Imagine waking up one morning, checking your website, and finding chaos.
Your homepage is gone.
Visitors are being redirected to a shady casino site.
Your inbox is filled with spam complaints.
Worse, customers are messaging you: “Hey, your site looks hacked.”
This nightmare is more common than you think.
- Over 30,000 websites get hacked every single day.
- WordPress powers 43% of the internet, which makes it the biggest target.
- And 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, not just big brands.
So if you think, “I’m too small, hackers won’t bother with me,” you’re already on the wrong track.
The good news? Most hacks are preventable with the right security habits. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why WordPress sites get hacked and show you step by step how to secure yours like a pro.
Why WordPress Sites Get Hacked
WordPress itself is secure. It is backed by one of the largest developer communities in the world. The problem is not WordPress, it is how site owners manage it.
Here are the top reasons WordPress websites become easy prey:
Weak Passwords
Most hacks start with something simple: stolen or weak passwords.
Passwords like password123, admin2025, or your pet’s name are child’s play for hackers. Automated bots can guess thousands of combinations every second until they break in.
How to fix it:
Outdated WordPress, Themes, or Plugins
Hackers love outdated code.
When vulnerabilities are discovered in plugins or themes, attackers race to exploit them before site owners update. If you are running a plugin from 2017 that hasn’t been patched, you are basically leaving your front door wide open.
How to fix it:
- Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes weekly.
- Delete unused plugins and themes instead of letting them sit idle.
- Only install tools from trusted sources that are actively maintained.
Cheap or Weak Hosting
Your hosting environment is the foundation of your website. Cheap shared hosting often cuts corners on security, leaving you exposed. If one site on the server gets hacked, others often follow.
How to fix it:
- Use a security-focused host like Kinsta, WP Engine, or SiteGround.
- Enable server-level firewalls and DDoS protection.
- Make sure your host offers automatic daily backups.
Good hosting is not just about security, it also prepares your site to handle big traffic spikes without crashing. If you are planning a product launch, a sale, or expecting a sudden surge of visitors, you’ll want to be ready. We wrote a step by step guide on how to prepare your WordPress site for a high traffic event so you can stay online even when the pressure is on.
No SSL Certificate
If your website still shows “Not Secure” in browsers, you are putting both your visitors and your business at risk. Without SSL, all data (logins, payments, emails) is sent in plain text, which hackers can easily steal. Worse, a missing SSL can instantly damage trust. Studies show poor security can cost you up to 30% of your customers.
How to fix it:
- Get an SSL certificate. Most hosts provide free Let’s Encrypt SSLs.
- Force HTTPS on every page using a plugin like Really Simple SSL.
- Update your internal links to HTTPS to avoid mixed-content issues.
No Security Plugin
Running WordPress without a security plugin is like leaving your house unlocked at night. Hackers run bots 24/7 to find vulnerable sites. A good security plugin acts like a bodyguard.
How to fix it:
Install one of these:
- Wordfence: real-time firewall and malware scanner.
- Sucuri: cloud-based monitoring and protection.
- Solid Security: easy setup with strong defaults.
These tools block brute force attacks, scan for malware, and alert you before damage is done. If you want to see what else your site needs beyond security, take a look at our guide on the 7 best WordPress plugins you should install first. It will help you set up your site the right way from the very beginning.
Pirated Themes and Plugins
“Free” premium plugins floating around shady websites are not a bargain. They often contain hidden malware, backdoors, and SEO spam. By installing them, you’re handing control to hackers.
How to fix it:
- Always buy from trusted vendors like ThemeForest or the official WordPress repository.
- Never install pirated (“nulled”) software. The cost of fixing a hacked site is far higher than buying the real thing.
Using Plain FTP Instead of SFTP/SSH – A Hacker’s Dream Come True
If you are still using plain FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to upload files to your WordPress site, you are basically hand-delivering your login credentials to hackers on a silver platter.
Why FTP is a Huge Security Risk
- FTP sends usernames and passwords in plain text, which means anyone monitoring the network can intercept them.
- Hackers can use packet sniffing tools to capture your login details within seconds on an unsecured connection.
