7 WordPress Security Attacks You Must Know – Preventing WordPress Hacks

Introduction to WordPress Security Attacks

Millions of websites use WordPress, one of the most widely used content management systems (CMS) in the world. However, hackers frequently target it because of its popularity. It’s possible to defend your website against possible attacks by being aware of typical security risks. 

60% of all websites are powered by the well-liked open-source Content Management System (CMS) WordPress. It may be at risk of security issues, though, given that it is open-source and allows for unlimited customization and optimization. 

8% of WordPress sites have a medium or high-security risk, based on the Common Vulnerability Score.

WordPress Security Attacks can be avoided in certain situations, but the best defense is to identify the most frequent security risks to your WordPress websites and find out how to avoid them. 

An overview of the most frequent security vulnerabilities affecting WordPress can be found in this blog.

Let’s get started.

7 Common WordPress Security Attacks

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites globally. Its widespread use makes it a frequent target for various security attacks. 

Seven common security threats WordPress sites face are brute-force attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, backdoor exploits, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, phishing, and hotlinking. 

Understanding these threats and implementing appropriate security measures can help safeguard your WordPress site from potential compromises. Here are seven common WordPress security attacks:

• Brute-force attacks
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• SQL Injection
• Backdoor
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
• Phishing
• Hotlinking

Now, let’s dive deeper into each attack.

Security Attack #1: Brute-Force Attacks

Brute-force attacks are one of the most common forms of security threats that WordPress sites face. In essence, a brute-force attack is a trial-and-error method used by hackers to guess passwords and gain access to a website’s admin panel. 

The attacker uses automated tools to try numerous username and password combinations until they find the correct one. 

Since WordPress has a default login URL (usually “/wp-admin”), it becomes easier for attackers to launch such attacks if no additional security measures are in place.

How Brute-Force Attacks Work?

Brute-force attacks involve the use of bots, which are programmed to attempt thousands of username and password combinations rapidly. The attacker usually targets common username patterns (e.g., “admin,” “administrator,” or the domain name) and tries easy-to-guess passwords. 

This process can be time-consuming but effective, especially if weak passwords are used.

The Impact of Brute-Force Attacks

Although brute-force attacks may not always succeed in cracking the password, they can still overwhelm a server. This constant barrage of login attempts can slow down the site, crash it, or, in the worst cases, make it vulnerable to other forms of attacks.

 Successful brute-force attacks give hackers administrative access to the website, allowing them to manipulate content, install malware, or steal sensitive data.

How to Prevent Brute-Force Attacks?

1. Strong Passwords: Using complex passwords that include letters, numbers, and special characters makes it difficult for attackers to guess. Avoid using common words, names, or sequences (like “1234”).
2. Limit Login Attempts: By restricting the number of failed login attempts, you can deter bots from trying indefinitely. Plugins like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” can help implement this.
3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security, like a one-time password (OTP), makes it much harder for attackers to gain access, even if they crack the login password.
4. Change the Default Login URL: Altering the default login URL can obscure the target from attackers. This can be done using plugins such as “WPS Hide Login.”
5. Use Captcha Verification: Adding a CAPTCHA requirement can differentiate between humans and bots, preventing automated attacks.
6. Monitor Login Activity: Regularly review your login logs to identify unusual patterns or multiple failed attempts.

Tools and Plugins for Protection

Some various tools and plugins can help you mitigate brute-force attacks, such as:

• Wordfence Security: Provides real-time monitoring and login attempt limitations.
• Loginizer: Specifically designed to combat brute-force attempts by limiting logins, changing URLs, and blocking IPs.
• iThemes Security: Offers a wide range of security measures, including brute-force protection.

Brute-force attacks exploit weak passwords and lack of security layers. To protect your WordPress site, always opt for stronger passwords, limit login attempts, and utilize two-factor authentication. 

Regular monitoring and securing the login page are also essential steps to prevent unauthorized access.

Security Attack #2: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is one of the most prevalent forms of cyber-attacks that target WordPress sites. It involves injecting malicious scripts into trusted websites, with the intent to steal user information or hijack their browsers. 

