Tag: security

In life, we’re constantly reminded of the value of insurance — health insurance, car insurance, home insurance — but how often do we think about insurance for digital assets like websites? Not having insurance or a contingency plan is especially shocking when you consider that businesses, connections, and reputations depend so much on these online tools.

A mistaken line of code, a software glitch, or an unforeseen cyberattack can bring operations and sales to a standstill. 

But what if there were something even better than insurance? What if, instead of simply being compensated for the loss, you could actually repair the damage instantaneously? 

That’s the purpose that backups serve. And the right WordPress backup solution can restore your online presence in minutes, even saving ecommerce sales that occurred between the time you restore and the time that the backup was taken (e.g. in the case of a malware injection). 

Read on to learn about your digital safety net and how to find and implement the right solution for your site. 

The importance of WordPress backups

Every piece of content created, every update made, and every plugin installed on your WordPress site represents an investment — one of time, energy, and often money. Losing all of that in a blink of an eye is not only disruptive, but potentially catastrophic for a business, particularly for small to mid-sized companies. 

Backups serve as a fallback, providing the assurance that even in the face of the unforeseen, you can rebound quickly, minimize downtime, and continue to serve your audience without disruption. They’re not just about recovering data, but about preserving the heart of your digital business.

The different types of WordPress backups

As with all good things, backup services range in functionality, catering to diverse needs and resources. Some of the differences include the frequency of backups (daily, weekly, real-time, etc.) and where the files are stored. 

However, there are three major types of WordPress backups: full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups.

1. Full backups

Full backups are like they sound — they cover everything. All of your files, your settings, and your database are backed up entirely each time.

2. Incremental backups

Incremental backups, on the other hand, start with a full backup. But then, instead of creating a new, full backup every time, the tool saves just the files that are new or have changed since the last backup — whether that backup is full or incremental.

The advantage here is that these small files can be saved quickly, using minimal resources. This means that they won’t impact the performance and speed of your site in the same way that full backups can.

The disadvantage is that, to restore a complete backup, all the files must be merged to create a complete site. This can take a bit longer than with other backup types.

3. Differential backups

Differential backups strike a middle ground. Like incremental backups, they start with a full backup. But every time a new backup runs, it saves a file with all changes since the last full backup. So, backups taken after the initial full backup take very little space. However, as time goes by, each one increases in size. 

This takes less storage space, overall, than storing a full backup each time. The main advantage over incremental backups is that, when a restore is needed, it only has to merge two backups to create a complete “set.” This process is much quicker than what’s required with incremental backups. 

The disadvantage is that this strategy requires much more storage space than with incremental backups. 

A detailed overview of full backups

Full backups, as the name implies, are a complete backup of your entire WordPress site — every file, every folder, every line of data in your database. Nothing is left out. 

It’s like making a mirror image of your site at a particular point in time. This includes all of your site’s core files, plugins, themes, uploads, and your database, which houses your posts, pages, and users. 

Imagine having a complete clone of your website neatly packaged and ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. That’s the peace of mind a full backup offers. However, as you may suspect, this thoroughness comes with a trade-off. Full backups can be resource-intensive, both in terms of storage space and server resources used while the backup runs.

But, with the right tools and practices, these challenges can be effectively managed, making full backups an attractive proposition for WordPress site owners.

Why most WordPress sites should use a combination of backups

Incremental backups allow site owners to use the least amount of storage space while also reducing the number of server resources used at any given time. This is great for storing snapshots of a site’s history over a long period of time. You can keep lots of copies without much storage space, so if you want to revert to a time months in the past or simply restore an older version to check something, you can. 

Differential backups can be used for a real-time backup strategy, so site owners can rest assured that every single action taken on the site is safe. Orders, comments, edits, post updates, and anything else you do between full backups will be saved if you need to restore the site. 

And full backups, of course, ensure you have a complete picture of your site, its database, and all files in a single place. Restoring a full backup can be quicker than with other methods and, without a full backup to start, incremental and differential backups simply aren’t possible. 

Top WordPress backup services like Jetpack VaultPress Backup employ each of these backup methods throughout your plan’s history. This allows for a fully secure site backup infrastructure that has all of your files in real time, but is quick to restore in an emergency.

How often should you back up your site?

To the extent that budget allows, you should back up your site every time a change is made or an update occurs. 

So if someone places an order on your site? Back it up. Publish a new blog post? Back it up. Get a new comment? Back it up. 

Real-time backups make this possible. While this term refers to the frequency of backups, it’s generally done through differential backups. 

But if you rarely make changes to your site or your budget is very strapped, you may need to settle for more periodic updates. In a sense, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question other than you should back up your site as often as realistically possible given your resources and the importance of your site as a business asset. 

Remember, the goal is not just to back up your files but to minimize potential data loss. If your last backup was a month ago, you stand to lose a month’s worth of data. And that can be a heavy blow for a business or blog.

Limitations of traditional backup methods

Let’s pause for a moment and consider the conventional ways of backing up WordPress sites. While they’ve served us well over the years, they have their limitations.

1. Host backups 

Many hosting providers offer backup services, often included in their plans. This might seem convenient and economical, but it’s not without drawbacks. 

For one, host backups often lack the flexibility and control that a dedicated backup solution offers. You’re at the mercy of your host’s backup schedule and retention policy. 

What’s more, if your host encounters issues, both your site and its backups could be at risk. For example, if a hacker gains access to your server, they could inject malware in your backup files as well as your live website. That would mean that you couldn’t safely restore a previous version of your site.

2. Manual backups 

For those who prefer a “do-it-yourself” approach, backing up your WordPress site manually through cPanel or an FTP client is a big temptation. 

But while this provides full control over backups, it comes with a steep learning curve and a substantial time commitment. Backing up a site manually can be a complex process, one that includes the risk of human error. Miss a file or a database table, and your backup is incomplete. 

Moreover, manual backups are a chore to automate and scale. As your site grows, so does the time and effort required to back it up manually.

If you miss even a single day’s backups, for a decently-active site, you could suffer significant loss should disaster strike. 

3. Third-party backup services 

Third-party backup services offer more control and flexibility than host backups and are easier to manage than manual backups. However, not all backup services are created equal. Some lack real-time backup capabilities, saving your site only once a day, or worse, once a week.

Others don’t offer easy-to-use restoration features, making the recovery process a nightmare. 

The Jetpack VaultPress Backup advantage

Jetpack VaultPress Backup, a feature-rich WordPress backup solution, addresses the shortcomings of traditional backup methods while offering a host of other benefits. 

VaultPress Backup is more than just a backup tool; it’s a comprehensive backup and security solution for your WordPress site. It offers automatic, real-time backups that are securely stored separately from your server, along with easy-to-use restoration features, all in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. 

How Jetpack VaultPress Backup works

VaultPress Backup stands out in its approach, offering several features that make it a compelling choice for WordPress site owners, including:

1. Real-time backups

VaultPress Backup doesn’t make you wait for a scheduled backup to protect your latest updates. Its real-time backup feature automatically saves your site each time you make a change. Publish a new post, update a page, or earn a sale, and it’s backed up instantly. This reduces the risk of data loss to practically zero.

2. One-click restores

With VaultPress Backup, restoring your site is as easy as clicking a button. Whether you’re restoring your entire site or just a specific file or database table, VaultPress Backup guides you through the process in a few simple steps. No complex instructions, no technical jargon — just straightforward, simple steps.

3. Off-site storage

VaultPress Backup stores your backups off site, in separate infrastructure from your website. This means that your backups are safe even if your website or hosting provider encounters issues. 

4. Ultra-secure storage infrastructure

Your backups are not just offsite, but stored in a secure, reliable, and high-performance storage infrastructure. VaultPress Backup employs state-of-the-art security measures to protect your backups from unauthorized access and threats. 

In fact, it’s the same infrastructure serving WordPress VIP clients, used by the world’s top organizations and run by elite WordPress experts. 

The many advantages of VaultPress Backup

VaultPress Backup offers benefits not just for businesses and site owners, but also for WordPress site builders and agencies, as well as WooCommerce stores.

1. Benefits for businesses and site owners

As a business owner, VaultPress Backup gives you peace of mind that your site’s data is safe and always accessible. Its real-time backup feature ensures you never lose a single update, while its easy-to-use restoration feature minimizes downtime during a site recovery.

Plus, with VaultPress Backup, you’re not just getting a backup solution, but a dedicated support team ready to assist you 24/7.

2. Benefits for WordPress site builders and agencies

If you’re a WordPress site builder or run an agency, VaultPress Backup can be a game-changer for you. It’s an easy sell to your clients, offering comprehensive, real-time backups, one-click restores, and a secure off-site storage. Plus, it can save you countless hours in site management, with automatic backups and easy-to-use features.

Learn more about Jetpack’s partner program for agencies and pros: https://jetpack.com/agencies-pros/

3. Benefits for WooCommerce stores

Running a WooCommerce store? VaultPress Backup is the perfect tool for you. It backs up not just your posts and pages, but your entire WooCommerce store — products, orders, customer information, and more. And with its real-time backup feature, every transaction is backed up instantly, ensuring you never lose a sale.

Perhaps the coolest part? If you need to restore to a previous date, orders that occurred since that date will still be saved — even as the rest of your site reverts to a past version. 

Setting up VaultPress Backup 

Getting started with VaultPress Backup couldn’t be easier. To begin, go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard. There, search for “VaultPress Backup.”

Click on Install Now, then Activate. Then, click the Set up Jetpack button that appears.

Here, click Approve to connect your site to WordPress.com. There, you can create a new account or log into an existing one.

You’ll now see a table with several options for plans. Choose the one that best fits your needs and finish the checkout process.

And you’re done! Your first backup will start immediately; no need to do anything else!

Understanding the VaultPress Backup dashboard and settings

The VaultPress Backup dashboard is your command center, giving you access to your backups, restoration features, settings, and more. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for even non-technical users to manage their backups. 

On your WordPress site, go to Jetpack → VaultPress Backup. This is where you’ll find your backup information and settings.

First, you’ll see information about your latest backup, including the time it took place, and what was backed up. In this section, you can also:

1. Click the See backups in the cloud button. This will take you to the Jetpack Cloud, where you can view all of your available backups, edit settings, and more.
2. Click View your latest restore point. This will take you to your most recent backup in the Activity Log, with the ability to restore immediately.

In the next section, you’ll see a link to the Activity Log. This will allow you to see all the events that took place on your site, along with information about when they occurred and who was responsible. You can also restore backups based on each action.

How to restore a backup created with VaultPress Backup

Restoring a backup with VaultPress Backup is just as simple. In the VaultPress Backup dashboard, click See backups in the cloud. You can then choose which backup you want to restore, whether that’s the latest version, one from a previous time/date, or one based on an action taken on your site.

Now, click Actions → Restore to this point.

VaultPress Backup then guides you through the restoration process, letting you choose what to restore (entire site, files only, or database only) and how to restore (restore to the current site or download a ZIP file of the backup).

Once you’ve made your selections, click on the Confirm restore button, and VaultPress Backup will begin restoring your site. That’s all there is to it.

Frequently asked questions about full WordPress backups

How frequently should I back up my WordPress website?

Real-time backups are best for most WordPress sites. However, if your site is rarely updated, you could consider daily updates instead. 

Does VaultPress Backup back up WordPress in real-time?

VaultPress Backup offers real-time backups, using differential backups to automatically save your site each time you make a change. You can restore your website at any time with just a few clicks.

See a full list of what is and is not included in the backups from VaultPress Backup.

Why does VaultPress Backup store backups off-site? What are the benefits?

Storing backups off-site, in a separate infrastructure from your website, offers several benefits. It protects your backups from issues affecting your website or hosting provider, reduces the load on your server, and provides additional security for your backups.

What kind of support does VaultPress Backup offer?

VaultPress Backup offers best-in-class support through email and live chat. They have a dedicated support team that’s ready to assist you with any issues or queries you may have.

How do I get started with VaultPress Backup?

Getting started with VaultPress Backup is easy. All you need is a WordPress.com account, a plan that includes VaultPress Backup, and a few minutes to set it up. Refer to our ‘Setting Up VaultPress Backup’ section earlier in this article for a detailed guide.

VaultPress Backup: The gold standard in WordPress backups

When it comes to WordPress backups, having a full backup available is important. This saves everything on your site, giving you the confidence that you can recover your site in its entirety, exactly as it was. 

However, you don’t need to save an entire copy of your site each time to have a full copy available when you need to restore. Instead, consider a solution that’s nimble enough to save your site in-real time, so you never lose a thing, while also using minimal resources and preserving your site performance. 

You also need to consider how backups are performed. Manual backups and backups from your hosting provider both have their shortcomings that can leave you in the lurch when you need them the most. They can be unreliable, cumbersome, expensive, or lack important features.

That’s where VaultPress Backup shines. It’s a comprehensive, reliable, and easy-to-use backup solution that’s tailor-made for WordPress. It offers real-time backups with one-click restores, off-site storage, ultra-secure storage infrastructure, and more. It brings the many benefits of WordPress backups within reach of businesses, site owners, site builders, agencies, and WooCommerce stores.

Getting started with VaultPress Backup is straightforward. The setup is simple, the dashboard and settings are easy to navigate, and creating and restoring backups is a walk in the park. With 24/7 support, VaultPress Backup is an excellent choice for all of your WordPress backup needs.So go ahead, give VaultPress Backup a try. It might just be the best investment you’ll ever make for your WordPress site.

“Always back up your data.” 

You’ve undoubtedly heard this advice time and time again. But when you’re running a business, the urgent often supersedes the important. You’re busy grappling with day-to-day challenges and this crucial advice goes ignored. 

It’s not until disaster strikes — a malware attack, a server crash, or even simple human error — that the hard truth sinks in.

Imagine losing all your website data and content in a single swoop. All the blood, sweat, and tears poured into creating your unique online presence, gone. It’s not just about the time, energy, and resources you’ve invested; it’s about your reputation, customer trust, and business continuity.

Enter Jetpack VaultPress Backup, a powerful, intuitive, and automated solution designed to safeguard your site against this kind of catastrophic event. With VaultPress Backup, you don’t just get an important business tool; you get peace of mind and the ability to bounce back, even in the face of disaster.

What are automatic website backups?

Automatic website backups are your website’s safety net. They’re essentially a complete copy of your website, including your database, themes, plugins, posts, comments, and everything in between. In the case of VaultPress Backup, the files are stored in a secure, off-site location. 

The “automatic” part is crucial here, as it means that these backups are created without any manual intervention and are ready to be restored at a moment’s notice.

What are the benefits of automatic backups?

1. Reduced liability

At first glance, backups might just seem like an additional expense. But when you factor in the potential cost of data and content loss — the time spent reconstructing your site, the loss of customer trust and potential business, and the technical expertise needed for recovery — the investment in an automatic WordPress backup solution like VaultPress Backup is a drop in the ocean.

2. Convenience

With automatic backups, there’s no need to mark your calendar or set reminders. Once VaultPress Backup is configured, every update or change is saved in real time, without any effort on your part. It’s all the convenience of “set it and forget it.” 

3. Enhanced security

Website security is an ongoing battle. Despite your best efforts, threats can find a way through your defenses. Automatic backups ensure that even if your site is compromised, you can quickly revert to a secure, uncompromised version.

4. Protection from data loss

From human errors and hardware failures to cyberattacks and natural disasters, data loss threats are varied and unpredictable. Automatic backups offer a robust safety net, protecting against these scenarios.

5. Reliability

With an automatic backup solution like VaultPress Backup, you get consistent, reliable backups. There’s no risk of forgetting a backup or a manual process failing.

6. Fast disaster recovery

The faster you can get your site back up and running after a disaster, the less damage done to your business. With an automatic backup, you can quickly restore your site to its pre-disaster state.

7. Scalability 

As your website grows, so does the amount of data and content you’re storing. An automatic backup solution can easily scale with your needs, ensuring all your information is protected.

8. Regulatory compliance and legal protection

In many sectors, maintaining regular backups is not just best practice; it’s a legal requirement. Automatic backups can help you meet these requirements with minimal effort.

9. Peace of mind

There’s a tranquility in knowing that your data is safe no matter what. With automatic backups, you have that peace of mind.

How do automatic backups differ from manual backups?

With a manual backup process, you’re in the driver’s seat. You decide when to back up your data, what to back up, and where to store it. On the surface, it might seem like a good thing — after all, who knows your website better than you? But we’re human, and with our human tendencies come oversights, procrastination, and plain old forgetfulness.

Here’s where automatic backups swoop in to save the day. With a tool like VaultPress Backup, your site is backed up regularly, without any work on your end. It’s a hands-off approach that offers a higher degree of consistency, accuracy, and reliability. While you’re focusing on growing your business, your backup solution is quietly working in the background, securing your website data and content.

Common misconceptions about automatic backups

1. “I don’t need backups; my host provides them.”

It’s true that many web hosts provide backups. Unfortunately, these are typically infrequent and may not cover your entire site. Plus, in many cases, backups are stored on the same server as your site. This means that if your site is compromised due to a hack, your backups could be, too. Not to mention, restoring these backups can be complicated and time-consuming.

2. “My site is too small for backups.”

No website is too small for backups. If it’s important to you or your business, it’s worth protecting.

3. “Backups are too complicated for me.”

With an intuitive solution like VaultPress Backup, setting up automatic backups is a breeze. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those with minimal technical knowledge.

4. “Backups slow down my website.”

A well-optimized backup solution won’t hinder your website’s performance. VaultPress Backup, for instance, is designed to work quietly in the background, without diminishing your site’s speed or user experience.

How to choose the right backup solution

The right solution for your business should include several features: real-time backups, full-site coverage, off-site storage, easy restoration, and a secure environment. Beyond these, you should consider factors like scalability, cost, customer support, and compatibility with your website platform.

Introducing Jetpack’s VaultPress Backup plugin

VaultPress Backup, developed by the trusted team behind WordPress.com, is designed with these factors in mind. It’s more than just a backup tool — it’s a comprehensive security solution for your WordPress site.

Features and benefits of VaultPress Backup

VaultPress offers real-time backups, ample storage space, and easy restoration. It can also be bundled with WordPress security features like malware scanning, spam protection, and brute force attack protection. The plugin also provides a seamless experience for WordPress users.

How VaultPress Backup works

VaultPress Backup runs in the background, automatically backing up your website data every time something happens on your site — an update to a page, a new order, a new comment, and more. It stores these backups securely off-site, ready to be restored whenever needed. And with Jetpack’s team of Happiness Engineers, you’re never alone in your data protection journey.

How to set up up automatic, real-time backups with VaultPress Backup

Setting up VaultPress Backup is straightforward. Once you’ve purchased a plan, you’ll need to install and activate the plugin, connect to your WordPress.com account, and activate VaultPress. It’s a set-and-forget solution — the plugin will automatically start backing up your site. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the easy setup procedure:

1. Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Jetpack VaultPress Backup” and click Install Now → Activate.

2. There, you’ll see a prompt to set up Jetpack VaultPress Backup. Click Set up Jetpack.

3. Click Approve to connect your site to WordPress.com. There, you can log into an existing account or create a new one. 

4. There will now be a table with several options for plans. Choose the one that best fits your needs and continue through the checkout process.

And that’s all there is to it! Once VaultPress Backup is set up, your backups will start running automatically.

How to quickly restore a backup with VaultPress Backup

With VaultPress Backup, restoring a backup is as easy as creating one. Simply choose the time to which you want to revert, and click Restore. VaultPress will take it from there, restoring your site to the state it was in when the backup was created. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the restore procedure:

1. Go to https://cloud.jetpack.com and click on your Activity Log.

2. Now, you can filter by activity type or date range to find a specific restore point.

3. Click Actions → Restore to this point. 

4. You’ll see a list of items that you’d like to restore. In most scenarios, you should leave them all checked. Click Confirm Restore.

And your backup will start! Keep track of the restore progress on this same page, or just wait for a notification when the restoration is complete.

Best practices for website backups

1. Create backups in real time

In the digital world, a lot can happen in a short span of time. That’s why real-time backups, like those offered by VaultPress Backup, are crucial. They ensure that even the most recent changes to your site are saved and protected.

2. Store backups offsite for disaster recovery

Storing backups on the same server as your website is a risky move. To ensure your backups are safe from server crashes or data breaches, it’s crucial to store them offsite, just like VaultPress Backup does.

3. Store backups in an ultra-secure environment

Your backups are only as good as the security protecting them. With VaultPress Backup, your site’s files are stored in a secure environment, protected against threats and breaches.

4. Have a fast backup restoration procedure

When disaster strikes, every second counts. An efficient, straightforward restoration procedure can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major catastrophe. VaultPress Backup’s one-click restore feature ensures that you’re back in business in no time.

Frequently asked questions about automatic WordPress backups

What is the difference between manual backups and automatic backups?

Manual backups involve a hands-on approach where you’ll manually create a copy of your site’s data and store it yourself. This process might involve navigating your site’s control panel, finding the appropriate option to download your site data, and saving it to a secure location of your choice.

In contrast, automatic backups, like those performed by VaultPress Backup, happen without any intervention on your part. Once set up, they automatically save a copy of your site data at regular intervals or in real-time, depending on the tool you choose. You won’t need to remember to back up your data or worry about storing it securely.

How often should I schedule automatic website backups?

The frequency of your backups will largely depend on how often your website changes. However, most sites should opt for real-time backups so that every change is saved as it happens, and you never lose a moment on your site.

For less frequently updated sites, daily backups might suffice. But remember, more frequent backups provide a more up-to-date safety net in case of data loss.

How long does it take to restore a backup using VaultPress Backup?

The duration of restoring a backup using VaultPress Backup depends on the size of your website and the speed of your server. However, VaultPress Backup aims to make this process as swift and seamless as possible. Once you initiate a restore, it goes to work immediately. For an average-sized website, the restoration can typically be completed within minutes.

What happens if my website is compromised or hacked? Can I restore a clean backup?

Yes, VaultPress Backup has you covered. If your site is compromised or hacked, you can select a backup version from before the breach occurred and restore your site to that state. By doing this, you’re essentially turning back the clock to a point when your site was safe and clean, thus eliminating any malicious alterations made by the hackers.

Can I use VaultPress Backup with non-WordPress websites?

VaultPress Backup is tailor-made for WordPress sites. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the WordPress ecosystem, backing up everything from posts, comments, and media files to your themes, plugins, and settings. As such, it does not support non-WordPress sites.

How secure is the backup data stored with VaultPress Backup?

Security is at the core of VaultPress Backup. Your data is stored on servers that are highly secure and monitored 24/7. These servers are designed to protect against unauthorized access and are equipped with multiple layers of protection to safeguard your data. 

Are there any known conflicts between VaultPress Backup and other plugins or themes?

VaultPress is developed by the same team behind WordPress.com, and is designed to work seamlessly with most plugins and themes. However, if you encounter any issues, Jetpack’s Happiness Engineers are ready to assist you.

Who created VaultPress Backup?

VaultPress Backup was created by Automattic, the same experienced team behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and many other widely-used WordPress products. The team’s in-depth experience with WordPress allows them to create a backup solution that integrates seamlessly with WordPress, providing a smooth and reliable experience.

VaultPress Backup: Real time, automated backups for WordPress

Data protection should not be an afterthought — it’s an essential part of running a successful website. 

VaultPress Backup offers WordPress site owners a powerful, convenient, and reliable solution for data protection. Whether you’re a small business owner managing a single site, or a larger organization overseeing multiple WordPress sites, VaultPress is ready to safeguard your online presence. 

Remember, there’s no such thing as a small disaster when it comes to data loss. 

VaultPress Backup is more than just a backup solution. It’s a commitment to protect the website that represents your business, your livelihood, and your passion. With the Jetpack team standing by to support you, you’re never alone in this journey.

You have the power of automatic backups, real-time updates, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your website data is safe, secure, and ready to be restored at a moment’s notice.

So take the leap. Leave behind the uncertainty and stress of manual backups, and step into the future with VaultPress Backup. 

Learn more about VaultPress Backup here: https://jetpack.com/upgrade/backup/

As a website owner welcoming people to your site, you have not only a responsibility to provide a warm greeting and relevant information, but to protect users and their information. Most visitors don’t keep web security on the top of their minds, but you should. 

Thankfully, you don’t need a full time team of security experts constantly on guard. A few basic steps and tools can take care of the majority of potential threats for the average website and its visitors. Today we’ll talk about two. 

The first is an SSL certificate — a non-negotiable tool that can encrypt information sent between your site and users. 

The second is a WordPress security plugin that provides everything from spam protection to site backups, malware scans, and more.  

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a tiny bit of code that provides security for online communications. Think of it as the lock on your front door. It secures the information that travels from your computer to the site you’re visiting and back. 

An SSL certificate enables an encrypted connection. It does this by establishing a ‘handshake’ between the user’s browser and the server. When this handshake is complete, a padlock or a green bar will appear in the browser’s address bar, signifying a secure connection.

The different types of SSL certificates

1. Domain Validated (DV) certificates

Domain Validated Certificates are the ‘entry-level’ option. The verification process is quick and relatively easy, requiring only a check that the applicant owns the domain for which they’ve applied for the certificate.

These certificates are a good fit for small websites or blogs where financial transactions or the transfer of sensitive data don’t occur. However, their simplicity is also their limitation; DV certificates only certify domain ownership, not the legitimacy of the organization behind the website.

2. Organization Validated (OV) certificates

Here, the validation process is more stringent, requiring verification of the business’s existence and legitimacy. This can include things like checking the business’s registration, physical location, and the authority of the applicant.

OV certificates enhance your website’s credibility, making them ideal for businesses that require more trust from their visitors. The catch? The verification process takes a bit longer, and they’re more expensive than DV certificates.

3. Extended Validation (EV) certificates

For those who want the most stringent level of validation, Extended Validation (EV) Certificates are the answer. The process to obtain an EV certificate is rigorous, including all the checks of an OV certificate, plus some additional steps. 

One key benefit of an EV certificate is the visual cues it provides, such as the green address bar. These cues offer immediate trust to visitors and are particularly valuable for websites dealing with sensitive information or financial transactions.

4. Wildcard and Multi-Domain certificates

Think about Wildcard and Multi-Domain Certificates as the jack-of-all-trades in the SSL world. A Wildcard SSL certificate secures your main domain and an unlimited number of its subdomains, while a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate allows you to secure multiple distinct domains with a single certificate.

These are particularly handy for businesses with multiple subdomains or completely separate domains, offering a cost-effective, streamlined way to manage SSL certificates.

Why SSL certificates are essential for site security

1. Encryption and data integrity

SSL certificates turn your sensitive information into an unintelligible series of characters that can only be returned to a readable format by the intended recipient. This ensures data integrity by protecting it from being tampered with or intercepted during transmission.

2. Authentication and trust

Think of a handshake when you first meet someone. The handshake isn’t just about being polite, it’s also about building trust. SSL certificates do just that for your website, assuring visitors that they’re interacting with the authentic website and not a malicious clone.

The trust seal or green bar that appears in the browser is akin to a digital signature. It tells your visitors, “You can trust us. We’re not imposters.” 

3. SEO and trust signals

It’s not just about trust between you and your visitors, it’s also about trust between your site and search engines. SSL certificates are considered trust signals, and search engines like Google favor websites that are secure. As a result, having an SSL certificate can give your site a slight SEO boost. 

4. Machine-in-the-middle attack mitigation

In a machine-in-the-middle attack, a cybercriminal intercepts, and can potentially alter, the communication between two parties. SSL certificates help prevent these attacks by ensuring that communication between your site and its visitors is encrypted and secure.

5. PCI compliance

If your website accepts credit card payments, you need to be PCI compliant. One requirement of PCI compliance is having an SSL certificate. It’s a fundamental box to tick, the equivalent of making sure your car has an engine before you try to drive it.

How to get an SSL certificate

1. Choose the right SSL certificate for your site

Just like you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you need to choose the right SSL certificate for your needs. Use DV for small, non-commercial sites, OV for businesses requiring more trust, and EV for websites dealing with sensitive data. Multi-domain or wildcard certificates are your go-to if you’re juggling multiple domains or subdomains.

2. Find a provider

Many hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their plans or for a small additional fee. If that’s the case, they’ll usually also install them on your behalf. Bluehost, Pressable, and A2 Hosting, among others on our recommended WordPress hosting list, include SSL certificates at no additional cost.

Don’t want to use your hosting provider? 

SSL For Free and Let’s Encrypt are two providers that offer free, DV SSL certificates. To find more options, read our article about how to get a free SSL certificate.

3. Activate and install the SSL certificate

You’ve chosen your certificate. Now, it’s time to install it. This process will vary based on the provider you choose, but each one should provide detailed documentation. Once installed, you’ll need to update your site to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. Most content management systems, like WordPress, offer tools to simplify this process.

Best practices for using SSL certificates

1. Choose the right SSL certificate for your needs

Choosing the right SSL certificate is not just about ticking a box. It’s about understanding the different types of certificates, their strengths, and their limitations. By selecting the most appropriate certificate for your needs, you’re signaling to your visitors that you value their security and trust.

2. Renew your SSL certificate

It’s simple: a lapsed SSL certificate equates to an unsecured website. This can lead to warning messages appearing in users’ browsers, deterring them from visiting your site. It can also cause search engines to lose trust in your website, and could even cause hackers to gain access to user data.

Most SSL certificate providers will email you when your term is about to lapse, while others have auto-renewal set up, so you don’t have to do anything. Make sure to know what the process is for your certificate and always stay on top of it.

3. Ensure full website compatibility with SSL

Every part of your website must align with SSL encryption. All your site’s elements, including images, videos, scripts, and CSS files, need to be served over HTTPS to avoid mixed content issues. Mixed content can undermine your site’s security and result in warnings being displayed in visitors’ browsers.

Tools like Why No Padlock? can help you debug and troubleshoot mixed content warnings.

4. Enhance security with SSL and other security measures

Securing your website isn’t a one-time process. It takes continual monitoring and adjustments to stay ahead of threats. SSL certificates are just one part of site security.

This is where Jetpack Security shines, offering a comprehensive suite of WordPress security features that go hand-in-hand with your SSL certificate, like automated backups, malware scanning, and spam protection.

Frequently asked questions about SSL certificates

What is an SSL certificate, and why do I need one for my website?

An SSL certificate encrypts the data between your website and its visitors, ensuring it can’t be intercepted or tampered with. In today’s digital age, an SSL certificate is an essential component of any website, not just those that handle sensitive information.

What is HTTPS, and how does it relate to SSL certificates?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s essentially the secure version of HTTP, and it’s enabled by installing an SSL certificate on your website. When your website uses HTTPS, it assures visitors that their connection is secure.

How does an SSL certificate work to secure data transmission?

An SSL certificate encrypts data in transit between your website and its visitors. It does this by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel through which data can safely travel. Without an SSL certificate, data is sent in plain text, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept.

What are the different types of SSL certificates available, and how do they differ from one another?

There are several types of SSL certificates, each offering a different level of validation:

• Domain Validated (DV) certificates offer basic validation by confirming domain ownership.
• Organization Validated (OV) certificates provide an extra layer of trust by verifying the organization behind the domain.
• Extended Validation (EV) certificates undergo a stringent validation process and offer visible cues, like a green address bar, to visitors.
• Wildcard certificates secure a domain and its subdomains, while Multi-Domain certificates secure multiple separate domains.

How can I obtain an SSL certificate for my website?

You can obtain an SSL certificate from a certificate authority (CA). There are many CAs to choose from, and they all offer different types of certificates to cater to varying needs. Some hosting providers include SSL certificates in their plans or for an additional fee, while there are also external providers, like Let’s Encrypt.

Can I use a free SSL certificate instead of purchasing one?

Yes, you can. Free SSL certificates, like those provided by Let’s Encrypt, offer the same level of encryption as paid ones. However, they often lack some of the extras that come with paid certificates, such as warranties and the higher trust level offered by OV and EV certificates. 

What is the process of installing and activating an SSL certificate on my website?

Installing an SSL certificate involves several steps. First, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server. You then submit this CSR to a Certificate Authority when you apply for your certificate. Once the CA has validated your details, they’ll send you your SSL certificate, which you then install on your server. 

In most cases, your hosting provider will take care of all these steps for you, automatically.

How often should I renew my SSL certificate, and what happens if I let it expire?

Most SSL certificates need to be renewed every 1 to 2 years, although the exact timeline can vary. SSL For Free, for example, requires a renewal every 90 days. 

If you let your SSL certificate expire, your website data will become unsecured and visitors will be greeted with warning messages. 

Can I use the same SSL certificate for multiple websites or subdomains?

If you have a Wildcard SSL certificate, you can use it for one domain and all its subdomains. If you want to secure multiple separate domains with one certificate, you’ll need a Multi-Domain SSL certificate.

Are SSL certificates compatible with all web browsers and devices?

Yes, most SSL certificates are compatible with all major web browsers and devices. That said, the visual indicators of the website’s security (like the padlock icon or green address bar) can vary between browsers.

How can I verify if my SSL certificate is properly installed and working correctly?

You can use an SSL Checker tool, which will analyze your SSL certificate and report on its status, expiration date, and any potential issues. 

What is mixed content, and why is it important to address it for a secure website?

Mixed content occurs when a secure (HTTPS) webpage includes unsecured (HTTP) elements. This can create a weak spot in your website’s security, allowing hackers a chance to exploit it. It’s like having a fortress with one unguarded door — the entire fortress becomes vulnerable.

How can I fix mixed content issues on my website?

To fix mixed content issues, you need to ensure all elements of your website are served over HTTPS. This might involve updating links in your website’s code or configuring your server to automatically redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS.

Are SSL certificates only necessary for websites that handle sensitive information?

While it’s especially critical for websites handling sensitive information, such as payment details or personal data, every website will benefit from the added security and trust an SSL certificate provides. An SSL certificate tells your visitors that you care about their safety and is important from an SEO perspective as well.

Some browsers will even display a warning for users who try to visit sites without an SSL certificate. So, for all intents and purposes, SSL certificates are required for every site regardless of its size or purpose.

Can I transfer an SSL certificate from one hosting provider to another?

Transferring an SSL certificate between hosts can be technically challenging and is often unnecessary. Instead, it’s usually easier to simply apply for a new SSL certificate from your new host or a third-party CA.

What are some common SSL certificate errors, and how can I troubleshoot them?

Common SSL certificate errors include an expired certificate, a domain name mismatch (where the domain name in the certificate doesn’t match the domain it’s installed on), or a certificate that’s not trusted (usually because it’s self-signed, or the CA isn’t recognized). Troubleshooting these errors usually involves renewing, reissuing, or replacing your certificate.

Can I have multiple SSL certificates on my website for different purposes?

Yes, you can. For instance, if you operate an ecommerce store with a blog, you might use an EV SSL certificate for the store and a DV SSL certificate for the blog. This allows you to tailor your security measures to the specific needs and risks of different parts of your website.

Jetpack Security: a full security suite for WordPress sites

Now that we’ve gone through the nitty-gritty of SSL certificates, let’s take a moment to switch gears. Because while SSL is vital for site security, it’s not the only tool in the toolbox. You need a comprehensive workshop to create and maintain a secure environment for your site and its users.

That’s where Jetpack Security comes in. It’s the all-in-one security solution that takes care of your WordPress site’s security needs. 

While SSL certificates secure the transmission of data between your site and its visitors, Jetpack Security focuses on protecting your site itself. It offers a suite of powerful security tools that can help you fend off attacks, monitor your site’s health, and recover quickly if things do go wrong.

For instance, Jetpack Security’s automated real-time backups ensure you always have a safe point to revert to, should the worst happen. 

The WordPress malware scanning feature performs regular checks to sniff out any potential security threats. It’s your dedicated security guard, keeping an eagle eye on everything that’s happening on your site.

The spam protection feature is like your personal doorman, keeping out any unwanted, spammy “visitors” that might try to wreak havoc in your comments section or contact forms.

The activity log allows you to keep an eye on everything that happens on your site and even restore a backup to a specific point in time.

Last but certainly not least, the downtime monitoring feature keeps tabs on your website’s availability. It’s the equivalent of a neighbor keeping an eye on your house while you’re on vacation, alerting you if something seems amiss.

As we’ve shown, security is not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing commitment that requires attention to many different facets. SSL certificates are a cornerstone of that commitment, providing a critical layer of protection for the data traveling between your website and its visitors. But they’re just one part of the picture.

By using SSL certificates in conjunction with a comprehensive security solution like Jetpack Security, you’re doing your part to build a safer, more trustworthy internet.

So tighten the bolts, check the locks, and turn on the alarm. Welcome to Jetpack Security. Start your journey by discovering more here: https://jetpack.com/features/security/

WordPress is one of the safest content management systems (CMS) you can use to run a website. Still, every software comes with vulnerabilities and security issues, most of which are dependent on user behavior. If you don’t know what these issues are or how to prevent them, even the most secure software might not be able to safeguard your website from attacks.

The good news is that protecting WordPress sites is easier than with other systems because you have access to powerful security plugins. Combine that with safe credentials and all but the most sophisticated attacks won’t stand a chance of breaching your site.

In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of prevention when it comes to keeping WordPress secure. Then, we’ll discuss the most common types of issues WordPress site owners may encounter and what types of attacks websites fall prey to most often.

From your first initial WordPress installation to managing a bustling, successful site, we’ve got you covered.

The importance of closing all potential security vulnerabilities

The concept of keeping your website “safe” can be a bit nebulous. When people talk about protecting your site, they’re usually referring to keeping unauthorized WordPress users from making changes to it, preventing malicious files from getting uploaded, or reducing the chances of data breaches.

Failing to protect your website from potential security breaches can affect you in a multitude of ways, even if you’re not dealing with a large amount of sensitive user information. For instance, if you run a small but established online business, security issues can negatively impact the way customers perceive you. 

To understand how important it is to prevent security issues, let’s elaborate on why they can be so damaging:

• Unauthorized access. Many updates for WordPress sites contain patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the previous version was released. If your website isn’t updated, it’s at risk of being accessed and exploited by hackers who are aware of these vulnerabilities.
• Loss of confidential information. If your website gets compromised, malicious actors can gain control of your site and sensitive data, including user information and other confidential materials. If you’re running an online store or any other type of site that handles private user data, this could have serious implications, both legally and in terms of your reputation.
• Poor website performance. If someone gains access to your website, they can modify how it works and negatively impact its performance. In some cases, attackers might not even need to gain entry to bring a website “down”, like with Direct Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
• Breach of compliance. In certain industries, failing to secure user data can put you in breach of regulatory compliance. For example, in the healthcare and financial sectors, companies are required to use up-to-date software to ensure the highest level of data security. And sites that accept credit card payments must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

If you run a WordPress website, security is of the utmost importance. Shoring up your website from the very beginning will prevent the most common types of issues and help you keep user data safe. 

How to uncover security vulnerabilities on your WordPress site

Unfortunately, it’s possible to use an infected computer without knowing it. In a lot of cases, devices end up riddled with malware and users are none the wiser.

The same can happen with a website. Your WordPress site might be vulnerable to attacks, or it could already be infected with malware. Unless the attackers make it obvious, or you have access to the right tools, this can be hard to spot.

Just as you have antivirus software for computers, there are also security scanners for WordPress. Tools like Jetpack Security can scan your website for WordPress security vulnerabilities and let you know if there are any issues or irregularities you need to fix.

Jetpack Security’s Scan tool relies on the WPScan vulnerability database, which is used by enterprise companies. That means the database is very comprehensive, and has the ability to identify the most common vulnerabilities your site may face.

Plus, Jetpack Security is an easy-to-use security plugin developed by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com. In addition to Jetpack Scan, it includes VaultPress Backup and Akismet. So, when you opt for this tool, you’ll be able to protect your site from vulnerabilities as well as spam, and you’ll get advanced backup features, too.

The 20 most common WordPress security issues and vulnerabilities

In this section, we’ll focus on the most common security issues seen in WordPress sites. Every single one of these issues can lead to vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

This can be a lot of information to digest, so don’t be overwhelmed. We’ll tell you what you need to know about each security issue, and provide some additional resources to learn more about them and how to fix them.

1. Lack of WordPress security plugins

Security plugins are among the most popular WordPress tools. Depending on which plugin you use, it may be able to scan your website for malware, set up a firewall, help you create backups, prevent spam, and more.

You can do everything that a security plugin does manually. But, that typically involves customizing many aspects of your site on the back end. For instance, editing core files to block suspicious IPs. As you can imagine, manually securing your site can be very time-consuming.

The beauty of security plugins is that they can save you a ton of time and hassle. What’s more, they can act as all-in-one solutions for a lot of the more common WordPress vulnerabilities. 

WordPress plugins offer different functionality, so we recommend opting for a tool that covers as many vulnerabilities as possible, like Jetpack Security.

As we mentioned, Jetpack Security can help you automate backups, keep security logs for your site, set up a firewall, scan your site for malware, and more. Plus, it integrates with Akismet to help you prevent spam in comments and forms on your site. 

2. Lack of regular site scans

Regular scans are like health check-ups for your website. They help you identify threats like malware infections, security loopholes, and unusual activity.

To put it simply, if you’re not running regular scans on your WordPress website, you’re leaving it vulnerable to security threats. This can lead to a compromised site, loss of sensitive data, damaged search engine rankings, and a loss of trust from visitors.

Site scan tools typically run in the background without affecting any functionality. So, if you have a security plugin or scanning tool, it’ll usually run automatically every so often and only alert you if it finds anything wrong with your website.

Think about site scanners like antivirus tools for your website. Every modern operating system (OS) comes with built-in malware scanners and removal tools, even if you’re not aware, they’re running in the background. These tools help keep your computer safe and, without them, your experience would be a lot worse.

3. Lack of regular site backups

Backups act as a safety net, preserving your site’s data in case of technical mishaps or security breaches. Without regular backups, you could lose all website content and user data. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage of regular site backups is that they provide you with restore points in case you run into any issues. Instead of spending hours or days troubleshooting security breaches, you can simply revert your site to a previous state without losing critical data.

Ideally, backups should be automatic, and you shouldn’t let too much time go between them. Plugins like Jetpack Security include backup tools that enable you to save your website’s information to the cloud. With VaultPress Backup (which is part of Jetpack Security), you’ll get access to real-time backups any time you make changes to your website.

4. Outdated WordPress versions or plugins

Keeping your WordPress core and plugins updated is crucial for your site’s security and functionality. That’s because outdated software versions tend to have known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. 

On top of that, they may cause compatibility issues affecting your website’s performance. This could lead to compromised data, loss of site functionality, and a poor user experience.

If your WordPress website has a bunch of pending updates, then it’s time to get to work on updating all of its components. You can also enable automatic updates for WordPress core directly from the Dashboard → Updates screen.

5. Outdated PHP version

Hypertext Preprocessor, or PHP, is the backbone of WordPress. It’s one of the main programming languages that the CMS is built on. Using an outdated version of PHP can lead to WordPress security issues and compatibility issues.

Newer versions of PHP also improve performance drastically. Typically, your web host will update your server to use newer versions of PHP as they come out. If you want to double-check what PHP version you’re using, you can do so directly from WordPress.

6. A hosting environment that’s not secure

Your hosting provider’s job is to help you build a website by providing you with the best resources possible. That means a stable server with decent hardware, an easy-to-use hosting management dashboard, and solid security measures.

If your web host doesn’t provide you with basic security settings, it’ll impact the way you run your website. Basically, you’ll have to spend a lot more time working on covering basic WordPress security vulnerabilities instead of working on your site.

A secure WordPress hosting provider will offer features like automated backups, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), automatic blocking on known-malicious IPs, DDoS mitigation, and more. If you’re using a web host that doesn’t offer decent WordPress security measures, we recommend switching to a higher-quality WordPress hosting provider.

7. Weak password and login credentials

Using weak passwords and login credentials is probably the most common security issue with WordPress websites. In fact, this is a massive problem for any site or software that requires you to log in.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t just include the WordPress admin login page. Weak web hosting and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) credentials can also lead to vulnerabilities.

Simply put, most users don’t like the hassle of complicated, unique passwords for every application they work with.

Although weak and recycled passwords may be easier to remember, they can put your site at risk. That’s because they make it much easier for attackers to brute force their way into websites or use leaked credentials to gain access to accounts on other platforms.

