How a WordPress Security Scan can help to secure your website

Creating and maintaining a secure website is crucial in today’s digital landscape. With over 43% of websites using WordPress, it has become a prime target for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities. To ensure the safety of your WordPress site, it is essential to conduct regular security scans. In this article, we will explore what WordPress security scans are, why they are important, the different types of security scanners available, and how to perform a security scan on your website.

What is a WordPress Security Scan?

A WordPress security scan involves reviewing the files that power your website to identify any suspicious or harmful code placed by attackers. A complete security scan entails examining your WordPress core, which comprises the files essential for WordPress operation, your active theme, and all installed plugins to detect any potentially harmful code or security vulnerabilities. Such comprehensive scans are essential because any part of your website could potentially be compromised, making them the safest option. This scan also checks for security vulnerabilities such as weak passwords or outdated files that could leave your website exposed. By conducting a thorough security scan, you can ensure the integrity and safety of your WordPress site.

Why You Should Scan Your WordPress Site

Website security should be a top priority for any business or individual with an online presence. A successful attack on your website can have severe consequences, including leaked client data, costly repairs, and damage to your reputation. According to a 2022 FBI press release, compromised companies suffered losses of over $43 billion between June 2016 and December 2021.

The ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity makes it impossible to eliminate the risk of a successful hack entirely. Even with preventive measures in place, there is always a chance of an undetected intrusion causing ongoing damage to your website. By regularly scanning your WordPress site for security threats, you can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Types of WordPress Security Scanners

When it comes to WordPress security scanners, they are not just limited to detecting malware and spam. Different types of scanners cater to various security needs, including finding security vulnerabilities, detecting malware, and blocking malicious IPs.

Find Security Vulnerabilities

WordPress websites often rely on plugins, widgets, and other tools to enhance functionality. However, these additions can create security vulnerabilities. Outdated, infected, or vulnerable plugins and themes can compromise your website’s security. To protect your site, use a scanner that checks for these security risks and provides recommendations for addressing them.

WordPress Core Security

The WordPress core software oversees critical functions such as user accounts and authentication. It is also responsible for managing information such as:

• User IDs
• Usernames
• Passwords
• Content uploads

Without robust core security measures, your site becomes vulnerable to threats like brute force attacks and cross-scripting injections. While regular WordPress updates can mitigate many of these issues, many WordPress websites run outdated versions of the software, highlighting the importance of staying updated.

WordPress Theme Security

Themes can also introduce vulnerabilities if they are outdated, incompatible with your WordPress version, or sourced from unknown providers. It is essential to choose trusted themes and regularly update them to mitigate potential risks.

WordPress Plugins Security

While many WordPress plugins are considered safe, the iThemes vulnerability report highlights that 97.1% of security vulnerabilities stem from plugins. Plugins constitute a cornerstone of WordPress functionality, offering diverse and beneficial features. However, each plugin integrated into your site introduces potential risks such as viruses, malware, brute force attacks, unexpected site behavior, and data loss. Before incorporating a plugin, thorough research is essential given the vast selection available. It’s easy to prioritize functionality over security, but it’s crucial to strike a balance. To enhance security measures, follow these steps for each plugin:

• Review third-party provider websites
• Scrutinize plugin comments
• Explore blogs discussing plugins from unfamiliar sources
• Seek insights from the WordPress community
• Consult the WPScan Vulnerability Database

Additionally, ensure regular updates and vulnerability scans to fortify your site against emerging threats.

Detect Malware

Building a WordPress website doesn’t necessarily demand extensive technical expertise. However, without a security scanner, you might remain oblivious to potential attacks targeting your site. While some signs of intrusion, like unusual spikes in traffic or login attempts, may catch your attention, many malware infections operate discreetly. These threats might manifest on the server side or in less frequently monitored areas, eluding immediate detection. Malware poses significant risks to both your website and business operations. Hence, possessing a tool capable of scanning for and identifying malicious software becomes indispensable.

Block Malware, Viruses, and Suspicious IPs

Upon discovering malware on your WordPress site, the typical course of action involves backing up your data and eradicating the infected files. However, delaying until an attack occurs can result in detrimental effects on your business and clientele. Opting for a security scanner equipped to either remove or thwart attacks is advisable.

During your selection process, bear in mind the variety of firewalls available. While a firewall serves to safeguard your site, it can also impact user experience. For instance, the implementation of CAPTCHAs might induce user frustration and accessibility challenges. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that a firewall may not address every potential threat to your site. Collaborating with your team to implement comprehensive protection measures tailored to your unique website and business is essential.

How to Scan Your WordPress Site for Malware

Now that you understand the importance of WordPress security scans, let’s dive into how you can effectively scan your website for malware.

1. Choose a WordPress Security Scan Tool

To perform security scans on your WordPress site, you need a tool specifically designed for WordPress security. Look for reputable plugins or software that are actively maintained and address the latest security vulnerabilities. Choosing the right tool is crucial, as new security risks emerge regularly, requiring competent developers to address them promptly.

