WordPress Security for Business Owners

WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS) in the world. Millions of businesses rely on it every day to power their websites. And it’s no surprise WordPress is flexible, affordable, and supported by a massive community of developers.

But popularity comes with a downside: hackers love WordPress too. If you’re a business owner with a WordPress website, it’s important to understand both why WordPress is so widely used and the risks that come with it.

Why is WordPress so Popular

• It’s Open Source: WordPress is free to install and use on almost any server.
• It’s Been Around Forever: WordPress has been online since 2005, making it one of the most established platforms.
• It’s Highly Customisable:With millions of user created themes and plugins (both free and paid), you can build almost anything.
• It’s a Common Choice for Developers: Especially in Australia, WordPress is the goto platform for web design companies.

WordPress makes it easy for businesses to get online. But that ease of access is exactly what makes it such a big target.

The Double Edged Sword of Open Source

Open source means the source code is freely available to everyone. This is great news for developers who can modify it to suit their needs but it also means hackers can do the same.

Many web design companies sell WordPress websites without explaining what this actually means for their clients. At the lower end of the market especially, business owners are not told about the risks.

Because the code is open:

• Good actors can build amazing plugins and themes.
• Bad actors can also create malicious ones.
• Hackers can study the code to find vulnerabilities and exploit them.

What Business Owners Must Know About WordPress Security

Owning a WordPress website isn’t a “set and forget” job. Like any business asset, it needs ongoing care and maintenance.

• Core Updates: WordPress developers continually update the core software to patch vulnerabilities. You’ll often see update notifications in your dashboard.
• Plugin Risks: Plugins add functionality, but they can be abandoned by their creators. Once that happens, hackers scan for sites still using them and take advantage of unpatched security holes.
• Designer Oversight: Many website designers build sites but don’t warn clients that updates are critical.
• PHP Updates: WordPress also relies on PHP (a separate programming language). PHP is updated regularly, and failing to keep up can expose your website to risk.

After 20 years of hosting WordPress websites, we’ve seen the same issues over and over again: outdated plugins, neglected updates, and business owners left in the dark.

Common Attacks We See at Media Fortress

When WordPress isn’t properly maintained, hackers find their way in. Here are some of the most common attacks we deal with:

• Abandoned Plugins: Hackers exploit security holes in old plugins to inject malicious code.
• Email Account Hacks: Once inside, hackers use your account to send spam. Before long, servers get blocked by Microsoft or Google, meaning your legitimate customer emails stop getting through.
• Website Cloaking: Hackers hide code on your site so visitors get redirected to dodgy websites (like fake pharmacies or gambling sites). Often, the business owner has no idea until their customers complain.
• The “Japanese Hack”:A well known attack where hackers insert spam links in Japanese, redirecting your traffic to malicious websites. We’ve written more about that here.

The end result is the same: your business reputation suffers, your communication channels are disrupted, and you lose valuable time and trust.

Backups and Updates: Your First Line of Defence

The good news is most of these problems can be avoided with some basic preventative steps:

• Regular Updates: Keep WordPress core, plugins, and PHP versions up to date. Think of it as servicing your car—ignore it, and things break down.
• Daily Backups: If the worst happens, backups allow you to restore quickly without starting from scratch. This is your insurance policy.
• Remove Unused Plugins: Old, unused plugins are like leaving a back door open for hackers.
• Strong Passwords & Two Factor Authentication (2fa): Simple but highly effective security layers.

The Perfect Digital Setup

Getting your business online is easier than ever, but doing it right from the start will save you endless headaches down the track. Here’s what we recommend for the perfect digital setup:

1. Start with the Right Domain Name

If you’re going international, a .com domain is often the best choice. Add private WHOIS protection where possible (not available for .au domains) to keep your registration details private and reduce unwanted spam. You can register domains directly with Media Fortress.

2. Use Trusted WordPress Themes

• Buy from reputable sources like ThemeForest.
• Avoid free or pirated themes from random providers they often come preloaded with malware.
• Always use a child theme, either provided by your developer or included with the theme. This ensures you can safely update WordPress without breaking your site.

3. Stay on Top of PHP Versions

At Media Fortress, our cPanel hosting includes MultiPHP Manager, allowing you to easily select and update your PHP version. Running the latest version keeps your site secure and fast. If you’re not confident, we can provide clear instructions by opening a support ticket.

4. Backups You Control

We back up all websites on our servers for 10 days, but you should never rely solely on your host’s backups. With Backup Manager in cPanel, you can create and download your own backups anytime. That way you always have a safety net.

5. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 for Email

While cPanel webmail works, it’s basic and when your whole business relies on email, you need something more reliable. We recommend managed Microsoft 365 email hosting:

• Better deliverability (your emails are less likely to be blocked).
• Access to Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and more.
• Sync across all devices.
• Enhanced security and spam filtering.

For just a small additional monthly cost, you get professional grade communication tools your business can truly depend on.

6. Consider Media Fortress for your website maintenance

Even with the perfect setup, websites need regular care. Updates, security patches, performance tuning, and monitoring all take time and if you’re busy running a business, it’s easy to fall behind.

That’s where our Website Maintenance packages come in. We take care of the technical side keeping WordPress core, plugins, and PHP updated, while also monitoring your site for vulnerabilities so you can focus on what you do best.

Alternatives to WordPress

WordPress is powerful, but it’s not the only option. For business owners who don’t want to worry about plugins, updates, or PHP versions, we also offer a database free Website Builder that can be added to any hosting plan.

• Manage your website directly from our client area no complicated dashboards.
• No plugins required SEO tools like page titles and descriptions are built in.
• Fast, secure, and simple perfect for small businesses who just need a professional online presence without the maintenance.

This option gives you the simplicity of “set and forget” with the backing of Media Fortress hosting and support.

Your Action Checklist

• ✅ Update WordPress core regularly
• ✅ Keep plugins current and delete unused ones
• ✅ Ensure your PHP version is up to date
• ✅ Run daily backups stored offsite
• ✅ Use strong passwords and two factor authentication
• ✅ Choose trusted WordPress themes and use child themes
• ✅ Upgrade your email to Microsoft 365 for professional, secure communication
• ✅ Consider alternatives like our Website Builder if you want a simpler, maintenance free option

Final Thoughts

WordPress is a brilliant platform for businesses of all sizes but only when it’s looked after properly. The reality is, hackers aren’t going away, and ignoring updates or skipping backups is like leaving your shop unlocked overnight.

At Media Fortress, we’ve been dealing with WordPress security for over two decades. We know the tricks hackers use, and more importantly, we know how to stop them. Whether you choose WordPress with the perfect digital setup or our easy Website Builder, we’ll make sure your business has a secure, professional online presence.