The attack becomes successful when unsuspecting users interact with the compromised parts of the site, allowing the malicious code to execute on their devices.

How do XSS Attacks work?

XSS attacks exploit vulnerabilities in a website’s input fields. For example, if a website allows users to leave comments or fill out forms without properly sanitizing the inputs, attackers can insert harmful scripts. 

When these scripts execute on a visitor’s browser, they can redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or display unwanted ads.

Types of XSS Attacks

• Stored XSS: The malicious script is stored on the website’s server, affecting all users who access the infected page.
• Reflected XSS: The script is embedded in a link, and the attack only occurs when users click on that specific URL.
• DOM-based XSS: The attack manipulates the Document Object Model (DOM) of the web page, which can modify how the page behaves on the client side.

The Impact of XSS Attacks

XSS can lead to data theft, compromised user accounts, and reputational damage for a website. In some cases, attackers may even gain administrative control if they can hijack an admin’s session.

How to Prevent XSS Attacks?

1. Input Sanitization: Always sanitize user inputs to ensure no harmful scripts can be entered. WordPress has built-in functions such as esc_html () and esc_attr () for this purpose.
2. Output Encoding: Encode data before displaying it on the website to prevent malicious code from executing. Functions like wp_kses () help filter out harmful elements.
3. Content Security Policy (CSP): A CSP can restrict how resources (like JavaScript) are loaded on your site, minimizing XSS risks.
4. Regular Security Audits: Frequent scans can help identify vulnerabilities that may lead to XSS attacks. Security Plugins like Sucuri and Wordfence can assist with this.

XSS attacks exploit the lack of input validation to run malicious scripts on users’ devices. Effective input sanitization, output encoding, and regular monitoring are essential to ensure your WordPress site remains secure against XSS threats.

Security Attack #3: SQL Injection

SQL Injection (SQLi) is a common attack vector that targets the database layer of a website. In this type of attack, hackers exploit vulnerabilities in a website’s code to manipulate SQL queries. 

This can lead to unauthorized access to the website’s database, where sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and other confidential data are stored.

How do SQL Injection Attacks Work?

SQL Injection attacks involve injecting malicious SQL code into a query, allowing attackers to alter the query’s execution. 

For example, if a website allows users to submit data (like login credentials or search queries) without proper input sanitization, attackers can insert SQL commands instead. 

These commands can then trick the database into revealing data it shouldn’t, such as retrieving all user account information instead of just one.

The Impact of SQL Injection Attacks

SQLi attacks can have severe consequences, including:

• Data Breaches: Hackers can extract sensitive data, including customer details, payment information, and login credentials.
• Data Manipulation: Attackers may alter or delete records, leading to data loss and operational disruptions.
• Full Database Compromise: In severe cases, attackers can gain full administrative control over the database, which can allow them to execute arbitrary commands on the server.

How to Prevent SQL Injection Attacks?

1. Use Prepared Statements: One of the most effective ways to prevent SQLi is by using prepared statements with parameterized queries. This ensures that user inputs are treated strictly as data, not executable code.
2. Input Validation and Sanitization: Always validate and sanitize user inputs, ensuring that special characters are either escaped or removed. WordPress functions like esc_sql () can help mitigate the risk.
3. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF): A WAF can detect and block SQLi attempts before they reach your server. Popular plugins like Sucuri and Cloudflare offer this feature.
4. Limit Database Permissions: Ensure that the database user associated with your WordPress site has limited permissions. Avoid giving it unnecessary privileges, such as creating or deleting tables.

SQL Injection attacks can lead to catastrophic data breaches and loss of control over your database. By using prepared statements, input validation, and web application firewalls, you can significantly reduce the risk of SQLi and keep your WordPress site secure.

Related Article: Monitor the Security of Your Website

Security Attack #4: Backdoor

A backdoor is a hidden entry point that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to your WordPress site. 

Unlike other forms of attacks, backdoors can remain hidden for long periods, providing a persistent threat that hackers can exploit repeatedly.

How Backdoor Attacks Work?

Attackers often insert backdoors into WordPress files, plugins, or themes by exploiting known vulnerabilities. 

