Is your WordPress security ready for 2020?

Jan 07, 2020 | Web Development

Top 3 website security threats of 2020 – and how to solve them

The world wide web is a wonderful place. In a few clicks you can order your groceries, debate politics on Facebook, or binge the latest Netflix show. But it’s not all rainbows, sunshine and cat videos. Yes, there’s a dark side to the internet, a hidden world where cyber criminals operate, targeting thousands of websites every day.

According to the 2019 Official Annual Cybercrime Report, a business falls for ransomware attacks every 14 SECONDS.

2019 saw some of the decades’ biggest data breaches and hacks, with government agencies, global banks and major software companies falling victim to cyber criminals. And if you’re one of the millions of WordPress users, it’s crucial to know what the latest website security threats are.

Over 30% of websites are built with WordPress, making it the most popular CMS in the world, and therefore, a big target for online hackers.

Look, this doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. We’re not telling you to shut down your website, put on your tin foil hat and wait for the cyber criminals to takeover. But it’s important to be realistic and well-informed about the latest website security threats, especially if your website is your major tool for advertising and selling.

3 WordPress security risks you need to know

1. Stolen Data

In 2017, The Economist named data as the most valuable commodity in the world – making user data a prime target for cybercriminals. So, what are the kinds of business and customer’ data that can be stolen?

Payment info: credit card details are an obvious target for hackers. ‘Formjacking’ is one of the latest techniques cyber criminals use to steal this data, using malicious javascript code to steal a user’s credit card details. Big businesses like Ticketmaster, British Airways and Feedify have all fallen prey to this hack, making it a very real threat for e-commerce websites.
Login details: usernames and passwords are a hot commodity among cyber criminals, who often sell them on the black market. And since many people fall into the habit of reusing passwords, the risk for your users is great.

2. Attack of the Spammers

Spam is more than a folder in your inbox. It’s a big threat to websites, too. Targeted spam hacks can be detrimental to websites, creating inefficiencies, roadblocks and damage to your SEO ranking.

SEO spamming is a common technique used by hackers. Exploiting website security gaps, hackers hijack your website’s good SEO rankings, covertly inserting spam keywords and links that redirect them to their own websites. The problem with these attacks is that they can often go unnoticed. Hackers exploit your security gaps to post their own ads, pop-ups and banners.

Get 24/7 protection for website spammers with StateWP’s security packages

3. The holy grail: customer trust

Trust is more than a word that big-shot marketers like to throw around. There is real, honest value in building trust and customer respect. Over 60% of adults in the US say that trust in a brand has a great deal of influence on their decision when making a big purchase.

So what happens when this trust is broken? After a company data breach, many consumers take a break from shopping at that business, and some quit altogether. Why? Because trust in personal data plays a big role in the customer buying journey.

This isn’t just about your brand reputation or the embarrassment of getting viagra ads plastered over your website (yes, that happens). Website security is the bedrock of customer trust. It’s simple: customers don’t want to give their data or money to someone they think is untrustworthy. So protect your website to protect your business.

3 ways to protect your WordPress website

1. Run the latest version of WordPress

Running the latest version of WordPress seems like an obvious hack prevention technique. But given the fact that over 86% of WordPress users are running outdated versions, it’s a point that needs to be reminded. Like any update, a new version of WordPress comes with the latest features. It also comes with important bug and security fixes, making updates a crucial way to stay one step ahead of hackers.

We’ll keep your website up-to-date and running smoothly. Find out more >

2. Don’t forget plugin updates

One of the most common ways hackers compromise your website is through outdated plugins. Just like the core WordPress software, plugins will require their own updates and versions to fix bugs and security threats. So if you lose track of these updates, you’re creating small gaps of vulnerabilities.

Hackers of any site can exploit these tiny gaps outdated plugins create, using them for any number of means; from attacking your server to posting malicious ads. And given that there are over 50,000 plugins available on WordPress, these updates are a vital part of your website security maintenance.

3. Get a 24/7 WordPress security team

The advancement of cyber crime means that security plays a vital role in a business’s decisions, be it adding a fancy new feature or big rebuild. But chances are, you’re not a tech security expert. The underbelly of cyber crime is constantly evolving, and regular users can’t be expected to keep up with all the latest trends, techniques and tricks hackers use.

This is why you need a professional team to monitor, maintain and safeguard your website security, round the clock. An experienced WordPress security team like StateWP will ensure your website is protected with: