WordPress controls more websites than any other CMS, powering more than 43% of websites on the internet. Unfortunately, that popularity also makes WordPress a prime target for cyberattacks. Recent data shows that more than 13,000 WordPress sites are hacked every day. Many of these breaches are preventable and occur simply because plugins are outdated, passwords are weak, or hosting lacks basic security controls.
For businesses, the consequences of a hacked website go far beyond inconvenience. Downtime means lost revenue. A compromised site damages credibility. If customer data is accessed, the fallout becomes even more severe, potentially involving GDPR implications and legal action.
Why WordPress Security Matters to Businesses
Financial Losses and Emergency Recovery Costs
A security breach is costly, and restoring a hacked WordPress site often involves:
- Emergency developer time
- Malware scanning and clean-up
- Plugin and theme repairs
- System hardening and testing
By the time the website is repaired and live again, costs can be a lot.
Damage to Reputation and Trust
When Google labels your website as “potentially hacked,” users don’t stick around. A browser warning destroys trust faster than any sales message can repair it, and customers rarely return to a site that once leaked data or redirected them to inappropriate content.
Loss of Organic Traffic
Search engines take security seriously. If malware is detected, Google can:
- Temporarily remove your site from search results
- Display security warnings directly in search listings
- Drop your rankings, often permanently
Years of investment in SEO can be wiped out in a single attack.
GDPR, Compliance, and Legal Liability
If personal data is accessed or leaked, the responsibility lies with the business. Under GDPR, organisations can face penalties and legal claims if they are found to have inadequate technical safeguards.
The WordPress Threat Landscape in 2025
WordPress itself is secure but the danger comes from surrounding components:
- Plugins and themes account for 89%–92% of all known WordPress vulnerabilities.
- More than 6,700 new WordPress related vulnerabilities were identified in the first half of this year alone.
- AI driven hacking tools now automate attacks, scanning the internet for sites with weak login protection or outdated software.
The worrying trend is automation. Hackers no longer need to target you manually as AI tools scan thousands of WordPress sites per minute, looking for flaws.
Essential WordPress Security Best Practices for 2025
Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated
Outdated software = open doors.
- Lots of hacked websites have out of date WordPress core files.
- Many plugins introduce vulnerabilities when they are no longer maintained.
Actions to take:
- Enable automatic updates where possible.
- Remove plugins you don’t use (don’t just deactivate them).
- Choose plugins that are regularly updated and widely reviewed.
A smaller set of trusted plugins is more secure than dozens of rarely used add-ons.
Strengthen Authentication and Admin Access
Weak passwords remain the number one cause of hacked WordPress sites.
Do this immediately:
- Stop using admin as your username.
- Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager helps).
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
- Limit login attempts.
- Add CAPTCHA to login forms.
These measures alone block the vast majority of automated attacks.
Install a Security Plugin (Firewall + Malware Detection)
Security plugins act as a defence wall between your site and bad actors.
Recommended features include:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Real time threat detection
- Malware scanning and automatic removal
- Login attempt monitoring
Protect the Database
Your database stores:
- User accounts
- Customer records
- Website content
If attackers gain access, it’s game over.
Technical improvements that make a big difference:
- Change the default WP database prefix (wp_)
- Use strong database credentials
- Restrict user privileges at database level
- Enable regular off-site backups
Use SSL and HTTPS Everywhere
SSL encryption protects data between your site and your users, especially login details.
If your site shows “Not secure” in the browser:
- Users will leave instantly.
- Google ranking can be affected.
Every business website should have HTTPS full stop.
Backups: Your Safety Net
Security is about prevention. Backups are about recovery.
You need:
- Automated backups (daily)
- Off-site storage (not on the same server)
- Version history (previous backups retained for 30 days minimum)
- A verified restoration process (tested, not assumed)
Many businesses only discover their backup does not work when they need it.
Harden WordPress Settings
Security hardening involves closing common loopholes.
Examples include:
- Disabling file editing within the dashboard
- Blocking access to wp-config.php and .htaccess
- Turning off XML-RPC if it’s not required
- Hiding the WordPress version number
- Correct file permissions on the server
These settings reduce your attack surface and limit what a hacker can do even if they get in.
Review User Access and Permissions
Not everyone needs Administrator access. Give people only what they need.
- Remove unused accounts
- Use the Principle of Least Privilege
- Regularly review user activity
Human error is still one of the biggest risks.
Choose Secure Hosting
Many attacks occur at server level, beyond WordPress itself.
When choosing hosting, look for:
- Server level malware scanning
- DDoS protection
- Isolated environments
- Automatic security patching
- SSL included as standard
A secure hosting environment prevents problems before they ever reach your website.
Schedule Regular Security Audits and Monitoring
Security is not a one off task.
Continual monitoring identifies:
- File changes
- Unusual login activity
- Plugin vulnerabilities
- Blacklisting by search engines
A monthly audit and report provides peace of mind and keeps your site protected.
Why Businesses Struggle With WordPress Security
Most business websites are built once and then forgotten.
Updating WordPress, checking logs, reviewing plugins, testing backups… these take time. When security is neglected, the website becomes vulnerable, usually without anyone noticing until it’s too late.
How BBI Brandboost Helps Keep Your Website Secure
We provide WordPress hosting, security, and maintenance packages designed to prevent attacks, not just fix them after the damage is done.
Our WordPress security management includes:
- Continuous plugin, theme, and core updates
- Security hardening and firewall setup
- Daily automated backups stored off-site
- Malware monitoring and removal
- Secure hosting built for business sites
- Priority support and remediation if anything goes wrong
With BBI Brandboost managing your WordPress security, you don’t have to worry about patches, plugins, or performance. Your website is monitored, protected, and kept updated by specialists.
To discuss WordPress security and maintenance options contact us today.