Most Common WordPress Security Issues in 2018

Let’s face it – every software/platform is prone to security threats. The developers work hard to make a system secure, however, there are always certain areas which can be exploited by mischief-longer threatening your website or data. While as a site owner, you can use the latest security tools and techniques to ensure that these security threats are kept at bay, it is important that you stay aware of the common security concerns faced by people around the world and equip yourself to handle them. WordPress being an open-source platform requires you to follow certain steps to ensure the security of your site/data. Also, a good WP Hosting provider goes a long way in ensuring the security of your website. Today we will take a quick look at the common WordPress security issues in 2018.

Predictable/Default Login Details

When you start using WordPress, you are provided with a default login ID and password. Many users tend to continue using these login details to access their WordPress. This is a huge security risk since it makes it easier for hackers to predict your login ID and/or password. Here’s what you can do:

  • Delete the default admin account and replace it with a personalized one with longer threatening difficult-to-guess ID and password right after connecting your website to a WP hosting plan.
  • Use plugins to limit the number of login attempts from each IP address.

File Inclusion Exploits

The wp-config.php is the most important file of a WordPress website and contains critical information like the username and password of your database. An attacker can use vulnerable PHP code to load remote files allowing him access to your website. This is one of the most common ways of accessing critical files on your WordPress website. On gaining access, the attacker can also modify the wp-config.php file.

To protect yourself against this threat, you can:

  • Modify the .htaccess file of your WP website to prevent the execution of uploaded PHP files.
  • Keep your WP core, themes, and plugins updated
  • Deploy the latest security tools and measures

SQL Injection

The database management system used by WordPress is MySQL – a software which helps in the creation of databases, along with storage and retrieval of data as required. Like WordPress, MySQL is also an open-source software. SQL injection attack involves placing malicious code in SQL statements and is the most common hacking technique. Whenever you ask a user for an input like username, feedback, etc., the user can enter an SQL code instead of the expected input. This code unknowingly runs on your database and makes it possible for attackers to access sensitive information of your website.

You must regularly scan your website for SQL injection vulnerabilities, keep the WP core, PHP versions, themes, and plugins updated at all times, get a good WP hosting plan, and install the latest security tools for maximum protection.

Malware

Malicious Software or Malware is designed to disrupt the services of your website, steal data, or cause some other harm. WordPress is susceptible to malware like backdoors, malicious redirects, etc. Keeping your WordPress updated and deploying latest security tools can help you keep malware attacks at bay.

We hope that the article can help you get a better understanding of the common security issues for your WordPress website. Do let us know about the issues that you have faced and how did you have tackle them in the comments section below.

Noman Sarwar

Noman Sarwar is highly experienced in creating engaging content that adds real value to a blog, website or brand. He is creating content for multiple niches like technology, SEO, Marketing, Health, Education and Career Development etc. Let the right words be offered to the audience in a great way that has the potential to ensure success and get something you are looking for.

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