Brute force attacks are a systematic method used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts, or encrypted data. They rely on automated tools to guess credentials or encryption keys through trial and error, exploiting weak security measures to infiltrate systems. For WordPress websites, these attacks often target login forms, exposing vulnerabilities that can compromise sensitive data and site functionality.
How Brute Force Attacks Work
Brute force attacks take advantage of weak authentication mechanisms, targeting websites, online services, and encrypted databases. Cybercriminals automate these attacks using high-powered scripts to repeatedly attempt various username and password combinations until they gain access. If a website does not have protective measures in place, the attack can go on indefinitely, making it easier for hackers to break in.
Attack Methodology
Attackers use scripts or tools to automate the guessing of login credentials. Common tools include:
- Hydra
- John the Ripper
- Aircrack-ng
The attack works by cycling through combinations of usernames and passwords until the correct credentials are found. The speed of these attacks depends on computing power, but with modern cloud-based solutions, cybercriminals can attempt thousands of login attempts per second.
Key Elements of the Attack
- Username Discovery: Attackers start by identifying valid usernames. WordPress sites are particularly vulnerable as the author endpoint (?author=1) can reveal usernames. Additionally, the Users API (/wp-json/wp/v2/users/<id>) is often public, and some themes display author names in blog posts.
- Password Guessing: Automated scripts attempt to match usernames with weak or common passwords using predefined dictionaries or randomized combinations.
- Credential Stuffing: If attackers obtain username-password pairs from other breaches, they test them on multiple sites, exploiting users who reuse credentials.
- Distributed Attacks: Using botnets, attackers distribute requests across multiple IPs to avoid detection and rate-limiting measures. This makes it more challenging to identify malicious activity.
Why WordPress Websites Are Targets
- Popularity: WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a lucrative target.
- Default Settings: Many WordPress sites retain default admin usernames (admin) and weak passwords.
- Third-Party Plugins and Themes: Poorly coded or outdated plugins can expose additional vulnerabilities.
- Login Page Visibility: WordPress login pages are often accessible at yourwebsite.com/wp-admin, making it easy for attackers to locate entry points.
Risks to Your WordPress Website
- Data Breaches: Successful attacks can expose sensitive user data.
- Downtime: High volumes of login attempts can overwhelm server resources, leading to denial-of-service conditions.
- SEO Damage: Hacked websites can be flagged by search engines, reducing visibility.
- Reputation Damage: A compromised website can erode customer trust.
- Ransomware Attacks: Some brute force attacks lead to ransomware infections, where hackers encrypt website data and demand payment for its release.
How to Protect Your WordPress Website from Brute Force Attacks
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Implement long, complex passwords that are difficult to guess.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
- Limit Login Attempts: Prevents unlimited attempts from a single IP address.
- Disable XML-RPC: Reduces attack vectors used in brute force attempts.
- Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
- Keep WordPress and Plugins Updated: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities.
- Change Default Login URL: Obscuring the login page (
/wp-admin) reduces automated attack attempts. - Monitor Login Activity: Track suspicious login attempts and block unknown sources.
- Use CAPTCHA on Login Pages: Helps filter out automated login attempts.
- Regular Backups: Ensure you have up-to-date backups stored securely, allowing you to restore your website if an attack occurs.
This Sounds Like a Lot? We Get It.
Keeping your WordPress site secure isn’t easy. Between managing updates, configuring firewalls, monitoring suspicious activity, and implementing security best practices, it can quickly become overwhelming—especially when your focus should be on growing your business. That’s exactly why we created SENTINEL X.
Secure Your Website with SENTINEL X
Brute force attacks can cripple your website, leading to costly downtime, security breaches, and reputational damage. SENTINEL X takes all the hassle out of website security by providing continuous monitoring, real-time threat prevention, and automated updates—so you never have to worry about brute force attacks, malware, or downtime again.
🔒 Get protected today for only 100 EUR/month and ensure your website remains secure, functional, and worry-free.