For example, a poorly secured file upload feature can allow an attacker to upload a malicious script, which they can use later to access the website. 

Once the backdoor is in place, the attacker can remotely execute commands, install malware, and even create new administrative accounts.

The Impact of Backdoor Attacks

• Persistent Access: Even after cleaning up a site, backdoors can give hackers ongoing access, making it challenging to fully secure the site.
• Data Theft: Backdoors can be used to steal sensitive information, including user data, payment details, and business records.
• Website Defacement: Attackers can manipulate content, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or disable your website altogether.
• Malware Installation: Hackers can install other malicious software, turning your site into part of a botnet or using it to infect visitors’ devices.

How to Prevent Backdoor Attacks?

1. Regularly Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins: Keeping all software up to date ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched.
2. Limit File Uploads: Disable file uploads where possible, and if necessary, only allow specific file types. Always scan uploaded files for malicious content.
3. Monitor File Integrity: Use plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor file integrity. If any files are modified without your knowledge, you’ll receive an alert.
4. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins: Unused software can become an entry point for attackers. Deleting them reduces the risk of backdoor installations.
5. Restrict Access to Sensitive Files: Ensure that sensitive WordPress files, such as wp-config.php, are secured and can’t be edited by unauthorized users.

Backdoors pose a persistent security threat that can be hard to detect and eliminate. Regular updates, file integrity monitoring, and limited file permissions are crucial for minimizing the risk of backdoor attacks on your WordPress site.

Security Attack #5: Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks aim to overwhelm a website’s server by flooding it with excessive traffic, rendering the site unusable. When multiple systems coordinate this type of attack, it’s referred to as a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack.

 These attacks can cause significant disruptions, especially for businesses that rely on their website for sales, customer service, or brand reputation.

How DoS and DDoS Attacks Work?

In a typical DoS attack, an attacker uses a single system to send a massive number of requests to a server, causing it to slow down or crash. 

In a DDoS attack, multiple systems (often part of a botnet) carry out the attack simultaneously, making it much harder to mitigate. 

Attackers may also target specific parts of a website, such as login pages or database queries, to maximize the disruption.

The Impact of DoS and DDoS Attacks

• Website Downtime: Prolonged downtime can lead to loss of sales, customers, and brand trust.
• Resource Drain: Constantly dealing with the effects of a DoS attack can drain server resources and increase operational costs.
• Security Breaches: Sometimes, attackers use DoS attacks as a distraction while executing other, more targeted attacks.

How to Prevent DoS and DDoS Attacks?

• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): CDNs like Cloudflare can distribute traffic across multiple servers, mitigating the effects of DoS attacks.
• Implement Rate Limiting: Rate limiting restricts the number of requests a single IP address can make in a set period, preventing servers from being overwhelmed.
• Enable a Web Application Firewall (WAF): WAFs can filter out malicious traffic and prevent suspicious IPs from reaching your server.
• Monitor Traffic Patterns: Regularly monitor your site’s traffic for any unusual spikes. Early detection can help you mitigate attacks before they escalate.

DoS and DDoS attacks can disrupt business operations by overwhelming servers with traffic. Using CDNs, rate limiting, and web application firewalls can effectively safeguard your WordPress site from these types of threats.

Security Attack #6: Phishing

Phishing is a deceptive technique that cybercriminals use to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. 

While phishing attacks can occur across various platforms (like email or social media), they can also affect WordPress websites, often by exploiting fake login pages or forms embedded on compromised sites.

How Phishing Attacks Work?

In a typical phishing attack, hackers create a fake version of a legitimate website, such as a WordPress login page. 

They then direct users to this page through fraudulent emails, social media messages, or ads, urging them to log in or provide personal information. 

Unsuspecting users, thinking they are on a legitimate site, enter their credentials, which are then captured by the attackers. Hackers can use this information to access the actual website or carry out identity theft.

For WordPress sites, phishing can also involve compromised plugins or themes that create unauthorized login forms or pages. Visitors who interact with these fake forms may unknowingly expose their sensitive data.

