Are you wondering what is brute force attack and how to protect your website from it?
If you own a WordPress website, it is important to understand the potential threats it is exposed to. One such threat is brute force attack. This hacking method is the most common risk vector for web applications and platforms, accounting for 80% of all recorded attacks. [1], So, what exactly is a brute force attack?
In a sentence, brute force is a hacking technique where an attacker systematically tries different combinations of usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to a system or website.
Read on to learn more about brute force attacks and how to effectively protect your WordPress site from these malicious activities.
Understanding what a brute force attack is
To gain more understanding of this cyber threat, here are some points to be considered.
Types of brute force attacks
There are several types of brute force attacks:
Simple brute force attack: The hacker tries several possible combinations of username and password until they find the correct credentials. This method is time-consuming but straightforward, as it relies on a complete trial-and-error approach.
Dictionary attack: This attack uses pre-built lists of commonly used passwords, words from dictionaries, and personal information related to the target. Attackers automate the process of testing these combinations against the login page, which greatly speeds up the attack.
Hybrid brute force attack: Hybrid attacks combine elements of simple brute force and dictionary attacks. Rather than trying all possible combinations, hackers use a mix of common passwords and variations, such as adding numbers or symbols, to increase their chances of success.
Credential stuffing: This involves using stolen login credentials to gain unauthorized access from one platform to another. Attackers rely on the common practice of reusing passwords across multiple accounts to exploit this vulnerability.
Reverse brute force attacks: The attacker fixes a known password and systematically tries different usernames until they find the correct password. This method is particularly effective when targeting systems with weak username selection or public usernames.
The reason behind brute force attacks
Brute force attacks are done for a variety of reasons:
Get Unauthorized Access: Attackers may try to gain access to your WordPress site to steal sensitive information, deface your website, or insert malicious code for their own purposes.
Personal Vengeance: Hackers may launch brutal attacks against specific individuals, organizations or websites out of personal vendetta or ideological motivation. The purpose of these attacks may be to disrupt services, deface websites or cause reputational damage to the target.
Resource Misuse: Some attackers use brute-force attacks to gain control of a system’s computing resources. They can use the compromised systems to launch additional attacks, distribute spam emails, mine cryptocurrencies, or participate in botnet activities.
Ways to keep your WordPress site secure
There are several ways to protect your WordPress website from brute-force attacks:
Strong and unique password: Make sure you and all users on your WordPress site have strong, unique passwords. A strong password contains a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Limit login attempts: Implement a plugin that restricts the number of login attempts allowed within a specific time frame. This helps prevent automated brute force attacks, as they will not be able to guess the correct credentials within a limited number of tries.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds another layer of security to your WordPress login process. This requires users to provide a second form of verification in addition to their password, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device.
Apply IP whitelist: Restrict access to your WordPress admin area by only allowing access to specific IP addresses or IP ranges. This can be achieved through security plugins or by configuring your server settings.
Final thoughts
Brute force attacks pose a significant threat to WordPress websites. However, by knowing what a brute force attack is, understanding its nature, and implementing the right security measures, you can effectively protect your site.
