32% Rise in Hacks, says Google

So how do those pesky hackers get into your site? 

Compromised passwords
Hackers can use any server (including your Wi-Fi thermostat or lightbulb in your kids' rooms) to attack any website. Using a strong password is key. Keeping the hackers from trying in the first place is something we can do for you. Our recent newsletter to this effect meant that numerous websites were safe from this particular attack. 

Insecure themes, templates and extensions
While you may trust the website where you download a free theme or plugin (ie Wordpress), the site itself may have been compromised and malicious code may have been added to your product. When you install it on your site, all the hacker has to do is find your site. With thermostats and routers all over the world capable of doing the search, your site WILL come up. It's just a matter of time. Often hacks lay dormant for months before they are exploited. And when they are, it is often too late. Further more with template systems being so readily available and FREE hackers too download them to test exploitations then find similar versions online and run the exploits.

Social engineering 
This is one where many people state that they are not vulnerable. You get an email saying that your package is ready for delivery; just click the link in the email to schedule for it. One click is all it takes to get you in trouble. If you have no packages waiting from anyone anywhere, you may not click the link. But if you do, the temptation is very often too great to resist and your site/computer/server etc is compromised.

Bad security policies
This part is more for the hosting company to enforce. Weak passwords like "password123" or "dumbledoreforever" are simply not safe. When such passwords exist, we at Media Suite enforce the rule to update the password to something safer.