With WordPress being one of the most popular website platforms, it’s also a major target for cyber threats. The WPScan 2024 Website Threat Report highlights the most common vulnerabilities affecting WordPress websites and the steps businesses can take to stay secure. From plugin vulnerabilities to theme issues, the report reveals areas of concern that website owners need to address to avoid becoming victims of attacks.

In this blog, we’ll cover key insights from the report and explain how you can keep your WordPress site secure. Of course, working with experienced Manchester web developers, like our team at Blue Whale Media, is the most effective way to ensure your site is protected from the latest threats.

Common WordPress Vulnerabilities in 2024

According to the WPScan 2024 report, the following are the most common security vulnerabilities affecting WordPress sites:

1. Plugin Vulnerabilities

Plugins are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to security issues. Vulnerabilities in outdated or poorly coded plugins can be easily exploited by hackers. The report reveals that over 90% of security threats in WordPress sites stem from plugins. Unmaintained plugins can expose your website to various attacks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injections.

How to Combat Plugin Vulnerabilities:

  • Always keep plugins up to date.
  • Remove unused or outdated plugins.
  • Choose reliable and well-supported plugins with regular updates.
  • Consider using a professional web developer, like Blue Whale Media, to manage plugin updates and ensure secure installations.

2. Theme Vulnerabilities

Themes, like plugins, can also present significant security risks. The WPScan report indicates that vulnerabilities within WordPress themes are a common entry point for attackers. Outdated themes or those with weak security features make your site an easy target for hackers.

How to Combat Theme Vulnerabilities:

  • Regularly update your theme to the latest version.
  • Only use themes from trusted developers with a solid reputation.
  • If your website uses custom themes, make sure they are built with security in mind, and work with experts like us at Blue Whale Media for secure theme development.

3. WordPress Core Issues

Although WordPress itself is generally secure, core vulnerabilities do emerge from time to time. WPScan reports that while core vulnerabilities are less common than plugin or theme issues, they can still pose serious risks if not addressed immediately.

How to Combat Core Vulnerabilities:

  • Ensure your WordPress core is always updated to the latest version.
  • Enable automatic updates for minor core updates.
  • Work with a web developer to manage updates and prevent conflicts that may arise with plugins or themes.

Best Practices for WordPress Security

Aside from addressing the most common vulnerabilities, there are several additional steps you can take to improve your WordPress site’s security:

1. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Weak passwords are an open invitation to hackers. Always use strong, unique passwords for all accounts related to your WordPress site, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.

2. Install a Security Plugin

Security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri can help monitor your website for malware and suspicious activity. They offer real-time protection and can help detect vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. These tools are essential for monitoring and defending your site against ongoing threats.

3. Regular Backups

Regular backups are essential for recovering your website in the event of an attack or system failure. Use a reliable backup solution that stores copies of your website both locally and in the cloud, ensuring that you can restore your site quickly if needed.

4. Limit Login Attempts

Hackers often use brute force attacks to gain access to WordPress sites. Limiting login attempts is an effective way to block these attacks. This can be done manually or through security plugins, which automatically lock out users after a certain number of failed login attempts.

Why Work with Professional Web Developers?

As the WPScan 2024 report highlights, securing a WordPress website is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. Many website owners simply don’t have the time or expertise to stay on top of these vulnerabilities.

That’s where working with a professional web design Manchester agency like Blue Whale Media can help. We specialise in building and maintaining WordPress websites that are not only high-performing but also secure. From plugin management to theme updates and ongoing security monitoring, we ensure that your website remains safe from threats while running at its best.

Conclusion: Protect Your WordPress Site Today

Website security is not something to take lightly. With cyber threats evolving, it’s critical to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect your WordPress site. As the WPScan 2024 report shows, the most common vulnerabilities often come from outdated plugins, themes, and weak configurations.

By working with a dedicated team of web developers, like us at Blue Whale Media, you can safeguard your website against these risks. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure your WordPress website and keep your business running smoothly!