Getting hacked isn't a matter of if: it's a matter of when. And when it happens, it's rarely because of some sophisticated zero-day exploit. Most WordPress hacks succeed because of preventable mistakes that site owners make every single day.
In 2023 alone, plugins were responsible for 96.77% of all new WordPress security vulnerabilities. Themes accounted for another 3.01%. The reality? Your site isn't being targeted by elite hackers: it's being compromised by automated bots exploiting basic security gaps.
Let's break down the seven most common mistakes that leave your WordPress site wide open to malware, and more importantly, how to lock it down for good.
1. Using Weak Passwords and Login Credentials
This is the low-hanging fruit for attackers, and it's still the most common WordPress security issue. We're not just talking about your WordPress admin password: weak credentials for hosting panels, FTP accounts, and database logins create multiple entry points for unauthorized access.
The problem gets worse when you reuse passwords across multiple platforms. A breach on one service can cascade into compromised credentials for your WordPress site, hosting account, and everything in between.
How to fix it:
Use complex, unique passwords for every account: minimum 16 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Deploy a password manager if you're not already using one. For WordPress specifically, enforce strong password policies for all user accounts, not just administrators.
Consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) on your WordPress login, hosting panel, and any other critical access points. It's an extra step, but it's also an effective barrier against credential-based attacks.
2. Failing to Update Plugins and Themes
Outdated plugins and themes are effectively open doors for attackers. When developers release updates, they're often patching known security vulnerabilities. By delaying updates, you're giving attackers a roadmap of exactly how to breach your site.
The situation worsens when site owners download "free" or "nulled" versions of premium plugins from sketchy third-party sites. These often come pre-loaded with backdoors and malware, turning your own security tools against you.
How to fix it:
Enable automatic updates for WordPress core, or at minimum, check for updates weekly. Review plugin and theme updates as they're released, and apply them promptly: especially security patches.
Remove any plugins or themes you're not actively using. Every inactive plugin is still a potential vulnerability. Only download plugins and themes from official WordPress repositories or directly from verified developers.
Set calendar reminders if you need to, but make updates a non-negotiable part of your site maintenance routine.
3. Misconfiguring Your WordPress Database
Your WordPress database contains everything: posts, pages, user credentials, and sensitive configuration data. A misconfigured database is an invitation for SQL injection attacks and data breaches.
The most common mistake? Using the default database prefix "wp_" instead of changing it during installation. This makes it trivially easy for attackers to identify and target your database tables.
Weak database-level credentials compound the problem. If an attacker gains database access through an SQL injection vulnerability, weak database passwords mean they have unrestricted access to your entire site's data.
How to fix it:
Change your database prefix from "wp_" to something unique during WordPress installation. If you're already running a site with the default prefix, you can change it, but it requires careful database manipulation: backup first.
Use strong, unique credentials for your database user account. Limit database user permissions to only what's necessary for WordPress to function. Your database user shouldn't have permissions to create new databases or modify database structure unless absolutely required.
Consider restricting database access to localhost only, preventing external connections entirely.
4. Allowing Unsanitized User Input (SQL Injection and XSS)
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) represents 53.3% of all new WordPress vulnerabilities, and it stems from a single problem: improper handling of user input. When your site accepts user-submitted data: through contact forms, comment sections, or custom fields: without proper sanitization, you're allowing attackers to inject malicious code.
SQL injection attacks exploit the same vulnerability. Attackers submit database commands disguised as form inputs, potentially allowing them to steal, modify, or delete database content.
How to fix it:
If you're developing custom plugins or themes, properly sanitize and escape all user inputs. WordPress provides built-in functions for this: use them. Familiarize yourself with WordPress nonces to prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks.
For existing sites, audit your forms and user input points. Use reputable form plugins that handle sanitization properly. Avoid custom-coded forms unless you're confident in your security implementation.
