Website Security
The weak spots attackers use first, and how to close them.
By the Vulo Labs team · Last updated
How do WordPress sites get hacked, and how do you prevent it?
Most WordPress sites are compromised through outdated plugins or themes with known vulnerabilities, weak or reused passwords, unlimited login attempts, exposed files and leftover backups, or debug mode left on. Prevent it by updating everything, limiting logins, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, forcing HTTPS, adding security headers and keeping restorable backups.
The common entry points
Weak or reused passwords, outdated software, exposed files and leftover backups, debug mode left on, and a login page that allows unlimited guessing.
Layers of defense
Keep WordPress, plugins and themes updated. Limit login attempts. Send browser security headers and force HTTPS. Keep backups so you can recover.
Watch for change
Monitor for unexpected file changes and known vulnerabilities in the software you run, and get alerted when something looks wrong.
Key takeaways
- Update everything
- Limit logins
- Hide what is not public
- Keep restorable backups
Website Security: frequently asked questions
WordPress core is actively maintained and secure when kept updated. Most incidents come from outdated plugins and themes, weak passwords and poor hosting, not core itself.
A security plugin helps by limiting login attempts, filtering bad requests and alerting you to problems. It does not replace updates, strong passwords and backups.
Take a backup of the current state for investigation, change all passwords, update everything, restore a clean backup if you have one, and remove unknown admin users and files.
Sources and further reading
Spot weak points before attackers do.