Did you know that 72% of WordPress sites have experienced at least one security breach? Alarmingly, nearly half of these sites lack a recovery plan!
At WPBeginner, we continuously monitor WordPress security trends to help our users defend against evolving cyber threats. Data illustrates that most security breaches can be avoided with the right knowledge and tools. Over the years, we’ve established a reliable security strategy that includes using secure WordPress hosting, conducting regular backups, employing a content delivery network, and utilizing a password manager.
Our research highlights that these fundamental security practices have never been more crucial. We’ve compiled essential WordPress security statistics for 2025 to help you protect your WordPress site effectively.
WordPress Security Overview
For anyone managing a WordPress website, it’s critical to understand the security risks involved. Here are some striking statistics that emphasize why site security should be a priority:
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90,000 Attacks Per Minute: WordPress sites face significant assaults every minute, reflecting its popularity and large market share, making it an appealing target for cybercriminals.
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7 in 10 Sites Breached: A staggering 70% of WordPress sites report experiencing at least one security incident, illustrating that no site is immune to attacks. This statistic underscores the necessity for a solid backup strategy.
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Daily Hacks: Approximately 13,000 WordPress websites are hacked each day, culminating in around 4.7 million annual breaches.
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Outdated Software: Over 60% of hacked WordPress sites were running outdated software, highlighting the importance of regular updates.
Common Security Vulnerabilities and Threats
Understanding where WordPress vulnerabilities often lie is essential:
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Plugin Vulnerabilities: 90% of security risks originate from plugins, not the WordPress core. This indicates the importance of selecting the right plugins from reputable sources.
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Free Plugin Risks: About 91% of third-party vulnerabilities arise from free plugins, with premium ones representing only around 9%.
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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): XSS attacks account for 47% of all WordPress vulnerabilities, involving the injection of malicious code.
Malware and Attack Patterns
Many hackers leverage similar patterns to breach WordPress sites:
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Malicious Files: In the past year, over 1 million WordPress sites showed signs of malicious files, which hackers can inject through various vulnerabilities.
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Time to Breach: Hackers often spend 88% of their time attempting to break into sites, demonstrating the extent of the threat and reinforcing the need for robust defenses.
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SEO Spam: Over 234,000 websites are targeted by SEO spam attacks, where hackers inject spam content to manipulate search engine rankings.
eCommerce Security Trends
Online stores, particularly those utilizing WooCommerce, face unique security challenges:
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80% of eCommerce Sites Vulnerable: Many online stores possess suspicious security issues that could be exploited by hackers.
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Increase in Promotion Abuse: Over half of eCommerce sites have witnessed an uptick in promotion abuses, such as exploitative coupon code use.
Website Protection Practices
There are notable gaps in the protective measures deployed by WordPress site owners:
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Automatic Updates: 70% of WordPress sites do not enable automatic updates, leaving them vulnerable to known security issues.
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Password Strength: A significant number of sites do not enforce strong passwords, with 41% lacking this necessary measure.
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HTTPS Connection: 17% of websites do not redirect users to a secure HTTPS connection, exposing sensitive information to possible interception.
Security Management and Response
It’s crucial for WordPress users to consider how they address their security needs:
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In-House Management: 45% manage their security in-house, while the rest seek professional services.
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Monitoring Confidence: 86% of users who monitor their site activity are confident in their ability to detect security threats.
AI in Cybersecurity
AI technology is beginning to play a significant role in enhancing online security:
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Faster Breach Detection: Sites utilizing AI for detection can identify breaches 100 days more quickly than those without.
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Cost Savings: Organizations using AI for security save an average of $1.88 million per data breach.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of WordPress security can be daunting, but awareness and the right practices can significantly mitigate risks. By employing sound security strategies, you can protect your site against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
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