WordPress is among the most popular platforms for nonprofits, with 60% of nonprofit organizations using it as their preferred content management system (CMS).
Like other popular platforms, WordPress has security risks. Fortunately, these risks can be easily mitigated with best practices. Simple methods like using a security plugin and strong passwords make securing your website easier than ever.
This article walks you through what you need to know about WordPress security and how to better protect your WordPress website.
WordPress Security Issues
Due to its popularity, WordPress is often a target for cyberattacks. Fortunately, this risk is not from WordPress itself or even themes. In 2022, no WordPress core vulnerabilities posed an immediate risk to its users. Most attacks occur from plugin vulnerabilities or poor user security.
Plugins are designed to extend your site’s functionality, like accepting online donations or adding a calendar of events. There are lots of free and paid plugins available, created by developers across the globe. Sometimes, these plugins will be subject to cyberattacks, and you may be at risk if you have them on your site.
Some plugins and themes can be malicious, but you can eliminate such issues by using reputable plugins. Also, avoid using nulled plugins and themes. Nulled products are pirated copies of premium WordPress products and can be found online. However, there are many reasons you shouldn’t use them – one of those reasons being security. Nulled plugins and themes are notorious for containing malicious code and malware. You could lose your data and website, hurting relationships with donors.
On the other hand, poor user security can compromise WordPress websites. For example, if a site admin has a weak password, that password may be cracked as part of a brute-force attack. However, user security is not exclusive to WordPress — attackers can use compromised credentials on any website or platform.
WordPress vs. Other Platforms
Vulnerabilities can occur anywhere on the Internet, not just WordPress. Many third-party platforms, such as SaaS tools, are also subject to cyberattacks and data breaches.
In 2023, DonorView, a cloud-based fundraising software solution, experienced a major data breach. Almost 1 million records were exposed, some containing sensitive donor information. Blackbaud, another SaaS provider for nonprofits, experienced a ransomware attack that exposed personal information and customer data in 2020.
All platforms pose a risk, but WordPress makes it much easier to reduce yours. Plus, when you use a WordPress website, you own your data and content. This ownership means you won’t have to worry about another platform giving away donor data, putting it at risk, or holding it from you should you ever leave the platform.
How to Secure Your WordPress Website
Despite potential security issues, WordPress is fairly simple to secure. All you need to do is follow these tips and best practices.
Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated and Limited
Vulnerabilities often occur in outdated software. Many developers will patch vulnerabilities with an update, but you will not receive this protection if you don’t update WordPress, your theme, or your plugins.
Check regularly for updates and implement them when you can. You can also learn about vulnerabilities by subscribing to the weekly vulnerability report from SolidWP.
In addition to updating your tools, try to keep them to a minimum. Deactivate themes and plugins you do not use or need. Doing so will help minimize your risk of malicious attacks.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak passwords are easily compromised and should be avoided. Use strong passwords with multiple letters, numbers, and symbols. Stay away from passwords with clear words or phrases, as they are probably already in compromised databases. You can check your password for free by going to Have I Been Pwned.
You should also use unique passwords for every login – including your WordPress website. Use the suggested password WordPress offers, or use a password manager like 1Password to store and suggest unique passwords.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication
Instead of just using a password, you can strengthen login security by requiring another unique code, plus a username and password. This extra layer of security makes it harder for hackers to access your account and website.
Two-factor authentication is usually enabled with an authentication app, SMS message, or email. A security plugin can help enable this on your WordPress website.
Understand Social Engineering
Social engineering is the most commonly used tactic by hackers to obtain your information. Social engineering comes in many forms, like phishing or pretexting. Understanding these attacks and how to lessen the risk to your nonprofit organization is important.
Explore free tools from KnowBe4 and more security tools from TechSoup to learn more about social engineering.
Use SSL
Nearly every website online uses HTTPS or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Thanks to services like Let’s Encrypt, which provides free SSL certificates, it is easy to ensure your site is secure. SSL certificates help protect user data from attackers by encrypting the data. This type of security further minimizes risk and builds trust with donors.
If you already have a WordPress site, you can check if it uses encrypted SSL connections by visiting the home page. If the home page URL begins with https://, your site uses SSL. If it begins with http://, you should obtain an SSL certificate.
Use a Security Plugin
Starting with these tips can help you secure your website. To make it easier, try a WordPress security plugin. A good plugin will help protect you from brute force attacks, plugin vulnerabilities, and more. For example, Solid Security can help you implement two-factor authentication.
Try WordPress for Safe, Effective Fundraising
WordPress is a popular solution for nonprofit websites. It may have security issues, but these are easily managed with good security practices and a security plugin like Solid Security. Overall, WordPress is a great choice for fundraising. It’s flexible, robust, and cost-effective. It also provides a sense of community and strong donor experience.
Plus, WordPress allows you to use a strong fundraising solution like GiveWP. This free platform helps you get the most out of your WordPress website by accepting and collecting online donations. Get it now, or try out the demo for free.
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