WordPress security

13 Surprising Facts About WordPress Security, by Jim Walker

Key Takeaways

Fact Number	Key Takeaway
1	Rising data breaches highlight the need for heightened WordPress security.
2	WordPress’ ecosystem, while versatile, can be a significant security risk.
3	A holistic approach is required for adequate WordPress security.
4	Regular updates are crucial in preventing WordPress cyber attacks.
5	Plugins and themes can pose significant security risks if not managed properly.
6	Effective user administration is a critical component of WordPress security.
7	Advanced security technologies provide an extra layer of protection.
8	Cyber attacks have severe real-world consequences, including legal repercussions.
9	Careful selection and updating of plugins and themes are essential for security.
10	Strong password practices are a fundamental line of defense.
11	Securing publicly accessible WordPress files is crucial.
12	Outdated WordPress software increases vulnerability to attacks.
13	Regular scans for malware are necessary to maintain a secure WordPress site.

13 Surprising Facts About WordPress Security

1. The Alarming Rise of Data Breaches

In recent years, the digital world has seen a disturbing increase in data breaches, underscoring the critical importance of website security. WordPress users, in particular, need to be vigilant as they are part of this vulnerable digital landscape. The year 2023 alone witnessed significant WordPress-related vulnerabilities, affecting both large corporations and individual bloggers.

2. The Achilles’ Heel of WordPress: Its Own Ecosystem

While WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility through its vast ecosystem of plugins, themes, and core files, this very strength also poses substantial security risks. Outdated plugins and themes, weak user credentials, and misconfigurations are some of the vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to breach WordPress sites.

3. Beyond Plugins: A Holistic Security Approach

Contrary to common belief, WordPress security extends beyond merely installing a security plugin. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes regular updates of all software components, robust password policies, cloud-based backups, user role audits, and the use of Web Application Firewalls (WAFs).

4. The Perils of Ignoring Updates

Ignoring software updates in WordPress is akin to rolling out the red carpet for hackers. Outdated software is a magnet for cybercriminals who exploit known vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure the latest security patches are in place.

5. The Security Pitfalls of Plugins and Themes

Plugins and themes are central to the functionality and aesthetics of WordPress sites but can be a significant security liability if not properly managed.

6. Effective User Administration: A Key Defense Strategy

User administration in WordPress is not just about managing roles; it’s a critical aspect of security. Incorrect role assignments and weak password practices can leave a site vulnerable.

7. Leveraging Advanced Security Technologies

Incorporating advanced security measures such as WAFs, hosting-level security scanners, and website monitors can offer an additional layer of protection.

8. The Real-World Impact of Cyber Attacks

The consequences of a security breach extend far beyond the digital realm. They can lead to identity theft, financial losses, reputational damage, and legal penalties.

9. The Hidden Dangers in WordPress Plugins and Themes

Selecting plugins and themes from reputable sources and keeping them updated is critical to avoid vulnerabilities.

10. Weak Passwords: A Hacker’s Gateway

Weak passwords are one of the simplest ways for hackers to breach WordPress sites. Using complex passwords and changing them regularly is fundamental.

11. Public Accessibility: A Double-Edged Sword

Certain WordPress files and directories are publicly accessible by default, making them susceptible to attacks.

12. The Danger of Outdated WordPress Software

Failing to update WordPress and its associated software leaves websites vulnerable to known security vulnerabilities.

13. The Stealthy Invasion of Malware

Malware can insidiously infect WordPress files, including plugins and themes, often without the knowledge of the site owner.

Conclusion

WordPress security is a multifaceted issue that demands a comprehensive approach. Each aspect is vital in safeguarding a WordPress site, from keeping software updated and managing user roles effectively to utilizing advanced security technologies. The real-world implications of neglecting these practices are severe, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage. As WordPress continues to evolve, so do the associated security risks, making it imperative for site owners to stay informed and proactive in their security measures.

