plugins and attractive themes. Thousands of plugins and themes are created every day. While it is cool to have them, they are also potential threats as they are the reasons why WordPress security becomes vulnerable. Website malware removal and WordPress virus removal may be indicated once a malicious threat enters the sore software through these extras.
3. Compromised Login Credentials
As mentioned earlier, WordPress security is compromised not because of a faulty program but almost always because of the webmaster. An outstanding number of hacked accounts are because of individuals who are able to get their hands on the web masters’ passwords. They can get the passwords through phishing schemes, theft, and unsecure workstations. The account becomes vulnerable if the passwords are compromised, no matter how the developers are able to maintain top WordPress security.
4. Poor Hosting Environment
The technologies that are used to create the website are also large contributors of WordPress security breach. Older technologies usually have limited or unavailable security support by now. Many of those who got their accounts hacked are using older software so they are not protected against the new potential vulnerabilities.
5. Backdoor Attacks
Although there are only a handful of issues that came out about this, a malicious individual can purchase a high-quality plugin then add malicious codes into it. Once a webmaster updates the plugin, the backdoor will be injected and the account gets attacked.
Maintaining WordPress security is vital and the developers are aware of this. They are very responsible at securing all accounts by providing the necessary technology updates and constantly reminding website owners to update their WordPress.
Is WordPress Still Secure?
If you are going to read about the facts stated above, you will see that following the best practices would lead to a secure WordPress account. WordPress security is only maintained if you do the following:
- Constantly updating plugins, themes, and software.
- Choosing reputable developers and sources for WordPress extensions, plugins, and themes.
- Always choosing SFTP over FTP.
- Keeping the workstation safe and virus-free
- Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Encrypted communication using a TLS certificate when logging on to WordPress.
- Picking a secure provider for a safe hosting environment.
- Disabling comments if you do not need them as comment spam is very common.
Beyond these best practices in keeping WordPress secure, take note that WordPress developers are sensible enough to minimize security issues for all accounts. Security vulnerabilities are constantly evolving and WordPress account owners should not leave everything up to the developers to make things secure. Being vigilant in achieving a well-maintained content management system and patching the site as soon as security patches are released are simple ways that can help maintain a secure and hack-proof website.
Related Resources:
How to Scan Your WordPress Site for Potentially Malicious Code