Tips for when choosing a WordPress Scan plugin:

• Check the amount of installs the plugin has – more people using a plugin suggests it can be trusted more
• Take a look at the star rating, if it’s four stars or above with a decent amount of reviews then it must be good
• Ensure you look at when the plugin was last updated, a plugin that hasn’t been touched by developers in over a year could be outdated, posing not only security risks, but bugs and more errors than what it will save your website.

2. Run Security Scans Regularly

Performing security scans on a regular basis is essential for maintaining the integrity of your WordPress site. Cybersecurity experts recommend running a full scan of your website at least once a week. The frequency of scans should increase based on the popularity and visibility of your website, as well as the type of content you store online.

3. Run Scans After Updates

After updating WordPress core, themes, or plugins, it is advisable to conduct a security scan. Updates can introduce new security risks, so scanning your site immediately after an update allows you to catch and address vulnerabilities promptly. This proactive approach helps keep your website secure and reduces the risk of exploitation.

4. Look for New Features and Tools

Most security plugins offer more than just scanning capabilities. They may provide additional features such as limiting access to your WordPress dashboard or tracking user activity. When evaluating security plugins, consider your specific security requirements beyond scanning and choose a tool that offers the features you need to protect your website effectively.

Best WordPress Security Scanners

To help you get started with WordPress security scans, we have compiled a list of the best security scanners available. These plugins offer a range of features to protect your WordPress site from various security threats.

Defender

Defender is an all-in-one security plugin for WordPress that offers both free and paid versions. It provides WordPress core malware scans, two-factor authentication (2FA), login protection, IP blocklist management, and more. The paid version, Defender Pro, offers advanced features such as security update reminders, firewall protection, and scans for plugins and themes.

Wordfence

Wordfence is a widely used security plugin known for its comprehensive protection. The free version includes malware scanning, login protection, and a powerful firewall. The premium version offers real-time malware detection updates, IP blocklists, and the ability to check if your website or IP is blocklisted.

For a more detailed comparison between the free and pro versions of Wordfence, and to find out which one is best for your website, check out this useful article.

iThemes Security

iThemes Security (also known as Solid Security) is a popular security plugin that specializes in identifying security vulnerabilities, particularly for specific industries like e-commerce. The free version offers basic security scans, login protection, spam prevention, 2FA, and more. The paid version includes advanced features such as content backup, password strength checking, and Google reCAPTCHA integration.

BulletProof Security

BulletProof Security is a plugin that emphasizes hands-on security management. The free version offers malware scanning, real-time file monitoring, error logging, and tools to modify specific files. It is recommended for experienced WordPress admins who want more control over their website’s security. The paid version provides additional features and support.

Jetpack

Jetpack is a comprehensive WordPress plugin developed by Automattic, the team behind WordPress. In addition to marketing, speed, and design tools, Jetpack offers professional security features such as automated backups, spam protection, automated malware scanning, and two-factor authentication.

All In One WP Security & Firewall

All In One WP Security & Firewall is a user-friendly security plugin with a wide range of free offerings. It provides malware scanning, login protection, database backups, and Google reCAPTCHA integration. This plugin offers a visual interface for easy management of security settings.

Intruder

Intruder is a vulnerability scanner that checks for security weaknesses and infrastructure vulnerabilities. It offers continuous security scans, integrations with popular tools like Slack and Jira, security certificate notifications, and clear advice to address security issues. The Vanguard add-on provides access to security engineers for more complex concerns.

Titan

Titan Anti-spam & Security is a freemium plugin that started as a spam-blocker and expanded into a comprehensive security plugin. The free version includes malware scanning and message/comment scanning for suspicious URLs and code. The premium version offers more thorough malware scanning and additional features such as scan scheduling and real-time IP blocklists.

Sucuri

Sucuri is well-known for its cybersecurity products and services. The free Sucuri WordPress plugin provides email alerts, WordPress core integrity checks, guides for post-hacking scenarios, and a scanner that detects malware, errors, outdated code, and blocklisting status. The plugin integrates with Sucuri’s paid security features.

Security Ninja

Security Ninja is a comprehensive security plugin that runs over 50 security checks on your WordPress site. It provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities related to login procedures, plugins, and more. The plugin also offers core scanning, country and suspicious request blocking, auto fixer features, and scheduled scanning.

Protect Your Website With a Malware Scan

In conclusion, conducting regular WordPress security scans is vital to protect your website from cyber threats. By using reputable security scanners, you can identify and address security vulnerabilities, detect malware, and block malicious IPs. Remember to choose a security scan tool specifically designed for WordPress, run scans regularly, especially after updates, and consider additional features that align with your security requirements.

By prioritizing website security and taking proactive measures, you can ensure the safety and integrity of your WordPress site, giving you peace of mind and protecting your business from potential cyber attacks.

Remember, cybersecurity should always be a top priority, and staying informed about the latest security practices is essential. Implementing regular security scans is a proactive step towards safeguarding your website and ensuring a secure online presence. It is also an on-going process, so make sure to keep coming back to your WordPress Security to be sure you stay on top of it.