If my WordPress website is regularly being hacked with shells appearing, what should I do? I believe this is due to the new hosting service I switched to a few months ago as my previous host did not have this issue.
Despite regularly updating all plugins and hiring a professional to secure the website and patch any vulnerabilities, the problem has persisted. Is there a reliable antivirus or protection against hacking that could help?
There are no antivirus programs that are permanent, as there can be scripts on hosting. Vulnerabilities can be present in WordPress, plugins, and particularly the theme. If the theme is outdated and has additional features, it is more likely that hackers can gain access through it. In reality, the server's vulnerability is not the most significant factor to consider, unless it has a self-created panel and allows any user access to another user's data. However, such hosting providers usually do not persist in the market.
Here are some ways to protect a WordPress site from hacking:
1. Use complex passwords
Simple passwords can be easily guessed by attackers, so it's essential to create complex passwords with a minimum of 8 characters that include numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters. It is also crucial to change your passwords periodically, especially if your website has already been hacked.
2. Ensure the current version of WordPress, a secure template and minimum plugins
Ensure your website's scripts, including WordPress scripts, templates, and plugins, do not initially contain malicious scripts or vulnerabilities. Always download WordPress from the official site, avoid using free templates, and use the minimum number of plugins possible. Keep everything updated and remove anything that's unnecessary.
3. Change the administrator login
Change the default administrator login to a more complex one to make it more challenging for attackers to guess your username with administrative rights. You can do this via the database using phpMyAdmin.
It's crucial to scrutinize the security measures provided by your hosting service. Evaluate if the hosting provider offers regular malware scans, firewall protection, and intrusion detection systems. It's essential to have a hosting service that prioritizes security and implements proactive measures to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Next, conduct a thorough security audit of your WordPress installation. This includes reviewing all installed themes and plugins to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. Some plugins or themes may have security loopholes that hackers exploit, so it's essential to stay vigilant and ensure that all software components are up to date and free from known security issues.
Consider investing in a reputable security plugin for WordPress. Look for features such as real-time malware scanning, file integrity monitoring, and blacklist monitoring. These tools can actively monitor and protect your website from malicious activities.
Additionally, implement two-factor authentication for an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access. This adds an additional step to the login process, making it more challenging for hackers to gain access even if they have obtained login credentials.
Assess the strength of your admin and FTP passwords. Ensure that they are complex and unique, incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly updating and changing these passwords is also essential to prevent unauthorized access.
Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices is vital. Consider subscribing to security blogs, attending webinars, or consulting with cybersecurity experts to stay updated on emerging threats and effective security strategies.
Regularly backing up your website is critical. In the event of a successful hack, having recent backups allows you to restore your website to a clean state, minimizing the impact of a security breach.
Addressing the security of your hosting service, WordPress installation, and implementing additional security measures through reputable plugins, strong passwords, and staying informed about cybersecurity best practices is crucial to bolster the protection of your website against hacking attempts. By taking a proactive and multi-faceted approach to security, you can significantly reduce the risk of future hacking incidents.
Audit your database for SQL injection vectors and obsolete endpoints allowing cross-site scripting payloads - those are goldmines for attackers dropping remote access Trojans. Enabling opcode caching via APC can mitigate performance-based DoS, but for persistent webshells, integrate a next-gen WAF with custom rulesets blocking known signatures of shell uploads.
Migrate to a VPS with SELinux enforced to contain breaches, and employ automated scanning for malware footprints using ClamAV or similar. Sidestep iffy third-party plugins by vetting them through Sucuri's repository; if hiring pros didn't cut it, escalate to penetration testing firms specializing in WordPress forensics.
Fundamentally, your hosting's lack of intrusion prevention is the root cause—demand refunds and switch to enterprises with HIPAA-compliant security stacks.