The Impact of Phishing Attacks

• Data Theft: Phishing can lead to the theft of personal information, including usernames, passwords, payment details, and other sensitive data.
• Identity Theft: Stolen credentials can be used to impersonate individuals, leading to unauthorized transactions and identity fraud.
• Reputation Damage: A website known for hosting phishing content can suffer a significant loss of trust among users, damaging the brand’s reputation.
• Legal Consequences: Organizations may face legal repercussions if they are found responsible for not adequately protecting user data from phishing attacks.

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks?

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA requires users to verify their identity through a second step (like a text message or authentication app) in addition to their password, making it harder for hackers to gain access even if they have the login credentials.
2. Use SSL Certificates: Ensure that your WordPress site uses an SSL certificate & Doesn’t Have Issues encrypting data transferred between users and the website. This not only secures data but also builds trust among visitors, as they will see a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
3. Install Anti-Phishing Plugins: Plugins like Anti-Malware Security, Wordfence, and iThemes Security can scan for suspicious content and alert administrators if a phishing attempt is detected.
4. Educate Users and Employees: Regularly inform users and employees about the dangers of phishing, including how to recognize suspicious emails, links, and login pages.

Phishing attacks are a serious threat to online security, capable of stealing sensitive information and causing significant financial and reputational damage. 

By using two-factor authentication, SSL certificates, and anti-phishing tools, you can protect your WordPress site and its users from these deceptive tactics.

Security Attack #7: Hotlinking

Hotlinking, also known as “bandwidth theft,” is an attack where another website directly links to your site’s media files (images, videos, etc.) without permission. 

This means that whenever the media is viewed on the other site, it is loaded from your server, consuming your bandwidth and resources.

How Hotlinking Works?

When you upload an image or video to your WordPress site, it gets stored on your server, and each time it is viewed, your server delivers the content. 

When someone places your image or media file on their own website using its direct URL, it’s known as hotlinking. In basic terms, they are displaying material on their page using your resources rather than hosting it themselves. 

Although this may appear harmless, it could cause your server’s bandwidth to be significantly depleted and possibly slow down your website for people who are doing it legally.

The Impact of Hotlinking

• Increased Bandwidth Usage: Since your server is hosting the media files, hotlinking can significantly increase your bandwidth usage, leading to higher costs, especially if your hosting plan has limits.
• Reduced Website Performance: Excessive bandwidth consumption from hotlinking can slow down your website, affecting user experience and possibly impacting your SEO.
• Loss of Control Over Content: You lose control over how and where your media files are displayed, which can lead to misrepresentation or misuse of your content.

How to Prevent Hotlinking?

1. Use .htaccess Rules: You can modify the .htaccess file on your server to block other sites from directly linking to your media files. This will return a broken image or a custom message when someone attempts to hotlink.
2. Use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs like Cloudflare can help manage bandwidth usage and also offer settings to prevent hotlinking. They can cache your files and ensure that your server does not bear the brunt of unwanted traffic.
3. Watermark Your Images: Adding a watermark to your images ensures that if someone hotlinks to them, they are still displaying your branding, which might deter them from using the image without proper permission.
4. Disable Right-Clicking: While not a full-proof solution, disabling right-clicking on your website can make it more difficult for users to copy the direct URL of your images.

Hotlinking can cause unwanted bandwidth usage and slow down your website, affecting user experience and increasing costs. 

Implementing preventive measures like .htaccess rules, CDNs, and watermarks can help protect your media files and ensure that your WordPress resources are not being exploited by unauthorized users.

Conclusion

Now that you know the many kinds of security risks to watch out for, take into consideration the following core reasons why breaches of security could occur on your WordPress website:

• You should update to the most recent version of WordPress since your current one is outdated.
• There are security flaws and compatibility problems on your website because you have uninstalled or out-of-date themes and plugins.
• You can still use brute-force attacks against your WordPress site admin login page because it is still configured with the default /wp-admin.

If you want to make your WordPress sites more secure, give them a comprehensive security audit or get in touch with the ARZ Host.

Update your website frequently, use security plugins, and keep an eye on activity to build a strong protection against the most common kinds of attacks.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1: What Are the Most Common Types of Security Attacks on WordPress?

