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Written by: Paul CoxDate: 07-09-2026
Business Website security
Your website may be something you set up once and rarely think about.
But an overlooked website can become an easy target for hackers, particularly if it runs outdated software. Most small-business websites use WordPress, which powers more than 40% of websites. WordPress itself is generally secure; the bigger risk is often outdated plugins and themes.
How a neglected website gets hacked
Hackers don't usually target businesses individually. Automated tools scan thousands of websites looking for known vulnerabilities, such as an unpatched plugin. Once they find one, they can exploit it automatically. When a security flaw is discovered, developers release an update to fix it. Until that update is installed, the vulnerability remains open. Most WordPress vulnerabilities are found in plugins and themes rather than WordPress itself.
What a hacked website can be used for
The damage can affect your reputation and search rankings. Google may warn visitors that your site is unsafe, while browsers can block access altogether. A hacked website may continue to look completely normal while being used by attackers to:
- Spread malware by redirecting visitors or serving malicious content.
- Host spam and scam pages using your website's reputation.
- Steal form data, including personal or payment information.
- Redirect visitors to scam or malicious websites.
Is your website at risk?
It depends on how it's built.
Hosted platforms such as Wix, Squarespace and Shopify handle most security updates for you, reducing the risk. With a self-hosted WordPress website, someone needs to keep WordPress, plugins and themes updated. On many small-business websites, nobody is clearly responsible for this. Your website deserves attention if you don't know who maintains it, it hasn't been updated for a year or more, or it uses plugins that are no longer supported.
How to keep your website secure
- Keep everything updated. Enable automatic updates where appropriate.
- Remove unused plugins. Every unnecessary plugin adds another potential vulnerability.
- Use reputable plugins. Choose well-maintained plugins with good reviews and recent updates.
- Replace abandoned plugins. If a plugin is no longer supported, replace it with an actively maintained alternative.
- Secure the admin account. Use a strong, unique password and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Use security protection. A reputable security plugin or web firewall can block common attacks and alert you to suspicious changes.
- Keep backups. A recent clean backup can make recovery much quicker.
- Know who's responsible. Make sure your web designer, IT provider or hosting company clearly owns website maintenance and security.
What to do if your website is hacked
Act quickly to limit the damage:
- Get professional help. Contact your web host, IT provider or a website security specialist.
- Take the site offline. A temporary maintenance page prevents visitors being exposed to malicious content.
- Change passwords. Use a clean device to change your hosting and website passwords and enable MFA.
- Restore a clean backup. If one is available from before the attack, this can be the quickest way to recover.
- Update everything. Patch WordPress, plugins and themes and remove anything unnecessary or suspicious.
- Check for data breaches. If customer information or payment details may have been exposed, investigate and notify affected people where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my website has been hacked?
Warning messages from Google or your browser, unexpected pages or pop-ups, redirects and a sudden drop in search traffic can all be signs. Your web host or IT provider can investigate if you're unsure.
Do I need to update my website if it works fine?
Yes. A website can look completely normal while an outdated plugin leaves a security hole open. Updates fix these vulnerabilities.
I use Wix or Squarespace. Am I at risk?
The risk is generally lower because the platform handles most updates and security. You should still use a strong password and MFA.
Who should maintain my website?
Your web designer, IT provider or hosting company can do it. The important thing is that responsibility is clearly assigned and updates are actually being carried out.
What is a security plugin or web firewall?
It's a security tool that can block common attacks, monitor changes and alert you to suspicious activity. For WordPress websites, a reputable security plugin is a relatively simple way to add another layer of protection.
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