Stay Secure with Timely WordPress Updates

Recent reports indicate that three prominent WordPress plugins have fallen victim to a destructive SQL injection attack, putting over 150,000 users in harm’s way.

Thankfully, these plugins have since received essential security updates to protect businesses relying on them.

To ensure continued safety while using WordPress, we suggest implementing these simple security measures.

Additionally, with WordPress’s tumultuous history and the plethora of alternatives available, we ponder whether it’s still worth using the platform.

​​WordPress Logins Secure After Critical SQL Vulnerability Fix

As reported by a security expert at BleepingComputer, a few well-known WordPress logins fell victim to SQL injections attacks. This type of security breach enables hackers to add, remove, or inject malicious code into a website.

Thankfully, the impacted plugins – Paid Membership Pro, Easy Digital Downloads, and Survey Marker with 100,000, 50,000, and 3,000 installs respectively – were fixed by their developers in December 2022.

Now that the vulnerabilities have been remedied, companies utilizing these plugins can rest assured their sites are secure. Nevertheless, for an added layer of protection, it’s recommended to run a software update on your WordPress platform to ensure the patch is installed.

Is WordPress a Haven for Cybercriminals?

Although the recent security issue was quickly addressed, it’s not the only security setback for WordPress as of late.

The National Vulnerability Database of the U.S. government raised concerns about a vulnerability in the WordPress plugin “Popup Maker” that has over 700,000 installations.

Additionally, a new form of Linux malware has been found on the platform, with security experts estimating that the virus has been present on the site for up to three years.

According to the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, 8 out of 10 security risks faced by WordPress fall into either the “medium” or “high” risk categories (as shown in the accompanying graph).

The reason behind WordPress’s increased vulnerability to external attacks may be due to its open-source code, which makes it easier for cybercriminals to view, access, and exploit security weaknesses.

Furthermore, being one of the most popular content management systems available only adds to its appeal as a target for hackers.

Protecting Yourself while using WordPress

Despite its known weaknesses, users can take steps to minimize potential threats.

• Keep WordPress Up-to-Date – Neglecting regular updates can leave your site open to numerous dangers, including the SQL vulnerability that affected popular plugins.
• Strengthen Your Passwords – Implementing strong passwords is a proven method to secure your site from viruses. If memorizing complex codes is a challenge, consider using a password manager.
• Use Reliable Security Plugins – Not all plugins are a risk. Choose security plugins like Defender and Wordfence Security to take care of the heavy lifting for you.
• Invest in Antivirus Software – For an added layer of security, antivirus software is an effective solution for safeguarding personal and business systems.

Is WordPress the Right Choice?

WordPress is widely preferred by bloggers and publishers due to its advanced media management and block-based editing capabilities.

However, it falls short of being the best website builder when compared to other solutions such as Wix. The persistent security concerns surrounding WordPress should not be ignored, and we recommend exploring alternative options such as Weebly that offer free SSL security.

Need further guidance? Our comprehensive review of top website builders will help you determine which solution will best meet your requirements.