The Truth About WordPress Security
Here's the uncomfortable truth: WordPress is the most hacked CMS in the world.
But that doesn't mean WordPress is insecure.
Let me explain.
Why WordPress Gets Hacked
1. It's a Numbers Game
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites. If you're a hacker, you target the platform with the most potential victims.
It's not that WordPress is weak — it's that it's popular.
2. Outdated Plugins Are the #1 Problem
Most WordPress hacks don't exploit WordPress itself. They exploit outdated plugins.
Plugin developers find vulnerabilities and release updates. Site owners don't update. Hackers exploit the known vulnerabilities.
The fix: Update plugins weekly. Delete plugins you don't use.
3. Weak Passwords
You'd be surprised how many WordPress sites get hacked through:
- Password: "admin123"
- Username: "admin"
- No brute force protection
The fix: Use strong passwords, change default usernames, add two-factor authentication.
4. Bad Hosting
Cheap shared hosting packs hundreds of sites on one server. If one site gets compromised, it can spread.
The fix: Use quality managed WordPress hosting with proper isolation.
How Secure Is WordPress Core?
WordPress core is actually well-maintained and secure. The WordPress security team monitors vulnerabilities and releases patches quickly.
When you hear about "WordPress vulnerabilities," it's almost always:
- A plugin vulnerability
- A theme vulnerability
- User error (weak passwords, no updates)
Keeping WordPress core updated is essential. But most hacks happen because of the ecosystem around it, not WordPress itself.
WordPress Security Best Practices
1. Keep Everything Updated
- WordPress core: Update within a week of release
- Plugins: Update weekly
- Themes: Update when available
- PHP: Use version 8.1 or higher
2. Use Strong Authentication
- Unique username (not "admin")
- Strong password (16+ characters, mixed)
- Two-factor authentication (Google Authenticator, Authy)
- Limit login attempts (Limit Login Attempts plugin)
3. Choose Plugins Carefully
Before installing a plugin, check:
- Last updated (within 6 months)
- Active installations (10,000+)
- Reviews and ratings
- Developer reputation
Delete plugins you're not using. Every plugin is an attack surface.
4. Use a Security Plugin
Install one of these:
- Wordfence: Firewall + malware scanner
- Sucuri: Cloud-based firewall
- iThemes Security: Hardening features
Don't install multiple security plugins — they conflict.
5. Backup Regularly
Backups won't prevent hacks, but they let you recover quickly.
- Daily backups for active sites
- Store backups off-server (cloud storage)
- Test restores periodically
Plugins: UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, BackupBuddy
6. Use HTTPS
SSL certificates encrypt data between your site and visitors.
- Most hosts include free SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- Force HTTPS in WordPress settings
- Update all internal links to HTTPS
7. Harden WordPress
Small changes that add up:
- Disable file editing in wp-config.php
- Change database prefix from default "wp_"
- Hide WordPress version number
- Disable XML-RPC if not using it
- Protect wp-admin with additional password
Signs Your Site May Be Hacked
Watch for:
- Unexpected admin users
- Strange redirects
- Spam content appearing
- Google warnings about malware
- Hosting suspension notices
- Site loading malicious ads
If you suspect a hack, act immediately. Change passwords, scan for malware, and consider professional cleanup.
WordPress vs Next.js: Security Comparison
WordPress:
- Attack surface: Large (plugins, themes, PHP, database)
- Maintenance: Ongoing updates required
- Risk: Higher without proper maintenance
Next.js on Vercel:
- Attack surface: Minimal (static files, serverless functions)
- Maintenance: Less frequent, automatic
- Risk: Lower by architecture
Next.js sites have fewer moving parts. No database to attack. No plugins to exploit. No PHP vulnerabilities.
This doesn't mean Next.js is unhackable — but the attack surface is fundamentally smaller.
The Bottom Line
WordPress can be secure — if you maintain it.
That means:
- Weekly updates
- Strong passwords
- Limited plugins
- Quality hosting
- Regular backups
If security is a top priority and you don't want ongoing maintenance, consider Next.js. The architecture is inherently more secure.
Need a security audit for your WordPress site? Let's take a look.