How Secure is Your Website? A Stark Reminder for WordPress Users

As a business owner, you’re responsible for the security of your website. Yet, many people overlook this until it’s too late. Recent insights from Patchstack’s latest report highlight the severity of vulnerabilities, especially for websites built on WordPress—a platform that powers nearly half of the internet. If you rely on WordPress for your website, it’s crucial that you take action now.

The Alarming Rise in Vulnerabilities

In the past year, vulnerabilities within WordPress platforms have seen a dramatic rise, with a particular surge in Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities now account for over half of all newly identified threats. If exploited, XSS vulnerabilities can allow attackers to inject malicious code into your website, potentially giving them access to sensitive data or compromising your visitors' information.

But the risks don’t stop there. The Freemius framework, a widely used component across many WordPress plugins, is responsible for 21% of the vulnerabilities in the ecosystem. With over 7 million websites relying on plugins built with this framework, a single vulnerability can cascade through the supply chain, affecting thousands of websites.

Zombie Plugins and Theme Abandonment

The problem of abandoned plugins and themes is another worrying development. “Zombie plugins”—outdated, unmaintained components—continue to exist on many websites, increasing the risk of exploitation. It’s crucial that businesses don’t overlook this. Without regular updates, these plugins can leave gaping holes in your security, putting your website, data, and reputation at serious risk.

The report found that high and critical vulnerabilities skyrocketed to 42.9%, compared to just 13% the previous year. These critical flaws, if left unaddressed, can enable attackers to access sensitive business information or even take control of your site.

If your website runs on WordPress, you can’t afford to be complacent. Here are some steps you can take to protect your business:

1. Regularly Update Your Website: Ensure that all plugins, themes, and WordPress itself are up to date. This helps close security gaps.
2. Audit Your Plugins: Remove any unmaintained or unused plugins to reduce potential attack surfaces.
3. Consider Alternatives to WordPress: Although WordPress is a popular platform, it’s not the only option. By developing your website outside of WordPress, you can reduce your reliance on plugins and avoid the risks posed by these vulnerabilities.
4. Monitor for Vulnerabilities: Use security tools that monitor and alert you to vulnerabilities in your website’s components.

The Bottom Line

The responsibility of keeping your website secure lies with you. While WordPress remains a powerful platform, the increasing number of vulnerabilities and the rise of zombie plugins are clear indicators that businesses must be proactive. Whether you manage your website yourself or through a web development partner, regular updates and security checks are essential.

By making smart choices—like reducing plugin dependency or even moving away from WordPress altogether—you can significantly reduce your risks and ensure your business remains protected from online threats.

Is Your Website Secure? It’s Time to Find Out.Don’t wait until it’s too late. Act now and protect your business from the growing threat landscape.