If you want to keep your site safe, anyone with access to critical tools will need to learn how to use secure credentials, only creating strong passwords and usernames. Additionally, adding support for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can help you further secure your site.

8. Lack of 2FA

Two-Factor Authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step during the login process. This makes unauthorized logins significantly harder, since attackers would also need access to your email account or phone, depending on which type of 2FA you configure for your site.

There’s no reason not to offer 2FA as an option on your website. Implementing the system is remarkably easy and there are a lot of WordPress plugins, including Jetpack, that can set up 2FA for you.

9. Insecure login data storage

Storing login data insecurely, like in plaintext (or using a Post-it), is akin to leaving your bank details out in the open. Poor storage practices make it easy for attackers to obtain these details if they gain access to the location. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential loss of website control.

As a rule of thumb, don’t store login information anywhere where other people might get access to it, be it physically or digitally. If you have to store login credentials, use a password storage tool, like 1Password, that can encrypt that data for you.

10. Mismanaged and undefined user roles

Poorly managed user roles can lead to users having more permissions than they need, which creates security risks. This can result in unauthorized or accidental changes to the site, data leaks, or a misuse of resources.

Ideally, the Administrator should be the only person with full access to the WordPress backend. For every other user role, accounts should be granted the bare minimum permissions needed to perform their duties.

The good news is that WordPress gives the Administrator full control over user role assignments. Plus, each role comes with a defined set of permissions to match their duties. And, if you want to create additional roles or modify their permissions, you can do so using WordPress plugins.

11. Insufficient monitoring of user logins and activities

Without adequate monitoring, you may miss suspicious behavior or malicious activities on your site. This lack of visibility can lead to unauthorized changes, data breaches, and system misuse — all of which can harm your site’s functionality.

Out of the box, WordPress core doesn’t offer any security log functionality. But, you can use plugins like Jetpack with its activity log feature to keep track of what’s happening on your website (and who’s accessing it).

Some WordPress web hosts also give you access to activity logs at the server level, which enables you to monitor if anyone makes changes to its configuration. 

When using this type of tool, it’s best to configure notifications for specific types of activities, like failed login attempts. That way, you’ll get a heads-up if anything sketchy is going on without having to read through dozens of pages of logs.

12. Themes and plugins containing vulnerabilities

WordPress themes and plugins with security vulnerabilities are often targeted by hackers. If they manage to exploit these vulnerabilities, it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and more. 

The good news is that this typically only happens if you use outdated plugins and themes. Likewise, it may be more likely to occur when you download “free” versions of premium plugins and themes from disreputable websites. 

These free versions can include code that enables attackers to gain access to your site. So, unless you’re regularly scanning for vulnerabilities, it’s best to avoid this.

Still, there are plenty of quality plugins and themes that are also free. So, if you need to install one, it’s best to read through user comments on sites like WordPress.org before downloading them. A lot of users will share their stories of problems or WordPress security issues, which can help you make an informed decision.

13. Misconfigured WordPress database

A misconfigured database can leave your site’s data exposed, making it susceptible to SQL injection attacks and/or data breaches. One of the most common types of misconfigurations is using the default prefix for databases in WordPress (wp).

This makes it easy for attackers to identify the database and try to access it. Likewise, using weak credentials at the database level can leave it vulnerable.

Keep in mind that WordPress stores all your site’s content in a unique database. That means if someone gains access to the database, they can see everything on your website and modify critical settings.

14. A misconfigured content delivery network (CDN)

If your audience is spread around the world, implementing a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can be a great way to improve its performance for visitors who are further away from your servers. But, a poorly configured CDN may lead to security gaps. 

Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to launch DDoS attacks, manipulate content, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. By misconfiguration, we mean human error in terms of what content the CDN caches, problems with the SSL/TLS configurations, or exposing the site’s original IP address. 

Configuring a CDN can be tricky with some providers. If you’re looking for a straightforward option, Jetpack’s CDN is super easy to set up and use. There’s no configuration required, so you don’t have to worry about user error!

15. Insecure file and directory permissions

File and directory permissions determine who can read, write, and execute files on your WordPress website. These permissions are crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your site.

If they’re insecure or misconfigured, they can leave your site vulnerable to various threats like attackers being able to upload malware or getting unauthorized access to files.

Unsecure files also open you up to potential data breaches. If the permissions aren’t set correctly, attackers will be able to read or modify the contents of files, which means they can steal or erase critical data.

16. Unrestricted public-facing file uploads

A lot of WordPress websites enable users to upload files through forms. This can be useful if you want people to be able to submit files for you to review, attach images to comments, and more.

Any form that enables users to upload and submit files to your site needs to be tightly secured. That means full control over what type of files people can upload, so they can’t use the forms to get malware on your server.

If you use a WordPress security plugin that offers real-time malware scanning, it should detect any malicious files that make it past your form’s security. Without security scanning, you may end up hosting malicious files that can give attackers access to your site.

17. Insecure third-party services and integrations

As you may already know, it’s common practice to use third-party services and integrations in WordPress. This can help you add new functionality. But, if you connect your website with a service that isn’t secure, you may end up with additional vulnerabilities on your website.

For example, if a third-party service provides an unsecure API for integration, it can serve as a gateway for attacks. Hackers can exploit weak API security to perform actions like injecting malicious code, stealing data, or disrupting your site’s functionality.

Third-party services with low-security standards can also compromise your credentials, which can give attackers access to your website if you’re not using 2FA or additional protections. In a nutshell, you should never connect your website with any third-party service unless you’re sure it’s reputable.

18. Unauthenticated AJAX actions

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a technique used to create dynamic, responsive web applications by sending and retrieving data from a server asynchronously. That means the sending and retrieval process doesn’t interfere with the page loading.

As far as WordPress goes, it’s common to use AJAX to handle data submission and retrieval in the background. For example, a lot of plugins use AJAX to power “infinite” loading of content. It’s also frequently used to enable instant search functionality on ecommerce sites.

Every AJAX action needs to follow security and authentication guidelines to keep your site safe. Without proper user verification, attackers can “trick” your website into performing actions that retrieve sensitive information from the database.

19. Misconfigured web servers

A web server that isn’t properly configured can be vulnerable from a security standpoint. By “server configuration”, we mean implementing basic security and access rules to protect it from attackers.

To give you an example, a secure server won’t allow visitors to execute code because they don’t have the right permissions. Likewise, a good security configuration will prevent known malicious IPs from interacting with the server using tools like a Web Application Firewall (WAF).

Unless you have direct access to the server, this security depends on your web host. Some web hosts take WordPress security issues more seriously than others, so it’s essential that you choose the right provider for your website.

20. Zero-day exploits and unknown vulnerabilities

There will always be new WordPress exploits and vulnerabilities that attackers will seek to use to damage your website. 

Zero-day exploits and unknown vulnerabilities refer to security holes in software that are not known to the developers until they are exploited by attackers. The good news is that once attackers start targeting new vulnerabilities, developers usually patch them pretty quickly.

In theory, it’s impossible to prevent zero-day exploits because we don’t know what they are. Still, you can drastically mitigate the risk they pose by using a robust WordPress security plugin like Jetpack Security. Since Jetpack Scan (powered by WPScan) uses a comprehensive database that’s updated regularly, it will be able to quickly catch the newest WordPress security issues as they emerge.

The main types of security threats WordPress sites face

So far, we’ve focused on specific security vulnerabilities in WordPress and how they can affect your website. But, it’s important to understand what an “attack” or “breach” on your website can look like in real life.

