WordPress is open-source software, which means anyone in the world, including hackers, has access to WordPress source code. Hacker then can analyze and read the code. If vulnerability is found, it could then be exploited by hackers and malicious automated programs. For the same reason WP is vulnerable to hacker attacks, the plugins and themes used on your website are vulnerable too. These all combined makes a lot of possibilities for hackers to take advantage of your website and even the hosting server!

Because of that WordPress, plugin and theme developers are constantly releasing new updates and that’s why staying up to date is so important for any WordPress powered website.

Here are some of the common outcomes of the hacked website:

• Deface – homepage or any other pages are replaced by a hacker or hacker group content, usually stating their name.
• Ad inclusion or complete replacement of website pages with some “monetizing” content like porn ads, online movie ads, etc.
• Spamvertising – hosting mail server is used as a “free” spam spot, it may affect whole domain of your website and normal work of your email server.
• Stolen data – private data that was stored in the DB, it may include any eCommerce data, personal users information, password hashes, customers information and etc.
• Zombie / DDoS node – your server or website is used to attack any other server or website in the internet without your consent off-course.