Many more web sites are being hacked in 2024 and they can really mess up a site, if not destroy it permanently. A few RWD sites were attempted, over the last month, but thankfully the tools we use have prevented access. The WordPress tool I rely on is called WordFence and it is an industry leader in WordPress protection. iThemes Security is also a well respected WordPress security tool.

The average WordPress site is attacked once every 27 minutes. 54 requests hit sites everyday probing for weak and breached passwords, vulnerable plugins and themes, and other points of entry. Websites protected by WordFence are shielded from those attacks with an average of 268M hits being blocked across networks every day.

If your site (WordPress especially) is not monitored, themes or plugins are not updated, then it leaves your site open for these hackers. The hackers can alter your site or set-up a fake admin user for hacking your site at a later time. If they gain access to the site they could alter content, make it into a porn site, crashed it or … who knows what! ... 'An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure', from Ben Franklin.

These hackers come from all countries, but lately they have been centered around Bulgaria and Romania. Historically China has the most number of hackers, followed by Poland, Brazil, India, Russia and the USA.

Did you know ... 81% of data breaches are due to weak or stolen PASSWORDS?

PASSWORD SECURITY

1. Use different passwords for every account - Many people use the same passwords for every site and account, which increases your hacking risk.

2. Never share your password(s) - Never save your passwords or check the “remember me” box when you're using a public computer.

3. Avoid simple passwords - Most sites require at least 8 characters, including upper-case letters, capital letters and special characters, such as @$%&* .

4. Avoid storing passwords either digitally or on paper, as this information can be stolen by those with malicious motives.

5. Use a password manager - Password managers not only store your passwords, they also generate and save strong, unique passwords when you sign up into a new websites. I use Dashlane ($5/month), but also recommend 1Password ($3/month), NordPass ($2/month) & BitWarden ($4/month).

Rich's Web Design | 336-408-9075 | www.RichsWebDesign.com