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5 Common WordPress Security Issues & How Fix Them
Close to 44% of the websites online use WordPress to build their websites. This makes it a WordPress website vulnerable to hackers, but with a few tweaks you can have a secure website that will encourage the hackers to move on to a website that doesn’t have the same vulnerability.
Understanding the common vulnerabilities can help you protect your website and secure all your hard work.
Think of your website like your home.
Just like you lock your doors to keep unwanted people out, you need to secure your website to protect it from online “bad guys” (we call them hackers). Here are the five most common ways websites get into trouble and what you can do about it:
Easy to Guess Passwords
This is like leaving your front door unlocked! If your password is too simple (like “password” or your pet’s name), hackers can easily guess it and get inside your website.
How to Handle It: Choose strong passwords that are hard for others to guess. Think of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s like having a super strong lock on your door!
You can even use a password manager – it’s like having a secure place to keep all your different keys. I personally like Bitwarden for this.
Old & Outdated Software
Imagine not fixing the leaky roof on your house. Over time, the leak could cause bigger problems. Similarly, if the software that runs your website (like WordPress itself, or the extra features you’ve added called “plugins”) is old and not updated, it can have weaknesses that hackers can sneak through.
How to Handle It: Keep everything updated! WordPress and plugin creators release updates to fix these weaknesses. It’s like patching that leaky roof to keep the rain out. Usually, you can update these with just a few clicks.
Sneaky Code Injections (Think of it like a hidden back door)
This is a bit more technical, but imagine someone slipping a secret, harmful code into your website’s system. This code can let them steal information or mess things up. It’s like a secret back door that you didn’t know about.
How to Handle It: This one is trickier for the non-techy. The best way to prevent this is to keep your website software updated (as mentioned above). My Website Protection Plans also include measures to block these kinds of sneaky attacks.
Tricking Your Website with Scripts (like a disguised intruder)
Sometimes, hackers can try to trick your website into running harmful scripts (little bits of code). This can let them do things they shouldn’t, like stealing your visitors’ information. It’s like someone wearing a disguise to get into your website and cause trouble.
How to Handle It: Again, keeping your software updated is a big help. Also, be careful about clicking links in emails or on websites you don’t trust, as these can sometimes try to plant these harmful scripts.
Letting Strangers Sneak Around Behind the Scenes (Like an Unlocked Storage Room)
Your website has different “rooms” or areas where its files and information are stored. Sometimes, there can be weaknesses that let unauthorized people get into these areas and do things they shouldn’t. It’s like leaving the storage room of your business unlocked.
How to Handle It: This is another area where keeping your software updated is crucial. Also, be careful about which files you upload to your website.
My Website Protection Plans help to secure these behind-the-scenes areas and prevent unauthorized access.
So, you can see that keeping your website safe isn't really that different from keeping your home safe! Just like you lock your doors, fix leaky roofs, and make sure no one sneaks in, your website needs that same kind of care and attention. With almost half the internet using WordPress, it's super important to make sure your corner of the web is buttoned up tight.
I know, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when we start talking about "sneaky code injection" or "tricking your website with scripts."
But remember, it's all about simple steps like using strong passwords, keeping your software updated, and being careful about what you click. These are the foundations for a secure website that tells those "online bad guys" to move along.
If the thought of all these security tweaks still makes your head spin, or if you just want the peace of mind knowing your hard work is protected, I'm here to help.
My Website Protection Plans are designed to give you that secure feeling, handling those trickier bits of security for you. It's like having me, your friendly tech expert, keeping an eye on your website 24/7, making sure those digital locks are always strong and those "back doors" are sealed tight.
Ready to secure your online home and keep your business thriving without the worry?
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