Unlike in the movies, attackers usually aren’t typing away at a screen with neon letters to hack your website. In reality, “hacking” is a lot more interesting and attacks can come in many forms. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common WordPress security issues.

1. Malware and virus infections

You’re probably familiar with the terms malware and viruses. In the context of a website, malware (short for malicious software) and viruses are types of malicious code that can harm your site or its visitors.

Malware is typically inserted into your website, and can cause a wide range of issues. For instance, it can be used to deface your site, steal data, or even spread malware to its visitors. 

Types of website malware can include backdoors (allowing unauthorized access), drive-by downloads (automatically downloading harmful software to a user’s device), and defacement (changing the visual appearance of your website).

2. SQL injection attacks

An SQL Injection is a type of attack that enables someone to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. In this case, the queries that WordPress submits to the database. The aim of this type of attack is to gain unauthorized access to information or to the site itself.

Here’s how it works: When WordPress takes user input, it structures it in Structured Query Language (SQL) to fetch the corresponding information from the database. If the query isn’t “sanitized” first, an attacker can modify it. These statements can manipulate the original intent of the query, leading to unauthorized data exposure, data modification, or even data deletion. 

3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks

Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS attacks, occur when an attacker manages to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts are usually written in JavaScript and execute in the user’s browser.

Once an XSS attack is successful, the attacker can steal sensitive data (like session cookies) and impersonate the user. Depending on how much access the user has to the site, they can wreak a lot of havoc.

4. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), also known as XSRF, is a type of attack that tricks the victim into submitting a malicious request. It exploits the trust that a site has in a user’s browser, essentially using the identity and privileges of the victim to “infiltrate” it.

Suppose a user is logged into a web application where they can perform certain actions, like changing their email address. A CSRF attack could involve the attacker sending the user an email with a link or embedding a link on another website. 

If the user clicks the link, it triggers a request to the web application that utilizes the user’s already authenticated session to perform the action — in this case, changing their email address to one controlled by the attacker.

5. Brute force attacks

A brute force attack involves trying multiple credential combinations until the right one is found. Attackers typically use bots or software to do this. Meaning, if your website doesn’t lock them out of the login screen, they may be able to try thousands of combinations.

These attempts can be random, but more often, attackers use a dictionary of commonly used passwords or employ more advanced methods like using lists of breached credentials from other sites.

6. DDoS attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve multiple computers connecting to a website at the same time to try and overload it. This is possible because every server can only handle so much traffic before it starts to drop requests or goes down temporarily.

Typically, attackers use a network of compromised computers to carry out DDoS attacks. Depending on how protected your site is, this type of attack can result in prolonged downtime.

7. Malicious redirects

A “redirect” is when you visit a URL and your browser sends you to a different address. This happens because the server you’re trying to access has instructions to redirect all or some traffic to that location.

There are a lot of reasons to use redirects. For instance, if you change domain names or want to avoid users visiting pages that no longer exist. But, if attackers have access to the server, they can set up malicious redirects sending users to dangerous websites instead.

8. File inclusion attacks

A file inclusion attack happens when an attacker manages to trick your website into including files from a remote server that they control. This type of attack typically exploits poorly validated or unsanitized user inputs.

Properly sanitizing inputs can help you prevent file inclusion attacks as well as SQL injections and other types of vulnerabilities. Another way to prevent this is by using a WAF and keeping your site updated to avoid holes in its security.

9. Directory traversal attacks

Directory or path traversal attacks involve attackers manipulating a URL in such a way that the server executes or reveals the contents of files located anywhere within its file system.

The goal of this type of attack is to gain access to files you don’t have permission to see or modify. The best way to prevent this type of attack is by configuring secure file and directory permissions.

10. Remote code execution attacks

A remote code execution attack happens when someone can execute harmful code remotely. For websites, this means attackers being able to execute malicious scripts on your hosting server.

This type of attack can happen if your server is vulnerable. Depending on the type of access attackers get, they could potentially run any command they want on the server.

11. Session hijacking and fixation attacks

A “session hijacking” is a type of attack that exploits the mechanisms that sites use to help you remain logged in across multiple visits. Typically, websites use cookies to store information about each session. If an attacker can “steal” these cookies, they can hijack the session.

In practical terms, this means the website will enable the attacker to use your account without having to go through the login process. Depending on what permissions the account has, someone can do a lot of damage with a hijacked session.

12. SEO spam

In terms of search engine optimization (SEO), spam can refer to reusing keywords, sharing the same links multiple times, and otherwise trying to game the algorithms that determine site rankings in results pages.

A lot of times, attackers will try to gain access to websites and use them to improve their own rankings. They can do this by using your site to excessively link to their own.

Depending on how aggressive the spam is, it can affect your own search engine rankings and lead to penalization. It can also erode the trust of your users because they might think you’re the one spamming them.

13. Phishing attacks

You’re probably familiar with phishing attacks. They involve pretending to be someone from an organization or a website to try and obtain login credentials or other critical information from a specific user.

For a WordPress website, this could look like a fake email asking users to reset their credentials and directing them to a page that saves their inputs. A lot of non-tech-savvy users fall for phishing attacks, so it’s important you try and educate your visitors about official communications from your site.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions left about WordPress vulnerabilities or the types of attacks you might run into, this section will hopefully answer them. 

Is WordPress secure?

The short answer is yes. By design, WordPress is a secure CMS. What’s more, its core software is regularly updated for maintenance and security purposes.

But, just as with any other software, its security depends on how you use it.

If you don’t update WordPress and its components regularly and use weak login credentials, you’re exposing your site to a lot of risks. 

What are signs a WordPress site has been hacked?

Sometimes, it can be hard to spot if a WordPress website is compromised. Still, there are a lot of telltale signs of attacks that can tip you off. For one, you may notice changes in key pages or differences in links.

If the site is hacked, some search engines will also outright warn visitors when they try to access it. Running into one of these security notices is a solid indicator that you should scan your website for malware and look into ways to remove it.

How can you remove malware from a WordPress site?

The easiest way to remove malware from WordPress is by having access to backups. If you use a malware scanner like Jetpack Scan, it can detect changes to your server files as well as harmful code. 

You can purchase this tool on its own or get it as part of the Jetpack Security bundle.

This scanner may be able to clean your website by removing the malware or restoring a backup from when the server wasn’t infected. 

How can you prevent brute force attacks on WordPress?

You can prevent brute force attacks on your website by using a firewall to block connections from known malicious IPs. Plugins like Jetpack enable you to do this and help protect your login page from repeated attempts to breach it.

What is Jetpack Security?

Jetpack Security is a service that includes VaultPress Backup, Jetpack Scan, and Akismet in one package. That means it helps you automate backups, set up regular malware scans, and protect your website from spam, all in one plan.

What is the WPScan vulnerability database?

WPScan is a database of WordPress vulnerabilities maintained by experts in the CMS and security professions. The database gets constant updates, and you can access it via WP-CLI if you’re a developer. Jetpack Protect uses the WPScan database to identify any potential WordPress security vulnerabilities or malware on your website. 

Jetpack Security: Your WordPress site’s shield against vulnerabilities

No matter what type of WordPress site you run, it’s best to be proactive about protecting it from security threats and vulnerabilities. Otherwise, your website’s performance could suffer, and sensitive user data could fall into the wrong hands. As a result, your business or reputation could suffer.

The easiest way to prevent this is to tighten things up with a WordPress security plugin like Jetpack Security. This powerful tool enables anyone to quickly tackle the most important tasks for more secure WordPress sites, including generating real-time backups, running automatic vulnerability and malware scans, and filtering spam.