Top 10 WordPress Security Mistakes You're Probably Making in 2025

Source: Dev.to

Top 10 WordPress Security Mistakes in 2025

WordPress powers over 40 % of the web, but that popularity makes it a prime target for hackers. In 2025, attacks are more sophisticated than ever—AI‑driven brute force, zero‑day exploits, and supply‑chain attacks are on the rise. Below are the top 10 security mistakes most WordPress users still make—and how to fix them immediately.

1. Weak admin credentials

Problem: Using usernames like “admin” with passwords such as “123456” is still common. Brute‑force tools can crack these in minutes.

Fix:

• Use passwords that are at least 16 characters long and include symbols.
• Enable two‑factor authentication (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy).

2. Outdated software

Problem: Outdated core, plugins, and themes account for a large share of hacks (WPScan statistics).

Fix:

• Enable auto‑updates for WordPress core and minor releases.
• Manually review and test major updates before applying them.

3. Installing nulled or untrusted plugins/themes

Problem: Nulled plugins often contain backdoors and malware.

Fix:

• Install only from the official WordPress.org repository or trusted marketplaces.
• Verify the reputation and update frequency of any third‑party extensions.

4. Default login URL

Problem: Bots target the default /wp-login.php URL millions of times daily.

Fix:

• Change the login URL using plugins such as WPS Hide Login or iThemes Security.

5. No off‑site backups

Problem: When ransomware strikes, a lack of off‑site backups can lead to total data loss.

Fix:

• Use backup solutions like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup with off‑site storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
• Schedule regular automated backups and test restoration procedures.

6. Insecure file permissions

Problem: Permissions set to 777 allow anyone to write files, creating a serious security risk.

Fix:

• Set directories to 755 and files to 644.
• Protect wp-config.php with 600 permissions.

7. No web application firewall (WAF)

Problem: Without a firewall, attacks can reach the server directly.

Fix:

• Deploy a WAF such as Cloudflare (free tier) or security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.

8. Theme/Plugin editor enabled

Problem: Hackers can use the Appearance → Theme Editor to inject malicious code.

Fix: Add the following line to wp-config.php:

<?php
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

9. Lack of monitoring for file changes

Problem: Many site owners don’t realize they’ve been hacked until Google flags the site.

Fix:

• Enable file‑change alerts in security plugins (e.g., Wordfence).
• For multi‑site environments, consider centralized monitoring tools like MainWP.

10. Assuming size protects you from bots

Problem: Automated bots scan millions of sites daily, regardless of site size.

Fix: Implement the security measures above; they collectively block over 90 % of common attacks. Regular security audits are essential for complete protection.