Is WordPress Secure? A Guide for those Considering the WordPress Platform

Updated February 12, 2020

Security is obviously a considerable issue because you need to know that the platform you are using is safe. So on a security scale, how safe is WordPress? Read further to hear our thoughts…

Recent Attacks

Like most platforms, there have been a number of recent attacks made against WordPress. Because of these attacks, current and potential customers have raised considerable concern over whether it’s still capable of defending websites against the modern threats presented by hackers and other malicious attackers.

Critical ‘Backdoor Attack’ 

In the Fall of 2019, an ongoing attack was exploited and hackers added an administrative backdoor to their bag of tricks. In a warning posted to the WordFence security blog on August 30, Veenstra revealed that a malicious JavaScript dropped into compromised websites looks to “create a new user with administrator privileges on the victim’s site. If a logged-in administrator was identified as viewing the infected page, it would then go on to make an AJAX call via jQuery, one that creates a rogue administrator account.”

“Almost all (98 percent) of WordPress vulnerabilities are related to plugins that extend the functionality and features of a website or a blog.”

Reasons Why WordPress is Still on Top

This news likely already has you heading for the hills. A recent attack may make you believe that this is a platform you should stay away from. In this section, we are going to demonstrate why WordPress is actually the best platform you could use…

Thousands of Sites are Attacked Every Year

WordPress has a comparatively low number of attacks when compared to other platforms. No platform can 100% protect websites. It’s simply impossible.

Open Source Software Vulnerabilities

Some people say that WordPress’s open source position makes it open to threats. WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla are all free to use and anyone can use the underlying software code. The argument is that hackers can study this code and learn where the vulnerabilities are.

To put it simply, this isn’t a problem. WordPress evolves at a far faster rate than hackers can handle. That’s what makes it secure.

WordPress vs. Proprietary Platforms

WordPress is superior to most proprietary platforms because it has a team of thousands who are constantly on the clock finding bugs and fixing them. Compare this with a small in-house team where resources aren’t infinite.

Companies like this simply can’t compete with the WordPress system.

See Also: What can you do with WordPress?

WordPress vs. Other Open Source Applications

According to diagrams and images shown by the National Vulnerability Database, there’s research that proves WordPress is safer than other open source platforms, such as Drupal and Joomla.

Research also shows that because WordPress is regularly updated and simple to use its exposure to risk is therefore lower. More people equal more natural security.

Hacks aren’t Always the Fault of WordPress

This is what so many people struggle to deal with. A hack attack is often the fault of the website owner. The WordPress CMS can only do so much. For example, if a hacker steals your password there is nothing the platform can do to stop the person from getting in.

It’s no more the fault of your front door for theft if a thief manages to steal your keys.

Why Your Own System is No More Secure

Let’s say you don’t want to use WordPress and you would rather use a security system you can control. Here’s why this doesn’t always make you safer:

• • No platform is 100% safe from security threats. You have to keep your software updated to the minute. Only WordPress can do this.
• • It doesn’t account for users not doing their part to enhance security.
• • You can’t constantly monitor your platform without a 24-hour team, which is incredibly expensive.

WordPress Security is Top Notch

The research is clear. WordPress security is the highest level of security you can have without becoming a government agency. You won’t find better anywhere else, but the safety of your site largely relies on you the user.

Here are some security tips to ensure you are doing your part to keep your WordPress site safe.

Update Your WordPress

It may be annoying to have to update your WordPress platform so often, but it’s essential. It’s updated so regularly to outsmart the hackers, who would then have to begin their efforts all over again.

Choose the Right Host

Find the right host. Your web host is responsible for the FTP route into your website. If this isn’t covered, a hacker can bypass the WordPress platform and break into your website.

Use Best Practices

You should always use the best practices to protect your website from harm. In other words, you should:

• • Use strong passwords.
• • Change your passwords regularly.
• • Keep your anti-virus system updated.

You may even want to initiate a security audit.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that WordPress is a superior option for websites. Many top companies use it, and it’s among the most secure platforms on the web. See what it has to offer today and pick a host that makes security a priority with Managed WordPress Hosting.