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to add an additional layer of protection against injection attacks. A properly configured WAF can identify and block malicious requests before they reach your WordPress installation.
5. Storing Login Credentials Insecurely
Writing your passwords on Post-it notes, storing them in plaintext documents, or saving them in unencrypted browser password managers is equivalent to leaving your bank details on your front door. It's shockingly common, and it's a gift to attackers.
If credentials are accessible to anyone who gains physical access to your workspace or device, you've eliminated all other security measures you've implemented.
How to fix it:
Use an encrypted password manager with a strong master password. Quality options include 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass. These tools generate complex passwords, store them securely, and sync across your devices with end-to-end encryption.
For team environments, use enterprise password management solutions that allow secure credential sharing without exposing actual passwords. This ensures team members can access necessary accounts without knowing the actual credentials.
Never store credentials in plaintext files, sticky notes, or unencrypted spreadsheets. If you absolutely must write something down temporarily, destroy it once you've secured it in your password manager.
6. Not Protecting Against Brute Force Attacks
Brute force attacks are exactly what they sound like: attackers use automated tools to try thousands of username and password combinations until they find one that works. Without login attempt restrictions, your site will eventually be compromised.
Attackers often use dictionaries of common passwords or lists of credentials leaked from other breaches. They're betting that you've reused a password that was previously compromised elsewhere.
How to fix it:
Implement login attempt limiting that locks out users (or IP addresses) after a specified number of failed login attempts. Plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded or Wordfence Security provide this functionality.
Consider hiding your WordPress login page by changing the default "/wp-admin" URL to something custom. While this is "security through obscurity," it reduces automated bot attacks significantly.
Enable CAPTCHA on your login page to prevent automated login attempts. Google reCAPTCHA v3 runs invisibly in the background without disrupting legitimate users.
Monitor your site's login attempts. Unusual patterns: like hundreds of failed logins from foreign IP addresses: indicate an active brute force attack that needs immediate attention.
7. Falling Victim to Supply Chain Attacks
This is the nightmare scenario: you've done everything right, but a previously legitimate plugin gets compromised by attackers who inject malicious code. When you update to the "latest version," you're actually installing malware.
In June 2024, popular plugins like Social Warfare were compromised to create unauthorized admin accounts and inject SEO spam. Users who promptly updated their plugins: following security best practices: unknowingly installed backdoors.
How to fix it:
This is where professional monitoring becomes critical. Monitor your site's file integrity and watch for unauthorized changes to core files, plugins, and themes. Services that provide real-time malware scanning can detect compromised updates before they cause damage.
Only use plugins and themes from reputable developers with established track records. Check plugin update histories and user reviews before installing updates, especially if you notice unusual version jumps or developer changes.
For critical sites, consider staging environments where you can test updates before deploying them to production. This creates a buffer that allows you to identify compromised updates before they affect your live site.
Subscribe to WordPress security mailing lists and follow reputable security researchers. When supply chain attacks occur, they're often identified and publicized quickly: being informed lets you respond before damage occurs.
The Bottom Line
WordPress security isn't about implementing one silver bullet solution. It's about eliminating the basic mistakes that account for the vast majority of successful attacks. Most hacked WordPress sites weren't targeted by sophisticated attackers: they were low-hanging fruit for automated bots.
The good news? These seven mistakes are entirely preventable with proper configuration, regular maintenance, and professional monitoring. The bad news? Prevention requires consistent attention that most site owners can't maintain alongside running their actual business.
If you're managing a WordPress site that's critical to your business, professional security and maintenance isn't optional: it's essential. At Shadowtek, we implement enterprise-grade security measures, continuous monitoring, and proactive threat prevention so you can focus on your business instead of your website's security.
Don't wait until you're dealing with a hacked site, lost data, and damaged reputation. Lock down your WordPress security today: before it becomes a crisis tomorrow.
Need help securing your WordPress site? Get in touch with our team and we'll audit your current security posture and implement the protection your site needs.