- Once they have access, they can modify your files, delete your website, inject malware, or steal customer data.
Using FTP is essentially like shouting your password in a crowded room and hoping no one writes it down.
How to Fix It and Make File Transfers Secure
- Use SFTP Instead of FTP: SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) encrypts your login credentials so they cannot be intercepted.
- Disable Plain FTP on Your Server: Most modern hosting providers allow you to block FTP entirely and enforce secure connections.
- Switch to SSH for Server Access: If you need command-line access, SSH (Secure Shell) is a much safer alternative to Telnet or FTP.
- Use Strong Passwords or SSH Keys: Where supported, set up SSH key authentication instead of relying solely on passwords.
Example: A web designer used plain FTP to upload client sites. One day, hackers intercepted their credentials, infected 15 client websites with malware, and caused a Google blacklist nightmare. After switching to SFTP, the issue never happened again.
Lesson: If you wouldn’t send your credit card details over email, don’t use FTP. Use SFTP or SSH and keep your site secure.
Default WordPress Database Prefix: An Easy Target for Hackers
When you install WordPress, the platform automatically names your database tables with the prefix “wp_” (for example: wp_users, wp_posts, wp_options).
At first glance, this might seem harmless. In reality, it is a major security risk.
Why the Default "wp_" Prefix is Dangerous
Hackers thrive on predictability. If your site uses the default prefix, they already know exactly what your database tables are called. This makes it easier for them to launch targeted attacks such as:
- SQL Injection Attacks: Automated scripts inject malicious SQL commands into your database. Predictable table names make this process effortless.
- Data Theft: Attackers can directly target the wp_users table to steal admin credentials.
- Website Defacement: Rogue code can be injected into wp_posts or wp_options to manipulate or take over your site.
It is the digital equivalent of leaving your car unlocked with the keys inside.
How to Fix It by Changing the Database Prefix
The good news is this problem has a simple fix.
- Change the Prefix During Installation: When setting up WordPress, change the default prefix from wp_ to something unique like site123_ or mywp_.
- Change the Prefix on an Existing Site: If your site is already live, you can still make changes. Use a security plugin such as Solid Security or WP-Optimize to safely update your database prefix. If you are confident with technical work, you can also manually edit the wp-config.php file and rename tables in phpMyAdmin.
Example: A WordPress agency reviewed ten hacked sites. Eight of them were using the default wp_ prefix, and all had been hit by SQL injection attacks. After changing the prefixes to unique ones and strengthening their overall security, the attacks stopped.
Lesson: Hackers love defaults because they make their job easier. Do not give them the advantage. Change your WordPress database prefix to something unique and add an extra layer of protection to your site.
Not Limiting Login Attempts: Leaving Your Front Door Wide Open
Your WordPress login page is the entrance to your website. Imagine a nightclub that lets someone try to enter with 50 different fake IDs in five minutes. A security guard would never allow it. Yet many websites unintentionally allow hackers to do the exact same thing by not limiting login attempts.
When login attempts are unlimited, hackers can use automated bots to try thousands of username and password combinations until they eventually break in. This type of attack is called a brute force attack, and it is one of the most common ways WordPress sites are compromised.
Why Unlimited Login Attempts Are a Major Risk
- Brute Force Attacks: Bots test thousands of passwords every second until one works.
- No Limits Mean Easy Targets: If your site does not restrict failed login attempts, hackers can keep trying indefinitely.
- WordPress Default Settings: By default, WordPress does not include login attempt restrictions, leaving your site exposed.
It is essentially the same as giving a thief unlimited chances to guess the PIN code on your ATM card.
How to Protect Your Login Page
The good news is that protecting your site from brute force attacks is simple:
- Install a Login Limiting Plugin: Use a plugin such as Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. It blocks suspicious IPs after repeated failures. You can set rules such as locking out a user after three failed attempts for 30 minutes.
- Enable IP Banning: Block IP addresses that repeatedly attempt failed logins to prevent them from returning.
- Add Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Even if someone guesses your password, 2FA requires a second verification step, such as a code from your phone, which makes unauthorized access nearly impossible.
