With over 43% of all websites on the internet built using WordPress, it’s no surprise that the platform is a favorite target for cybercriminals. While its flexibility, massive plugin ecosystem, and ease of use make it a go-to CMSfor businesses and developers, its popularity also presents an enticing opportunity for hackers.

Recent research and incident response investigations—including those conducted by digiALERT—have highlighted a concerning trend: compromised WordPress sites are being weaponized to distribute malware, steal sensitive data, host phishing pages, and manipulate SEO rankings. These threats not only compromise data integrity but also damage brand reputation and customer trust.

This blog dives into the most pressing threats facing WordPress sites today, the tactics hackers are using, and practical steps businesses can take to stay ahead of the attackers.

Why WordPress Is in the Crosshairs

WordPress powers everything from personal blogs to major corporate websites. Its open-source nature and massive ecosystem make it versatile—but also vulnerable. A recent report from Sucuri found that 96.2% of all infected CMS-based websites in 2024 were running WordPress. That’s an alarmingly disproportionate figure, highlighting the need for urgent attention.

Additionally, Patchstack’s 2024 annual report revealed that 93% of WordPress security flaws stem from third-party plugins and themes, not the core WordPress software. At digiALERT, we’ve recorded a 30% spike in WordPress-related security incidents in Q2 2025 alone. These include targeted phishing campaigns, plugin exploits, SEO spam, and credential-based takeovers.

The Top WordPress Attack Vectors in 2025

Let’s explore the key attack methods that hackers are using to compromise WordPress websites—and what you can do to defend against them.

1. Plugin Vulnerabilities: The Weakest Link

Over 60% of WordPress breaches originate from vulnerable or outdated plugins. Many of these plugins are developed by third parties who may not follow security best practices. When these plugins are not updated, they create serious holes in your website’s defense.

Some of the most common plugin-based attacks include:

• Code injection
• File upload vulnerabilities
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Remote code execution (RCE)

Security Tip:

Keep your plugins updated. Remove any unused or abandoned plugins and consider installing security tools like WPScan or using digiALERT’s digital risk monitoring to receive real-time alerts about vulnerable assets.

2. Stolen Credentials and Brute Force Attacks

Weak, reused, or default passwords are among the biggest reasons WordPress sites get hacked. According to industry studies, nearly 39% of WordPress compromises are related to stolen credentials.

Hackers commonly use automated bots to carry out brute-force attacks, testing thousands of username-password combinations per minute. If your site lacks proper rate-limiting or multi-factor authentication (MFA), it’s only a matter of time before access is gained.

Security Tip:

Use complex, unique passwords for every admin account. Enable MFA and consider plugins like Loginizer to limit login attempts. Disabling XML-RPC if not used can also block some brute-force vectors.

3. Phishing Campaigns on Compromised WordPress Sites

One alarming trend we’ve observed at digiALERT is the use of hacked WordPress sites as phishing infrastructure. Rather than deploying new domains (which may be flagged by firewalls), attackers leverage legitimate, already-indexed WordPress sites to host fake login pages mimicking banks, social platforms, or email services.

These phishing campaigns harvest login credentials, credit card information, and more.

Security Tip:

Deploy file change monitoring tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to detect unauthorized modifications. Monitor your domain reputation and scan for new or altered pages that could be phishing traps.

4. SEO Spam (Search Engine Poisoning)

SEO spam is a more covert but highly damaging attack vector. In this type of breach, hackers inject spammy keywords, pharma ads, or cloaked pages into your WordPress database or files. The goal is to hijack your search rankings and drive traffic to fraudulent sites.

This tactic often goes unnoticed for weeks or months, but search engines like Google can quickly blacklist your domain if they detect spammy behavior.

Security Tip:

Monitor your Google Search Console regularly for unknown pages or foreign-language content. Use malware scanning tools and manually inspect your sitemaps and site index.

How digiALERT Helps Businesses Stay Secure

At digiALERT, we understand that securing your digital presence isn’t just about reactive patching—it’s about proactive monitoring and early detection.

We offer a comprehensive WordPress security suite that includes:

• Real-time vulnerability intelligence on plugins and themes
• Automated malware and file change detection
• Blacklist and SEO reputation monitoring
• Credential breach tracking
• Custom hardening and firewall implementation
• 24/7 digital risk monitoring dashboard

Our security analysts work closely with clients across industries to reduce exposure and eliminate threats before they escalate.

“Real-time digital risk visibility isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a baseline requirement in today’s threat landscape,” says one of digiALERT’s senior security analysts.

Security Checklist for WordPress Site Owners

Here’s a practical checklist you can use to harden your WordPress website against common attack vectors:

• Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date
• Delete inactive plugins and themes
• Use strong, unique admin passwords and enable MFA
• Restrict login attempts and IP ranges
• Regularly back up your site and test your restore process
• Install a reputable security plugin (e.g., Wordfence, iThemes, or Sucuri)
• Enable HTTPS and use a valid SSL certificate
• Monitor logs and scan your site for unauthorized changes
• Disable file editing from the dashboard
• Conduct vulnerability assessments every quarter
• Partner with a digital security firm like digiALERT for continuous protection

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore WordPress Security

Many site owners only take security seriously after a breach—often after data loss, reputational damage, or business disruption. But the truth is, most WordPress attacks are entirely preventable with proper hygiene, monitoring, and response plans.

Security is not a one-time project. It’s a continuous process that evolves with the threat landscape. And when your business depends on digital trust, even a single vulnerability can have outsized consequences.

Final Thoughts: Secure Before You’re Compromised

If your website is built on WordPress, now is the time to assess your security posture. The rising wave of cyberattacks targeting this platform isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. You don’t need to be the next headline.

Let digiALERT help you detect, defend, and recover faster.

Call to Action

Is your WordPress site secure?

• Follow digiALERT for real-time threat intelligence and expert cybersecurity insights
• Connect with VinodSenthil — cybersecurity evangelist & CEO of digiALERT

Comment below: Have you experienced a WordPress breach? What did you learn from it?