The Ins and Outs of WordPress Security

1. Injection flaws

Injection flaws happen when invalid data is sent as part of a command or query. The attacker intends to trick the application into doing something it was not supposed to do, like giving private data access.

Solution: To prevent injection attacks, a user should lock down the WordPress editor, remove all plugins that allow direct file access to WordPress, and use data sanitization to sanitize WordPress functions.

2. Broken authentication

Functions related to authentication are often implemented incorrectly. This makes it easy for cyber attackers to compromise passwords, keywords, and session tokens.

Solution: Strategies to mitigate authentication vulnerabilities include auditing all user accounts on your site so that each user only has the access needed to perform their work. It’s also important to set up two-factor authentication and have password policy management tools in place.

3. Sensitive data

If sensitive data like credit card numbers and social security numbers aren’t protected,  attackers can access that data from exposure due to a network compromise or ransomware attack.

Solution:  Implementing a firewall can prevent DDOS attacks. A Web Application Firewall like CloudProxy Website Firewall analyzes traffic to your applications to stop cyberattacks.

4. XML external entities (XXE)

An XML external entity attack is a type of attack against an application that parses XML input. An XML parser can be tricked into sending data to an unauthorized external entity, passing private data directly to an attacker.

Solution: Use less complex data formats like JSON, upgrade XML parsers and disable the use of external entities in an XML application.

5. Broken access control

Access control means putting a limit on what sections of a site users can reach. If restrictions are not properly enforced, attackers can get access to user accounts and change access rights.

Solution: Monitor developments and regular update schedules of WordPress plugins that may unintentionally leave you vulnerable to this type of attack. Get rid of unnecessary accounts and assign proper user roles for each user in WordPress.

6. Security misconfiguration

Most successful attacks on WordPress happen when the default security settings have not been changed, or the software hasn’t been patched with the latest security updates.

Solution:  Review your site for proper configuration of any authentication or security-related functions in WordPress.

7. Cross-site scripting

Cross-site scripting, otherwise known as XSS, is a vulnerability that allows attackers to steal users’ cookies and impersonate them.

Solution: Enforce robust HTTPS configurations to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and quickly release security-related patches to all WordPress software.

8. Insecure deserialization

Deserialization is the process that transforms serialized data from a file and converts it into an object. This leaves the web application open for the attacker to run remote code execution attacks and exploit this vulnerability.

An example of this could be a comments box on your website that doesn’t properly sanitize the data before sending it through the function. This allows an attacker to send malicious code via that comment box, allowing them an entry point to launch attacks such as DDoS.

Solution: Review your website code for the presence of unsterilized functions and replace them as needed. Use a safe data interchange format like JSON to pass serialized data.

9. Using components with known vulnerabilities

Hackers are always trying to figure out new ways of exploiting websites. As these exploits are discovered, the website’s components need to be updated as soon as possible to reduce the risk.

Solution: All website components (themes, plugins, WordPress core) need to undergo regular monitoring for the presence of modules with known vulnerabilities. As soon as any vulnerabilities are discovered, ensure they’re patched right away.

10. Insufficient logging and monitoring

Like with a common cold, it is better to stop a sniffle before it becomes pneumonia — the same goes for managing your website. Maintaining detailed logs of every action helps to find details of any exploit as soon as possible.

Solution: Track all WordPress user activity for your website. Monitor any file changes at the server level to detect the presence of malicious or wrongly modified code and your sites for responsiveness and whether it’s online.

Plan for hacks and malware removal

Malware is a term used to describe any malicious software programmed to attack a computer, service, or network. If cybercriminals had a weapon, this would be it. It’s typically used to extract personal data that can be leveraged over victims for financial gain. Malware can also be installed on a computer through remote administrator access or physical access to a computer.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to malware, but there are ways to remove it in the case of an attack. Tools like Malwarebytes, Avast, and Kaspersky could help you get rid of malicious software.

Read more about anti-malware tools.

Backup, backup, backup

Data backups are critical in a time where cyber-attacks are on the rise. There are multiple benefits to backing up your data to a remote, cloud-based server — this includes accessibility at any time and anywhere. It’s more cost-effective than hardware storage, and many cloud storage providers add additional layers of security.

According to Tech Radar, cloud-backup platforms can vary greatly, but some of the top ones include IDrive, Nordlocker, pCloud, and Dropbox Business.

Invest in anti-spam protection

Not to be confused with the canned lunch meat, spam refers to any unsolicited digital communication sent out in bulk. Other than being a nuisance, spam messages are dangerous because they could carry viruses or malware. It’s best to avoid any spam messages at all costs.

You can protect yourself from spam by installing anti-spam software or a trusted antivirus with spam-blocking functionalities.

Block brute-force attacks

A brute force attack is essentially trying every possible key to open a lock. But in this context, the key is a password. The most common form of brute force attack is a dictionary attack. The attacker uses a dictionary that contains millions of passwords and attempts to log in to your account.

The easiest way to block a brute force attack is to enforce a strong password policy. You could also limit failed login attempts and use two-factor authentication.

Mitigate DDoS attacks

A DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack targets websites and online services. It’s when a hacker makes your website inoperable by flooding it with an overwhelming amount of traffic.

You can prevent a DDoS attack by securing your infrastructure with multi-level protection strategies — this could include implementing a system that combines firewalls, VPN, anti-spam, content filtering, and other security techniques.