- Change the Default Login URL: Hackers know the standard WordPress login URLs (/wp-admin or /wp-login.php). Change yours using a plugin like WPS Hide Login to make it harder for bots to find.
Example: A WooCommerce store faced more than 1,000 failed login attempts every day. After installing a login limiting plugin, enabling two-factor authentication, and changing the default login URL, brute force attacks dropped to almost zero.
Lesson: Unlimited login attempts are an open invitation to hackers. By setting limits, enabling 2FA, and hiding your login URL, you significantly reduce the risk of brute force attacks and keep your site secure.
Securing wp-config.php — Your Most Important File
If your WordPress site were a bank, the wp-config.php file would be the vault. This single file contains your database login credentials, encryption keys, and other critical configuration settings. If a hacker gains access to it, they can take complete control of your website.
The challenge is that WordPress does not automatically secure this file for you. As the site owner, it is your responsibility to lock it down.
Why wp-config.php is a Prime Target
- Database Credentials: If hackers obtain your wp-config.php file, they immediately have your database username and password, giving them full access to your content.
- Browser Access: Without protection, wp-config.php can sometimes be viewed directly in a browser, exposing sensitive details.
- Malware Injection: Attackers often modify this file to add hidden code that steals data, redirects users, or creates secret admin accounts.
If a hacker manages to access wp-config.php, they essentially own your website.
Why wp-config.php is a Prime Target
Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to secure this file and make it far more difficult for attackers to exploit.
Step 1: Move wp-config.php Outside the Public Directory
By default, wp-config.php is stored in the root directory (usually public_html/). You can move it one level above so it is no longer directly accessible from the web. WordPress will still be able to read the file, but it will be hidden from public access.
Step 2: Restrict Access with .htaccess
If you prefer to keep wp-config.php in the root directory, you can block access to it using your .htaccess file.
Add this rule to the bottom of .htaccess:
This prevents browsers from loading the file directly.
Step 3: Set Correct File Permissions
File permissions determine who can read or edit your files. For wp-config.php, you should restrict access so that only you (the site owner) can read it, and no one else — not even other scripts — can modify it.
In most cases, the correct permissions are 400 or 440, depending on your hosting setup.
Key Takeaway
The wp-config.php file is the most sensitive file in your WordPress installation. If it falls into the wrong hands, your entire website is compromised. By moving it out of the public directory, blocking browser access with .htaccess, and applying strict file permissions, you close one of the most common doors hackers use to take control.
Weak File Permissions — Leaving Your Website Exposed
Think of file permissions as the locks on your house. If you leave the doors wide open, anyone can walk in, tamper with your belongings, or even change the locks.
In WordPress, file and folder permissions control who can read, write, or execute files. If these permissions are too loose, you are essentially giving hackers the keys to your site.
Why Weak File Permissions Are a Security Risk
- Hackers Can Upload Malicious Files: Loose permissions allow attackers to place hidden scripts inside your server. These scripts can steal sensitive information, create backdoors for future access, or inject malware.
- Core Files Can Be Modified: WordPress relies on essential files to function correctly. If hackers gain the ability to alter or delete them, they can break your site or replace files with malicious code.
- Risk of Hosting Suspension: Many hosting providers monitor sites for malware. If your site is compromised due to poor permissions, they may suspend it to prevent the infection from spreading to other websites on the server.
- The Common Mistake of Setting 777 Permissions: Some site owners mistakenly set all file permissions to 777 (full access for everyone) in an attempt to “fix” issues. This gives hackers unrestricted control and is one of the most dangerous misconfigurations.
How to Check and Correct Permissions
- Log in to your hosting control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk) or connect via an FTP client like FileZilla.
- Navigate to the WordPress root directory, typically named public_html/.
- Right-click on any file or folder and choose File Permissions or Change Permissions.
- Apply secure settings:
Folders: 755
Files: 644
These values strike the right balance between functionality and security.
Key Takeaway
Weak file permissions are one of the simplest yet most overlooked vulnerabilities in WordPress. By setting proper permissions and avoiding dangerous defaults like 777, you add a critical layer of security that protects your site from unauthorized access and keeps your hosting provider from intervening.
