BusinessDEVELOPMENTWeb Design
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites globally, making it a prime target for hackers. From small business websites in Switzerland to international eCommerce stores, no WordPress site is immune.
Cyberattacks are increasing every year, and most successful attacks happen not because WordPress is insecure — but because websites are poorly maintained.
1. Why WordPress Websites Get Hacked
Hackers don’t randomly choose targets. They exploit vulnerabilities such as:
Outdated WordPress core files
Vulnerable plugins or themes
Weak passwords
No firewall protection
Cheap or insecure hosting
Lack of backups
Swiss businesses often assume their websites are “too small” to be attacked — but automated bots scan millions of websites daily.
2. Keep WordPress Core, Plugins & Themes Updated
Outdated software is the #1 cause of WordPress hacks.
Every update includes:
Security patches
Bug fixes
Performance improvements
Best practices:
Enable automatic WordPress updates
Remove unused plugins and themes
Update plugins weekly
Avoid nulled or pirated plugins
A single outdated plugin can compromise your entire website.
3. Use Strong Login Credentials & User Roles
Weak passwords make hacking easy.
Secure your login by:
Using strong passwords (12+ characters)
Avoiding “admin” as a username
Limiting admin access
Assigning correct user roles
Use password managers to generate secure passwords and never reuse them across platforms.
4. Install a Reliable WordPress Security Plugin
Security plugins act as your first line of defense.
Recommended security features:
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Malware scanning
Login attempt limits
File integrity monitoring
Real-time alerts
Popular trusted plugins:
Wordfence
Sucuri Security
iThemes Security
A properly configured security plugin can block 90% of automated attacks.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker steals your password, they cannot log in without:
Mobile authentication app
Email verification
SMS code
This is essential for:
Admin users
Editors
Online stores
Membership websites
For Swiss businesses handling sensitive data, 2FA is no longer optional.
6. Secure Your Hosting Environment
Your hosting provider plays a massive role in website security.
Choose hosting that offers:
Server-level firewalls
Malware scanning
DDoS protection
Daily backups
Isolated accounts
Cheap shared hosting often leads to cross-site infections.
Investing in quality hosting saves money in the long run.
7. Use SSL & HTTPS Everywhere
SSL encryption protects data transferred between your website and users.
Benefits include:
Secure data transmission
Increased trust
Improved Google rankings
Browser security warnings removed
Google prioritizes HTTPS websites, and browsers now mark non-SSL sites as “Not Secure. Every business website should have SSL — especially eCommerce and contact forms.
8. Set Up Automatic Backups
Backups are your safety net. If your website is hacked, backups allow you to restore everything quickly.
Backup best practices:
Daily automated backups
Store backups offsite
Test backup restores
Keep multiple versions
Tools like UpdraftPlus or server-level backups work best. Without backups, recovery becomes expensive and stressful.
9. Protect Your Website from Brute Force Attacks
Brute force attacks attempt thousands of login combinations per minute.
Prevent this by:
Limiting login attempts
Blocking suspicious IP addresses
Changing default login URLs
Using CAPTCHA on login pages
Security plugins handle this automatically when configured correctly.
10. Monitor Your Website Continuously
Security is not a one-time task.
You need:
File change monitoring
Activity logs
Uptime alerts
Malware scanning
Early detection prevents major damage.
Monitoring ensures problems are resolved before customers notice.
FAQs: WordPress Website Security
1. Is WordPress secure for business websites?
Yes, WordPress is secure when properly maintained and configured. Most security issues come from outdated plugins, weak passwords, or poor hosting. With the right setup, WordPress is safe for businesses of all sizes.
2. Why do hackers target WordPress websites?
WordPress is widely used, making it a common target for automated attacks. Hackers scan for known vulnerabilities rather than targeting specific businesses. Even small websites are at risk.
3. How often should I update my WordPress website?
Updates should be checked weekly and applied immediately for security patches. Regular updates fix vulnerabilities and improve performance. Delayed updates increase hacking risks.
4. Do security plugins actually protect WordPress websites?
Yes, trusted security plugins add firewalls, malware scanning, and login protection. They block most automated attacks when configured correctly. However, they work best alongside secure hosting and backups.
5. Can strong passwords alone prevent hacking?
Strong passwords reduce risk but are not enough by themselves. Hackers also exploit plugin and server vulnerabilities. A layered security approach is always required.
