WordPress, the number one website platform in the world, is notorious for hacking. Say hello to cybercriminals’ newest favorite target. Using WordPress, hackers can now infiltrate sites and install malware that is vicious to both Mac and Windows users. It isn’t surprising that over 40% of websites, are built on WordPress.
It does not matter if you’re an everyday WordPress user or own a site; the risk is equally high on both sides.
How Are Hackers Hijacking WordPress Sites?
Outdated Plugins and Themes:
Third-party plugins and themes have proven to be extremely beneficial for WordPress sites; however, if they are not routinely updated – they become a goldmine for hackers.
Weak Passwords:
Passwords are the first line of defence. In WordPress, weak passwords are sadly common. In contrast, hackers with malicious intents may find them very appealing. Sites ridden with poor protection are prime targets for brute force attacks where hackers try hundreds or even thousands of combinations to try and gain access.
Inserting Malicious Code:
A hacker has access to a site’s SQL or WordPress files, which they can use to insert dangerous code. This code can redirect visitors to other websites or sneakily install malware on their computers.
Outdated WordPress Core:
WordPress is continuously modified to eliminate any vulnerabilities. WordPress core software that remains stagnant makes it increasingly easy for hackers to exploit. If a WordPress site is maintained in such a manner, then the guests could receive malware.
What now happens if a WordPress site is hacked?
Once hackers take control of a WordPress site, they can use it to spread malware, including Windows and Mac malware. Here’s how they do it:
Vicious Redirection of Site Traffic:
Most of the time, hackers create redirection scripts that reroute users from the WordPress site to the hacker’s site. These sites contain uncontrolled viruses that can instantly download malware to the desktop without any permission.
Drive-By Downloading:
Malware has been known to be hidden in advertising banners and even pop-up windows on the site that has been infected. Once the user clicks the misleading advertisement, malware is downloaded in secret without the user having a clue.
Fake Software Updates:
Cybercriminals can develop fake software updates that mislead users into installing harmful files. These updates masquerade as legitimate system upgrades, but actually intall Mac malware from WordPress or Windows malware instead.
Phishing Scams:
To collect sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and even credit card numbers, hackers can use fake forms that can be hosted on compromised websites. They can use the acquired data for identity theft or other types of fraud.
What’s at Stake? Malware on WordPress for Macs and Windows
Mac and Windows users are equally vulnerable while accessing an infected or hacked WordPress site. Here’s why:
- Theft of Sensitive Personal Information: Users can have sensitive data like login information, personal details, and even banking data pilfered by malware. Hackers can then take advantage of this data on the dark web.
- Ransomware: Users can also find the range of data and files being locked by specific ones for a ransom. Many hackers can extract a lot by demanding a fee for access. This can prove to be something serious for Mac and Windows users alike.
- Botnet Recruitment: Infected devices are often added and used to execute large-scale cyberattacks without the user knowing, making them part of a botnet.
- Performance Issues: Even if the malware didn’t get the chance to steal data or holds any ransoms, it can still bring about a device slowdown, random system crashes, or prevent access to files that are relatively important.
WordPress Security Tips to Protect Your Site
For those of you who happen to own a WordPress site, there are a handful of WordPress security tips that can be utilized to prevent hacker attacks:
- Update WordPress Regularly: Ensure that you always have the latest version of WordPress. Patches expressing newly found vulnerabilities are often presented through an update.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Everybody knows that weak passwords are the first step towards being hacked. Make sure to utilize complex passwords and unique ones for your WordPress admin login and your database. Password managers can easily store and generate powerful passwords to make this process much easier.
- Install a Security Plugin: There are a variety of WordPress security plugins available such as Wordfence and Sucuri that can help track site activity and audit for malicious actions. They also have firewall software, malware scanners, and login protection features.
- Limit Login Attempts: Limit the login attempts on your WordPress site to avoid Brute Force attacks. Most security plugins should provide this service.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-step verification provides additional protection by requiring another step to verify your identity, such as a one time code sent to your phone, along with your password.
- Backup Your Site Regularly: Keeping a recent backup of your website is useful in the event it gets hacked. There are many WordPress plugins that can automate backup processes for you.
- Remove Unused Plugins and Themes: Unused plugins and themes are weak areas that hackers might take advantage of. To minimize the potential threats to your WordPress site, plugins that are not being used should be deleted.
How to Protect Yourself from Malware
Besides securing your WordPress account, here are some tips for both Mac and Windows users to help aid in malware avoidance:
- Install Antivirus Software: Reputable software should be used to help detect malicious files before it’s too late, so use it.
- Be Cautious with Downloads: Files or software should never be downloaded from sources that can’t be trusted, only reputable sites should be used.
- Keep Your Operating System Updated: Consistently check that your operating system Windows or Mac is updated with the latest patches and security updates.
- Enable VPN: A VPN connection will protect your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, thus adding a valuable layer of security against hacking.
Conclusion – Are You In Danger?
In spite of hackers infecting WordPress sites with malicious software by spreading malware, the more concerning fact is that anyone who uses or manages a WordPress site should be deeply concerned about cybersecurity issues. Regardless of your status in WordPress, you should always be alert internet user and do problem mitigation wherever possible.
By implementing all the suggestions provided in this post, you can mitigate the risks of your WordPress account and prevent the introduction of malware to your audience. Keep monitoring your site and provide your users with the necessary instructions so that everyone is safe against this advancing menace.
