Understanding the Common Attack Trends upon WordPress Websites
One of the most used content management systems is WordPress. From corporate websites to individual-operated websites, WordPress is by various people. Due to the ease of access or its intuitive UI, WordPress has created a niche. And unfortunately, it has undesirably become the favorite target for threat actors as they are the most breached CMS globally.
Hackers execute attack campaigns against WordPress sites as they are too easy prey upon. WordPress once accounted for about 94% of security issues from people who used it for hosting purposes.
With the intention to better your security posture, the top security threats experienced by WordPress are listed in this blog.
Passwords
Strong passwords are never overrated. While passwords, in general, are not irritating, having to manage passwords is the irritating aspect that makes us overlook this aspect. Many people use the same passwords for most, if not all, websites to mitigate this issue. Should this password be compromised, your other accounts are endangered.
Additionally, your passwords should be long and alphanumeric, which lower and uppercase alphabets. Finally, one shouldn’t skimp on the special characters such as symbols, as they make it harder for the hackers to guess or know your password.
Useful link: How Vulnerabilities Hidden in Source Code Lead to Major Breaches
Malware
Malicious software or malware can inflict damage upon your website. Be it by breaching your website or by locking you out, malware will effectively allow the hackers to make away with the files and other data that they target.
These malware files are installed when there are gaps in the infrastructure, which may be outdated plugins or unofficial installations.
Outdated infrastructure
Outdatedness is nothing but not staying current, and one should always change software by embracing the updates. The updated software would keep the infrastructure fluidic and make it challenging for the hackers to breach.
In addition, the updates generally seal the security gaps and make it more challenging for the hackers as they have to find new gaps to breach them. So, never skip updating your infrastructure and keep it current.
Useful link: All You Need to Know About Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)
Phishing
Let’s face it. We all knew this malicious approach was going to figure into this list. Phishing is one of the most commonly used attack approaches to breach a company’s IT arena. Be it mails or direct messages; malicious links will allow the threat actors to plant the required malware or directly make away with the data.
The hackers may pack the malicious link as WordPress mail or bombard you with popups that infect your system and the network with the malware. So be on your toes for any suspicious links, and don’t click any popups which you never asked to see in the first place. One slip-up may cost your WordPress site.
Spam
SEO tools take advantage of your high-ranking sites in search engine results, filling them with spam and popup advertising and even selling counterfeit goods or commodities.
In addition, WordPress sites are made more open to severe assaults due to the previously mentioned security vulnerabilities (outdated software, themes, extensions, and plugins), leaving your site full of spam. These assaults will be much more difficult to detect if they just target your high-ranking pages.
Useful link: Top Security Techniques to Protect Internet of Things Infrastructure
Script Vulnerabilities
Cross-site scripting occurs when a hacker inserts harmful code into the backend code of a susceptible website. These assaults are aimed at website functioning, getting access to your website’s display, and successfully targeting users through deception such as phony links, contact forms, and redirection.
Once again, WordPress’s network of plugins and extensions exposes their sites to potential Cross-Site Scripting risks as hackers find it easy to execute their malicious intentions when there is an outdated software in place, which lends them the opportunity to bypass existing safeguards.
Faux Virus Detection
It is not uncommon when your browser suddenly opens a new window and frightens you with an oversized message that says that your computer is infected with the virus. It is rather commendable as to how machine-accurate these faux virus alerts are. Be it Mac or Windows; these alerts detect and suggest which anti-virus you should download.
The moment you download and install this, consider yourself breached, as these faux alerts are nothing but malware that aims to cripple your system and WordPress sites. You must never install software that your organization does not clear, and the organization should impose tighter controls as to what can be installed and by whom. Additionally, if you get such alerts, it is better to scram to the system administrator rather than trying to fix it by yourself.
Conclusion
Many companies use WordPress, and it is a frequent target for hackers. Regardless of your magnitude, you should ensure plenty of steps and security protocols to safeguard your infrastructure. However, safeguarding a company’s WordPress site is easier said than done. It is wise to rope in StealthLabs, the experienced security veterans, to protect your site. Our experts go over every nook and cranny with a fine-toothed brush and uncover the security gaps which may inadvertently let hackers into your site.
So, take the first step towards securing your site by reaching out to StealthLabs before too late.
Additional Resources: