Common WordPress Attacks and How to Stop Them:-WordPress is one of the leading content management system (CMS) from more than a decade. Many of the largest blogs, as well as variety of small, individual sites on internet run on the WordPress platform for publishing image, text and video content to the World Wide Web.
A wordpress site has both kind of interface as front-end and back-end. Front-end interface provides the look & feel that outside visitors will see when they load your website/webpage. Backend can be accessible by the developers and site administrators.
Similar to any other internet based system, WordPress is target of hacking attempts & other cybercrimes which makes sense because more than 32% of internet runs on wordpress platform. In this post we will cover common wordpress attacks.
Common WordPress Attacks and How to Stop Them
Ways of Common WordPress Attacks:-
- SQL Injection:- WordPress relies on a database layer that stores meta data information and other administrative information. When a attacker carries out SQL injection either via input field or url to run customized database command. A “SELECT” query will allow hacker to view information while “UPDATE” query will allow them to make changes in database.
- Cross-site scripting:- cross site scripting is also known as XSS is similar to SQL injection accepts it targets javascript elements on page instead of database. Successful attack can result in outside visitor’s private information being compromised.
With XSS attack, hackers add javascript code to site through comment field or other text input and then malicious script will run when other users visit the page. The rogue javascript will typically redirect users to a fraudulent website that attempt to still their password.
- Command Injection:- platforms similar to WordPress operate on three primary layers such as web server, application server and database server. But all these servers running on hardware with specific operating system. With a command injection attack, a hacker will enter malicious information in url or text field same as SQL injection. The difference is that the code will contain a command that only OS will recognize like “Is” command. If executed it will show a list of files and directories on host server.
- File inclusion:- common coding languages like Php and Java allow programmers to refer external files & scripts from their code. The “include” command is generic for this kind of activity.
Tips for protection:-
Now, you know what to be on the lookout for, here are a few methods to tight your WordPress security. Obviously there are many other ways to secure your WordPress site but these are comparatively simple to start with that can yield impressive returns in attackers thwarted.
- Use a secure host and firewall
- Keep themes & plugins updated
- Install a virus scanner and VPN
- Lockdown against brute force attacks
- Two-factor authentication