Keeping XML-RPC Enabled — The Hidden Backdoor for Hackers
XML-RPC might sound like a harmless technical feature you can ignore, but leaving it enabled is one of the most overlooked security risks in WordPress.
What is XML-RPC?
XML-RPC is a legacy feature in WordPress that allows external applications to interact with your site. In the early days, it was used for functions like remote publishing, mobile blogging apps, Jetpack, and trackbacks. While it served a purpose in the past, today it is largely unnecessary because modern APIs have replaced it.
Why XML-RPC Creates Security Risks
- Brute Force Attacks Become Easier: Hackers can use XML-RPC to attempt thousands of password combinations in a single request, making brute force attacks far more efficient.
- Potential for DDoS Attacks: Attackers can exploit XML-RPC to send massive volumes of requests to your server, overwhelming it and causing downtime.
- It Is Rarely Needed Today: Most plugins and APIs no longer depend on XML-RPC. Keeping it enabled only increases your exposure to risk without offering much benefit.
Leaving XML-RPC active is like keeping an old, broken lock on your front door—one that criminals already know how to pick.
How to Disable XML-RPC and Secure Your Site
- Use a PluginThe simplest method is to install a plugin such as Disable XML-RPC. This blocks all access to the file instantly.
- Block Access via .htaccessIf you prefer a manual solution, add this code to your .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress site:
This prevents direct access to the XML-RPC file.
- Use a Security PluginComprehensive security plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri automatically monitor and block XML-RPC based attacks as part of their firewall protection.
Not Setting Up a Web Application Firewall (WAF) — Leaving Your Site Unprotected
Think of your website as a physical store. Would you ever leave it open without security guards, alarms, or even a locked door? Of course not. Yet, that is exactly what happens when you run a WordPress site without a Web Application Firewall (WAF). Without this protection, your site is exposed to a wide range of attacks before you even know they exist.
Why a WAF Is Essential for WordPress Security
- Hackers Exploit Vulnerabilities Instantly: When new security flaws are discovered in plugins, themes, or WordPress itself, hackers often begin exploiting them within hours. A WAF blocks these attempts in real time, buying you critical time to update your software.
- Defense Against SQL Injection and Malware: Hackers frequently try to insert malicious code into form fields, search bars, or URLs. A WAF inspects this traffic and blocks these injection attempts before they reach your site, preventing stolen data or corrupted files.
- Protection Against Bots and Automated Attacks: Attackers rarely act manually. They use automated bots to hammer login pages, scrape data, or flood servers. A WAF filters this traffic so your site remains stable and your server resources are not wasted.
- First Line of Defense Against DDoS Attacks: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack overwhelms your server with fake traffic until your site crashes. Many modern WAFs automatically detect unusual traffic patterns and stop the attack before it disrupts your business.
Without a firewall, your website has no security buffer between legitimate users and malicious actors.
How to Protect Your Site with a WAF
- Install a Web Application Firewall: Use trusted services like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or Wordfence. These platforms monitor every request to your site, filtering out malicious traffic before it does any damage.
- Enable Bot Filtering: Many WAFs allow you to identify and block bad bots that attempt brute-force logins, spam form submissions, or aggressive scraping. This reduces server strain and keeps your website accessible to genuine visitors.
- Activate DDoS Protection: If your site is a target for high-volume traffic attacks, enable DDoS protection. Premium services like Cloudflare Pro can automatically detect and neutralize large-scale attacks, ensuring your site stays online.
Conclusion
Most hacks are not the result of WordPress itself but of weak habits like poor passwords, outdated plugins, and careless hosting choices. The good news is that these risks are preventable if you take action early.
When you treat security as part of your site’s growth strategy, you protect not just your website but also your customers, your reputation, and your revenue.
At Launchwithwp, we build WordPress sites that are fast, secure, and reliable from day one. Our dedicated security service adds firewalls, malware protection, and ongoing monitoring so your site stays safe while you focus on growing your business.
👉 Protect your WordPress site with Launchwithwp today.
