WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, and it’s easy to see why. It’s beginner-friendly, highly customizable, and comes with thousands of themes and plugins that help you create the perfect site, whether you’re running a blog, portfolio, or online business. But while plugins offer powerful features with just a few clicks, they also bring a major risk you shouldn’t ignore. According to recent studies, 97% of security breaches exploit WordPress plugins. That’s an alarming number, and it means most website owners are unknowingly vulnerable to attacks.
Hackers are constantly scanning the web for outdated or poorly coded plugins, using them as entry points to inject malware, steal sensitive data, or hijack websites completely. The good news? These threats are preventable, but only if you know what to look for and take action quickly.
In this post, we’ll explain why plugins are so commonly exploited and how to secure your website before it’s too late.
Why Do 97% of Security Breaches Exploit WordPress Plugins?
Such a figure is insane, yet it is factual that 97 percent of security breaches involve the use of the WordPress plugin, mostly due to outdated versions, bad coding, and the inability to monitor it. Considering that there are more than 60,000 plugins in the WordPress repository (not to mention those that are premium and third-party), it is certain that some of them have weak spots.
Hackers usually look at websites to see the common exploits in the famous plugins. When they come across one that is usable, but outdated or having poor maintenance, they utilize it to install malware, steal information, redirect to some other site, or even have complete control over your site.
And here is the kicker. The interesting part is that most owners of sites are oblivious even to the fact that their sites have been hacked. That is why it is important to do something now and not ignore the security of your site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Secure WordPress Plugins
Now that we have this knowledge that 97 percent of security breaches are made by exploiting WordPress Plugins, it is time we do something. This is how you can secure your plugins and make your site secure:
1. Update Plugins Regularly
Hacking old plugins is a dream for a hacker. The majority of vulnerabilities are because of old versions that patching of developers have patched, but the users have not applied them.
You should always set a habit to check the updates every week. Better still, enable auto-update of trusted plugins.
2. Use Only Trusted Plugins
Not every plugin is the same. There are badly coded and abandoned codes. In advance of a plugin installation:
- Read the reviews and ratings.
- The last updated date is shown.
- Support forums are to be active.
- Stay away from things that are not within the 6-month update.
3. Limit Plugin Usage
Every plugin you install increases your site’s risk surface. If you have 20 plugins, that’s 20 possible entry points. Additionally, stick to essential plugins only. If you’re no longer using one, delete it (not just deactivate it).
4. Install a Security Plugin
A good security plugin acts like your website’s personal bodyguard. It monitors suspicious activity, blocks brute force attacks, and alerts you to potential threats.
Top picks:
- Wordfence
- Sucuri
- iThemes Security
Just make sure you don’t use multiple security plugins at once; they may conflict and slow down your site.
5. Backup Your Website
Even with the best security, things can go wrong. A recent backup ensures you can recover quickly. Automate daily backups and store them in a secure location (cloud or external server).
6. Remove Inactive Plugins
Inactive plugins can still be exploited. If you’re not using it, delete it. However, think of inactive plugins as unlocked windows in your house. Just because they’re not open doesn’t mean someone can’t break in.
Advanced Tips to Keep Your Plugins Secure
If you’re serious about staying ahead of hackers, go the extra mile:
- Use a staging site to test plugin updates before pushing them live.
- Restrict admin access and assign user roles wisely.
- Moreover, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin login.
- Scan your website regularly for malware or suspicious files.
Thus, by doing all this, you’re not just patching cracks, you’re building a solid wall against threats.
How One Business Got Hacked
One small e-commerce store used a popular plugin that hadn’t been updated in over a year. They didn’t think much of it until they noticed strange redirects and a sudden drop in traffic. A security scan revealed malicious code injected through the outdated plugin. The result? They lost customer trust, had to rebuild the site, and spent weeks fixing the damage.
So, don’t let this happen to you. Especially now that you know that 97% of security breaches exploit WordPress plugins, it’s better to prevent than to recover.
Your Website Deserves Better
A secure website means:
- Trust from visitors
- Protection from data theft
- Better SEO rankings
- Peace of mind
So, ignoring plugin updates is like neglecting a “Check Engine” light in your car. Sooner or later, it’s going to break down.
Final Thoughts
The stat doesn’t lie: 97% of security breaches exploit WordPress plugins. However, the good news is that most of these attacks are preventable. All it takes is awareness, regular maintenance, and smart decisions. Remember, plugin convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your website’s safety. Take action today, and your site will thank you tomorrow.
If you’ve made it this far, go ahead and audit your plugins right now. Start with updates, remove what you don’t need, and install a security plugin if you haven’t already. Because when it comes to WordPress security, prevention is way cheaper than a cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I update my WordPress plugins?
Ideally, check for updates weekly. You can also enable auto-updates for reliable plugins. Never delay updates; hackers are fast to exploit known vulnerabilities.
2. Is it safe to use free plugins?
Yes, but only if they are from the official WordPress repository and regularly updated. Always read reviews and confirm they’re compatible with your version of WordPress.
3. What should I do if my website gets hacked through a plugin?
First, run a full malware scan using a tool like Wordfence. Then, restore your site using a clean backup. Finally, remove the compromised plugin and change all admin passwords.
