We all know that it’s important to keep your website up-to-date. But did you know that an outdated website leaves your site vulnerable to security threats?

Here are some examples:

1. Malware Infections: Outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress core can leave your website open to malware infections, which can harm your website and even spread to your visitors.
2. Brute-Force Attacks: Brute-force attacks can occur when attackers use automated software to try different login credentials to gain access to your WordPress site. These attacks can be more successful on outdated versions of WordPress that have known security vulnerabilities.
3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Cross-site scripting is an attack where malicious scripts are added into web pages. This can allow attackers to steal user data or negatively impact other components of the site. Outdated plugins or themes can be a target for XSS attacks.
4. SQL Injection: SQL injection is an attack that targets databases. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code into your database, allowing them to steal or modify your data. This type of attack is more common on outdated versions of WordPress and outdated plugins.
5. Zero-Day Exploits: A zero-day exploit is an attack that pinpoints a vulnerability that has not yet been discovered by the software vendor. Regularly updating a WordPress website minimizes the chance of undiscovered vulnerabilities, therefore decreasing the risk of zero-day exploits.

Keeping your WordPress website updated can help ensure that your website is secure and protected against security threats.

What are some of the types of Malware Infections that affect WordPress?

There are several types of malware infections that can affect WordPress websites. Here are some of the top malware infections that WordPress website owners should be aware of:

1. Backdoor Malware: Backdoor malware creates a hidden access point that allows hackers to bypass your website’s security measures and gain access to your website. Once hackers have access, they can steal data, modify files, or even take control of your website.
2. Malicious Redirects: Malicious redirects happen when hackers redirect visitors to a different website, typically to steal sensitive information or to distribute malware. These redirects can be initiated by malware that is installed on your website.
3. Pharma Hacks: Pharma hacks involve the creation of rogue pages on your website that advertise pharmaceutical products. These pages are used to sell fake or illegal drugs and can harm your website’s reputation and search engine rankings.
4. Drive-by Downloads: Drive-by downloads occur when a website visitor unknowingly downloads malware onto their computer simply by visiting an infected website. This type of malware can be installed on websites using outdated software or unsecured third-party plugins.
5. Cryptojacking: Cryptojacking involves using your website’s resources to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge. This can slow down your website and lead to performance issues for your visitors.
6. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your website’s files, making them inaccessible. Hackers then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key to unlock your files.

Regularly updating WordPress and plugins, using strong passwords, and using security plugins can help protect your website against these types of malware infections.

What are some of the newest ways hackers are using Brute Force attacks to gain access into WordPress Websites?

Hackers are constantly developing new techniques and tools to carry out brute force attacks on WordPress websites. Here are some of the newest ways hackers are using brute force attacks to gain access to WordPress websites:

1. Credential Stuffing: In credential stuffing attacks, hackers use automated tools to try combinations of usernames and passwords that have been leaked in data breaches on other websites. They know that many people use the same login credentials for multiple websites, so they try to gain access to WordPress websites using known usernames and passwords.
2. Distributed Brute Force Attacks: Distributed brute force attacks use a network of compromised computers or bots to attack a website from different IP addresses simultaneously. This makes it more difficult for website owners to block the attacker’s IP address.
3. Advanced Brute Force Attacks: Advanced brute force attacks use machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to guess passwords based on patterns, common phrases, or previously used passwords. These attacks are much more sophisticated and can bypass traditional brute force protection measures.
4. Password Spraying: Password spraying attacks are similar to brute force attacks, but they focus on trying a few commonly used passwords across a large number of usernames. This can be more effective than traditional brute force attacks because many people use weak or easily guessable passwords.
5. Credential Phishing: In credential phishing attacks, hackers trick users into revealing their login credentials through fake login pages, phishing emails, or malicious links. Once they have these credentials, they can use them to commit brute force attacks on WordPress websites.

Hackers are constantly evolving their tactics and techniques to carry out brute force attacks on WordPress websites. To protect your website against these attacks, it’s important to use strong passwords, limit login attempts, and use two-factor authentication. Other options include installing security plugins to monitor and block suspicious activity on your website.

What are some examples of how Cross Site Scripting works?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is an attack where hackers add malicious scripts into web pages that are viewed by other users. Here are some examples of how Cross-Site Scripting works:

1. Stored XSS: In stored XSS attacks, attackers inject malicious scripts into a website’s database through user-generated content such as comments, forum posts, or contact forms. When other users view the content, the malicious script executes and can steal their data, such as login credentials or payment information.
2. Reflected XSS: Reflected XSS attacks involve the injection of malicious scripts into the URL or search parameters of a website. When a user clicks on a malicious link, the script is executed by the user’s web browser and can steal their data.
3. DOM-based XSS: In DOM-based XSS attacks, attackers manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) of a web page using JavaScript code to inject malicious scripts. This type of attack can be difficult to detect because the malicious script is not stored on the website’s server or in the user’s browser’s history.