The most common types of security attacks on WordPress include:

• Brute-force attacks
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• SQL Injection
• Backdoor
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
• Phishing
• Hotlinking

2: How Can I Prevent Brute Force Attacks on My WordPress Site?

To prevent brute force attacks, you can take the following measures:

• Use Strong Passwords: Always use complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords.
• Limit Login Attempts: Configure your WordPress site to limit the number of logins attempts from a single IP address. Plugins like “Limit Login Attempts Reloaded” or “Login Lockdown” can be helpful.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your mobile device can prevent unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
• Change the Default Login URL: Instead of using the standard wp-login. Php URL, change the login page address to a custom URL. This makes it harder for attackers to find your login page.
• Disable Unused Accounts: Remove any accounts that are not in use or have unnecessary privileges.

3: What Is a WordPress SQL Injection Attack and How Can I Protect My Site Against It?

An SQL Injection attack happens when hackers insert malicious SQL code into input fields, manipulating your database to access, delete, or alter sensitive information. To protect your site:

• Use Parameterized Queries: Parameterized queries ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code, preventing SQL injections.
• Keep Your WordPress and Plugins Updated: Regular updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities in the code.
• Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can detect and block malicious attempts before they reach your site, including SQL injection attempts. 
• Validate and Sanitize User Inputs: Make sure that any form input (e.g., contact forms, search fields) is properly validated and sanitized to prevent malicious code from being executed. 

4: How Do Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks Affect WordPress Websites?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks involve hackers injecting malicious scripts into your website, which can then execute on visitors’ browsers. This can lead to data theft, redirecting users to harmful websites, or even altering the visual appearance of your site. 

To prevent XSS attacks:

• Use Security Plugins: Plugins like “Wordfence Security” or “Sucuri Security” can help detect and block XSS vulnerabilities.
• Sanitize User Inputs: Ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and encoded. Never trust data coming from external sources.
• Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement a Content Security Policy to define which resources (e.g., JavaScript, CSS) can be loaded, preventing the execution of malicious scripts.
• Disable JavaScript Where Not Needed: Restricting the use of JavaScript in certain parts of your website can minimize the risk of XSS.

5: What Is a Malware Attack, and How Can I Detect and Remove Malware from My WordPress Site?

Malware attacks occur when hackers inject malicious software into your website files. This can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and the site being used for malicious purposes like sending spam emails. 

To detect and remove malware:

• Use Security Scanners: Regularly scan your website using security plugins like “MalCare,” “Wordfence,” or “Sucuri.” These tools can detect and remove malware.
• Monitor Your Files: Look for unexpected changes in your WordPress files. A sudden appearance of new files or changes in existing ones may indicate malware.
• Remove Unnecessary Plugins and Themes: Deactivate and delete any plugins or themes that you no longer use, as they can be potential gateways for malware.
• Keep Backups: Maintain regular backups of your website so you can quickly restore a clean version if your site gets infected.

6: How Important Is Regular Updating of WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins in Ensuring Security?

Regular updates are critical in maintaining the security of your WordPress site. Developers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and improve functionality. If you fail to update, your site may be at risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities.

• Automate Updates: Configure your WordPress settings or use plugins to automatically update the core, themes, and plugins.
• Remove Unnecessary Plugins: Having too many plugins can increase security risks. Only keep the plugins you actually need, and ensure they are regularly updated.
• Backup Before Updating: Sometimes, updates can cause conflicts. Always back up your website before applying updates to easily revert if needed.

7: What Steps Should I Take if My WordPress Site Gets Hacked?

If your WordPress site gets hacked, take the following immediate actions:

• Take the Site Offline: Temporarily disable your website to prevent further damage or data loss.
• Scan for Malware and Identify Vulnerabilities: Use a reliable security plugin to scan your site and identify the source of the attack.
• Restore from Backup: If you have a clean backup of your site, restore it. Make sure to investigate how the breach occurred before bringing the site back online.
• Change All Passwords: Change all account passwords, including WordPress admin, FTP, database, and any other related accounts.
• Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If the breach is complex, consider hiring a professional to clean and secure your site. Many companies offer emergency cleanup services and will also help you strengthen your security to prevent future attacks.

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