Owning a website is a bit like owning a home; you must keep it safe from intruders. Security can seem daunting, but it’s crucial.
I’m here to break it down simply.
There are four main risks. Many people use weak passwords, like ‘password’ or ‘123456’, which are easily guessed.
It’s also risky to leave old developer accounts active. Outdated themes or plugins can be entry points for hackers.
Pirated software saves money but might add spyware or malware to your site. Plus, choosing a cheap, unreliable hosting service can leave your site vulnerable.
Now, let’s make sure these mishaps don’t happen to you.
Key Takeaways
- Weak passwords and bad hosting can lead to site insecurities.
- Hacked websites can redirect links or spam emails.
- Backups and removing unused plugins can enhance security.
Main Causes of Website Vulnerability
Feeble Passwords
Passwords like “password” or “123456” are common and easy targets for hackers.
Giving access to others, like past developers or employees, can also result in unauthorised entry if not managed properly.
It’s vital to use strong, unique passwords and regularly review who has access to your website.
Unsecure Extensions and Core
Issues in keeping website elements updated, such as plugins, themes, and even the WordPress core, pose a risk. Vulnerabilities can be exploited if security fixes and patches aren’t promptly applied.
Ensuring everything is up to date reduces potential security problems.
Dangers of Illegal Software
Using themes or plugins from unofficial sources to save money may seem tempting. However, these often come with malware that tracks keystrokes, steals credit card info, or allows hackers to infiltrate your website.
Always obtain software from reputable, official sources.
Hazards from Subpar Hosting
Choosing a hosting service without adequate security measures can invite issues. Small hosting companies may lack the necessary resources to protect clients properly.
This can lead to malware infections across websites hosted on the same server. A reliable hosting provider invests in infrastructure to prevent security breaches.
Recognising a Compromised Website
Modified Website URLs
When a website gets hacked, the links might suddenly direct users to unwanted destinations. For example, clicking on your “About” page could unexpectedly lead to inappropriate websites.
Often, these redirects involve adult content or similar unwanted material.
Unwanted Software Using Up Bandwidth
Hackers might upload unauthorised software to your website. This can turn your site into a file-sharing hub, using up all your bandwidth.
Your hosting account gets overloaded, which affects your site’s performance.
Email Trust Issue Due to Hacking
A hacked website can lead to your server sending out massive amounts of spam emails.
Using your domain, hackers can send thousands of emails, which damages your email’s credibility.
You might only notice this after seeing lots of bounce-back messages.
Fraudulent Collection of Payment Information
On e-commerce sites, hackers can install malicious software that captures customers’ credit card details.
This stolen information is then used for fraud. It’s crucial to be aware of this risk to protect both your customers and your business.
Ways to Keep Your Website Secure
Making Copies of Your Website Elsewhere
One important step is creating copies of your website at a different location regularly. This means not relying on your web host to keep backups.
It’s good if they do, but it’s safer to have your own copy stored separately.
A reliable way to do this is by using a plugin like WP Vivid. This tool helps create automatic backups and stores them off-site, such as on Dropbox.
It takes just a few minutes to set up, but can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Deleting Unneeded Extras
Another simple step is getting rid of plugins and themes you no longer need on your site. Unused items can pose a security risk, so it’s best to remove them.
For themes, you can navigate to your site’s theme section, click on any you’re not using, and delete them. The same goes for plugins—just review your list and get rid of the ones you don’t need. This keeps your site tidy and secure.