Here’s an example of how a stored XSS attack could work:

Let’s say a user submits a comment on a blog post on a WordPress website, and the website does not properly sanitize the comment input. An attacker could then inject a script into the comment field, such as:

<script>alert('Your data has been stolen');</script>

When other users view the blog post, the script is executed and an alert message appears telling them that their data has been stolen. These attacks can be used to steal sensitive information, install malware, or redirect users to malicious websites.

Cross-Site Scripting attacks are a serious threat to website security and can be used by attackers to steal user data or destabilize your website. Website owners can protect against XSS attacks by properly sanitizing user input and using security plugins that detect and block malicious scripts.

How does a SQL Injection work in a WordPress Website?

SQL Injection is a type of attack where attackers inject malicious SQL code into a website’s database through user input fields, such as login forms or search bars. Here’s how a SQL Injection attack can work in a WordPress website:

• Finding Vulnerable Fields: The attacker first identifies vulnerable input fields on the website, such as search boxes or login forms, that could be used to inject SQL code.
  Injecting Malicious Code: The attacker then enters malicious SQL code into the input field to try and manipulate the database. For example, the attacker could use a SQL Injection payload like this:

' OR 1=1; --

This payload would try to trick the database into thinking that the user has already logged in by always returning true for the username and password check.

• Exploiting the Vulnerability: If the website is vulnerable to SQL Injection, the attacker’s malicious code will be executed by the database, allowing hackers to access, modify, or delete data stored in the database. This can include sensitive information such as login credentials, user data, or payment information.

In a WordPress website, SQL Injection attacks can be particularly dangerous because the website’s database stores a lot of sensitive information, including user data, comments, and payment information. A successful SQL Injection attack on a WordPress website can allow hackers to steal or modify this data.

To protect against SQL Injection attacks, WordPress website owners should use input validation and sanitization to ensure that user input is. Additionally, using security plugins and keeping WordPress and its plugins and themes up-to-date can help to prevent SQL Injection attacks by fixing known vulnerabilities.

How do Zero Day Exploits work on a WordPress Website and how many are currently in the wild?

Zero Day Exploits are vulnerabilities in software that are unknown to the vendor or the public, which makes them particularly dangerous as there are no patches or fixes available. Here’s how Zero Day Exploits can work on a WordPress website:

1. Discovery: An attacker discovers a previously unknown vulnerability in WordPress or one of its plugins/themes.
2. Exploitation: The attacker then develops an exploit to take advantage of the vulnerability before a patch is released.
3. Attack: The attacker deploys the exploit in the wild, typically through phishing emails or other social engineering tactics, to compromise WordPress websites and steal sensitive data or perform other malicious actions.

The number of Zero Day Exploits in the wild is difficult to estimate as they are not publicly known until they are discovered and disclosed. However, WordPress is a popular target for attackers, and new vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Therefore, it’s crucial for WordPress website owners to keep their software up-to-date with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of Zero Day Exploits.

To protect against Zero Day Exploits, website owners should also consider applying additional security measures. This can include installing a Web Application Firewall (WAF), regularly monitoring website logs for suspicious activity, and implementing two-factor authentication for user logins. Additionally, website owners should educate their users about common social engineering tactics used by attackers, such as phishing emails, to help prevent successful Zero Day Exploit attacks.

Why Are WordPress Updates Important to Your Small Business?

WordPress updates are essential for small businesses looking to stay ahead of cyberthreats. If a vulnerability is discovered, WordPress releases an update with a fix. This ensures that your website is secure from malicious attacks and keeps customer data safe. Without regular updates, you run the risk of facing data breaches or site-wide shutdowns due to hackers exploiting loopholes in your software. With regular updates? That worry is lifted from your shoulders. 

What can I do outside of updating plugins, themes and the WordPress core to protect my website?

The best option is to make sure you have a solid security plugin installed on your website. We have another blog post that talks about WordPress Security where you can learn more about our suggested plugins and a little more about WordPress Security. If you just want it all handled, another option is to hire someone to take care of it for you. All of our website care plans will handle that aspect for you, along with backups, updates and even speeding up your website. If you are looking for a solid partner, we would love to discuss how we can help you with your WordPress website security needs.