Reference Links

How to Change a WordPress User from Subscriber to Administrator Role

A rare situation, but in those rare instances when your website has been hacked and your WordPress user account has been changed from the role of Administrator to something else entirely, it may be easiest to simply change your WordPress user account back to Administrator using phpMyAdmin.

To change your WordPress user account from Subscriber to Administrator, first log into your cPanel. Then click the “phpMyAdmin” button.

You’ll see your list of installed databases at left.

If you are not sure which database your WordPress installation is using, then use your cPanel -> “File Manger” to “Edit” the contents of your WordPress configuration file, wp-config.php file.

Back to phpMyAdmin. Click your database and scroll down until you find the ‘usermeta‘ table.

My goal here is to change the user lmadmin1 from Subscriber to Administrator.

Doing so is fairly easy.
After clicking the ‘usermeta‘ table, all I need to do is scroll down within the table until lmadmin1 appears in the list.

Ten or so lines below the user lmadmin1, is the line ‘user_level‘

To switch my lmadmin1 user from the role of Subscriber to Administrator, I have to do two things:

Change the value from 0 to 10 on the ‘user_level‘ line
Replace the ‘capabilities‘ meta_key value text with ‘a:1:{s:13:"administrator";s:1:"1";}‘

The moment I type or paste in the text and hit the enter key I should be able to jump back into WordPress and log in with full Administrator privileges.

It’s really that easy!

About the HackGuard.com WordPress Updates and Security Service

What Can A Fella Do For $5ish a Month?” (or $14.95 without a bulk discount)

I’m asked this question often enough that I feel the need to write a post I could link back to on the topic of, “What can you do for $5ish a month?”

Well, quite a lot actually:

– Prevent hackers from hacking your website (or fix it quickly if they do).
– Monitor your website and help fix basic errors fast (often within an hour if they occur).
– Update your plugins for you and keep your WordPress installation up to date (checked many times a week).
– Manage daily backups of your website either locally or to a 3rd party service.
– Answer your questions by phone or email pretty much 24/7/365.
– And a great deal more, all for the price of a few cups of coffee per month—seriously!

So what’s the catch?

Well, there is no catch. You may cancel at any time, and we’ll do our best to meet all of your update needs with a smile.

What HackGuard.com does not do?

Well, at 15 to 40ish cents a day we have a few reasonable limits.

We can’t do web design for you at 15 to 40ish cents a day. And for this reason, we will not be able to update your WordPress themes, WooCommerce plugins, other eCommerce-related plugins, or premium plugins like WPBakery Visual Composer, Revolution Slider, or other “paid” plugins (unless you have set up an auto-update option respectively).

Suffice it to say, if there’s a chance we could destroy your website’s appearance or layout–we won’t. Those design level tasks are best managed by an experienced web designer.

Why can’t HackGuard.com update my premium plugins?

Most premium plugins are pay-to-play plugins, meaning that updates often require login access to the plugin developer’s website, and some require payment to update.

That said, we are considering a 2nd tier of service to support premium plugins. For now, we’ll need your help in updating your commercial or premium type plugins as updates become available.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call anytime, (619) 479-6637

WordPress security

Key Takeaways

Fact Number

Key Takeaway

1

Rising data breaches highlight the need for heightened WordPress security.

2

WordPress’ ecosystem, while versatile, can be a significant security risk.

3

A holistic approach is required for adequate WordPress security.

4

Regular updates are crucial in preventing WordPress cyber attacks.

5

Plugins and themes can pose significant security risks if not managed properly.

6

Effective user administration is a critical component of WordPress security.

7

Advanced security technologies provide an extra layer of protection.

8

Cyber attacks have severe real-world consequences, including legal repercussions.

9

Careful selection and updating of plugins and themes are essential for security.

10

Strong password practices are a fundamental line of defense.

11

Securing publicly accessible WordPress files is crucial.

12

Outdated WordPress software increases vulnerability to attacks.

13

Regular scans for malware are necessary to maintain a secure WordPress site.