WordPress is one of the most actively maintained platforms in the world and an enormous community of developers and specialists stands behind its security. The myth that "WordPress is insecure" is one of the most widespread — but the reality is different. WordPress core includes mechanisms to protect against common vulnerabilities, and the most serious risks in practice come from unupdated themes and plugins, weak passwords, lack of 2FA, cracked software and human error.
In this article we look at the most common WordPress security risks, best practices and recommendations based on the expert perspective of Atanas Yonkov — WordPress developer and web consultant, creator of digital agency Nasio Themes, specialised in WordPress theme and plugin development. The recommendations he provides are actions he takes daily when managing and maintaining client sites.
Is WordPress Insecure?
"WordPress is insecure" is a widespread myth that does not match reality. WordPress core is not inferior in security to other CMS systems, and requires fewer resources to secure compared to custom solutions, which demand a larger budget, time and developer expertise. Security is one of the most strictly monitored aspects of WordPress development. The platform includes core-level protections against all known vulnerability classes — XSS, SQL injection, CSRF and others.
Is WordPress More Secure Than Other Platforms?
This question has no simple answer. The main competitors today are SaaS platforms like Shopify, Wix and Webflow. These provide a closed, managed service — convenient but limited. With SaaS, the provider handles security updates for you. This sounds great, but it does not automatically guarantee safety. In 2020, Shopify merchant login data was compromised. In 2016, a Wix vulnerability left millions of sites exposed. SaaS gives convenience and an illusion of security but limited customisation. WordPress as open-source software gives you unlimited flexibility and full control — but with freedom comes more responsibility.
Common User Security Mistakes
Computer and Network Vulnerabilities
If your computer or network is compromised, attackers can capture credentials and gain access to your WordPress site regardless of how secure the site itself is. Keep your OS, browser and antivirus updated. Use a VPN on public networks.
Weak Passwords
Weak or reused passwords remain the leading cause of account compromises. Use a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for every account.
Plug-and-Play Mentality
Installing a plugin and forgetting about it is extremely common. Unmaintained plugins accumulate security vulnerabilities. Regularly audit your installed plugins and remove those you no longer use or that have not been updated in over 12 months.
The Lazy Administrator
Delaying updates, ignoring security notifications and using a single admin account for everything are common pitfalls. Separate roles, enable notifications and act on security alerts promptly.
Using Unlicensed Software
Nulled (pirated) themes and plugins are a primary vector for malware distribution. They often contain backdoors inserted by the distributor. Never use software from unofficial sources.
Phishing Scams
Phishing emails impersonating your hosting provider, registrar or WordPress itself can trick you into surrendering credentials. Always verify the sender address and access your accounts directly through your browser.
Common WordPress Vulnerabilities
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS attacks inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. WordPress core defends against XSS, but poorly coded plugins or themes can introduce this vulnerability. Only use plugins from reputable sources with active maintenance.
SQL Injections
SQL injection attacks manipulate database queries to extract or modify data. WordPress uses prepared statements by default, but vulnerable plugins can bypass these protections. A WAF provides an additional layer of protection.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CSRF attacks trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions. WordPress includes nonce-based CSRF protection. Keep WordPress updated to ensure these protections remain current.
Best Practices for WordPress Security
1. Update WordPress, Themes and Plugins
This is the single most impactful action you can take. Set up automatic updates for minor WordPress releases and security patches. Review and apply major updates manually after testing.
2. Regular Backups
Daily automated backups stored off-site are non-negotiable. Atanas recommends testing backup restores quarterly to verify they actually work when needed.
3. Use Licensed Software Only
Every theme and plugin should be from a legitimate source. The risk of a malware infection from a nulled plugin far outweighs the cost of a legitimate licence.
4. Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password) to generate and store unique passwords. Different passwords for every account — WordPress admin, hosting, registrar, email.
5. Enable 2FA
Two-factor authentication on your WordPress admin account is essential. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA prevents access without the second factor.
6. Use VPS Hosting
Atanas recommends VPS hosting for serious projects — it provides isolated resources and better security boundaries compared to shared hosting. Jump.BG's managed VPS plans include CloudLinux (user isolation via CageFS) and Imunify360 as standard.
7. Use Cloudflare
Cloudflare's free plan provides DDoS protection, a WAF, bot filtering and IP reputation blocking. It acts as a reverse proxy, hiding your server's real IP address and absorbing attacks before they reach your hosting.
8. Additional Protective Measures
- Change the default admin username from "admin" to something unique;
- Disable XML-RPC if not needed;
- Set correct file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories);
- Add security headers via .htaccess;
- Protect wp-config.php;
- Limit login attempts.
9. Use a Security Plugin
A security plugin consolidates many of the above protections in one interface. Atanas recommends Wordfence (comprehensive, with a strong free version) or iThemes Security for their balance of features and usability.
Conclusion
WordPress is not inherently insecure — it is a powerful platform that, when properly maintained and configured, is highly resistant to attack. The vast majority of compromised WordPress sites were exploited due to preventable causes: outdated software, weak passwords, nulled plugins or neglected maintenance. By following Atanas Yonkov's recommendations — updates, backups, licensed software, strong passwords, 2FA, quality hosting and Cloudflare — you can maintain a genuinely secure WordPress site without the need for deep technical expertise.
