WordPress powers 43% of the internet, which makes it the most targeted platform for hackers. Indian websites are frequently targeted — both for data theft and to use your server to send spam. The good news: basic security measures prevent 99% of attacks. This guide covers everything you need.
Most Common Ways WordPress Sites Get Hacked
- Weak passwords: \”password123\” or your name + birth year won\’t protect you
- Outdated plugins and themes: Every update fixes security vulnerabilities
- Nulled (pirated) plugins: These often contain malware — never use them
- Brute force attacks: Bots try thousands of password combinations automatically
- Compromised hosting: Cheap shared hosting can mean your neighbour\’s hack affects you
10 Security Steps Every WordPress Site Needs
- Use a strong, unique password — minimum 16 characters, stored in a password manager
- Enable two-factor authentication — install the \”Two Factor\” plugin (free)
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated — check weekly
- Delete unused themes and plugins — they\’re attack vectors even if inactive
- Install Wordfence Security — the best free WordPress security plugin
- Change the default admin username — never use \”admin\” as your username
- Limit login attempts — Wordfence handles this automatically
- Use HTTPS — free with Hostinger and most good hosts
- Take regular backups — UpdraftPlus backs up to Google Drive for free
- Hide the WordPress version number — add to functions.php: remove_action(\’wp_head\’, \’wp_generator\’)
What to Do If Your Site Gets Hacked
Don\’t panic. Steps to recover:
- Restore from your most recent clean backup
- Change all passwords (WordPress admin, hosting, FTP, database)
- Scan with Wordfence and remove any detected malware
- Contact your hosting support — Hostinger and SiteGround offer free malware removal
- Check Google Search Console for any security warnings
