Why traditional WordPress websites are vulnerable to cyber attacks

WordPress is the world’s most popular website platform, powering over 40% of all websites . But popularity comes with a downside, it’s also the biggest target for hackers.

If you’re using a traditional WordPress setup, it’s important to understand where the risks come from. Because once your site is hacked, it’s not just an inconvenience. It can damage your reputation, leak customer data, and cost you money.

Let’s look at why traditional WordPress websites are more vulnerable, and what you can do to protect your business.

TL;DR (Too long, didn’t read)

• Traditional WordPress sites are popular, which makes them big targets for hackers.
• Plugins and themes can contain vulnerabilities that expose your site.
• Default login pages and out-of-date software make attacks easier.
• Headless websites separate your front end from your backend, reducing the risk.

 

The problem with traditional WordPress sites

Traditional WordPress sites rely on a combination of:

• A public-facing backend (wp-admin)

• Themes and plugins (often from different developers)

• A database that sits behind it all

This setup makes it convenient to build and customise a site. But it also creates multiple ways for attackers to get in.

1. Plugins can open the door to hackers

Plugins are one of the biggest selling points of WordPress, there’s a plugin for almost everything. But every plugin you install is another potential entry point.

Many attacks happen simply because:

• Plugins aren’t updated regularly

• Developers stop maintaining them

• A vulnerability goes public before you have a chance to patch it

Even reputable plugins have been exploited in the past. It only takes one outdated plugin to compromise your entire site.

Check here to see if your plug-ins have any vulnerabilities – https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ 

2. Login pages are easy targets

Most WordPress sites keep the login page at the default /wp-admin or /wp-login.php. Hackers know this and use automated tools to bombard the page with login attempts until they get in.

If you haven’t changed your login URL, enforced strong passwords or added extra protection, you’re leaving the door wide open.

Learn why you should change your WordPress URL here: https://managewp.com/blog/change-your-wordpress-login-url 

Want to change your WordPress URL, learn how to here: https://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/tips-tricks/how-to-create-a-custom-wordpress-login-url 

3. Themes can contain hidden risks

Just like plugins, themes are made by third parties. Poorly coded or outdated themes can have security flaws that hackers exploit.

Free themes from unverified sources often include malicious code hidden in the files.

Scan your website with WordFence scanner: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-themes/ 

4. Everything is in one place

With traditional WordPress, your website’s content, functionality and backend are all tied together. If attackers get access to any part of your site, they often gain access to everything else.

 

Traditional WordPress websites can work brilliantly, but their structure and reliance on plugins make them more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

If you want a safer, more reliable alternative, consider going headless. By decoupling your website, you dramatically reduce the number of ways hackers can break in and you’ll spend far less time worrying about security updates and plugin vulnerabilities.

Ready to protect your website and your reputation? Let’s have a chat about how a headless website build can give you peace of mind.