In an era where digital threats are ever-evolving, the response of “almost zero” security is dangerously misleading. Many website owners and developers fall into the trap of believing that basic security measures are sufficient to protect their online assets. However, the reality is that something having an “almost zero” chance of being exploited is great, but “actually zero” is better.
As a popular WordPress developer and plugin creator, I think it’s important to dispel some of the idle platitudes I’ve seen parroted around in some circles — especially in the Theme and Plugin space.
I’m Not A Target
One of the common misconceptions is that small websites or those with minimal sensitive data are not attractive targets for hackers. This belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Hackers often use automated tools to scan the internet for vulnerable websites, regardless of their size or content. A website with weak security measures becomes an easy target, providing malicious actors with opportunities to steal data, inject malware, or launch other types of attacks.
Just because you are a small target, does not mean that a cybersecurity expert cannot find ways to exploit a known vulnerability in your site, theme, or any installed plugins.
The Vulnerability Can Only Be Exploited by Admins
Another common talking point I’ve seen crop up time and time again is that a found vulnerability can only be exploited by a user with Admin privileges or similar. The idea is that if the exploit requires a user with such high credentials, then they don’t need the exploit to do damage to begin with.
And here is where Almost Zero is not Zero shines. Just because you cannot think of or conceive of a way for the vulnerability to be used doesn’t mean that someone else won’t. One of the largest ways to gain access to backend areas is through user privilege escalation, which often results in only being able to use these higher privileges for certain things, one of which might involve your vulnerability. Turn “almost zero” into “zero” by removing the vulnerability altogether.
This is why when a XSS (Cross-site scripting) attack was found by a user of one of my own WordPress plugins HD Quiz, I immediately patched the vulnerability and pushed out an update. Sure, the chances of this vulnerability being exploited were almost zero, but as we all know…
What To do
To mitigate these risks, website owners must adopt a comprehensive approach to security. This includes implementing robust authentication mechanisms, regularly updating software and plugins, conducting security audits, and employing web application firewalls (WAFs) to monitor and block suspicious traffic. Additionally, educating users about safe browsing practices and implementing strong password policies can further enhance security posture. Be vigilant!
In conclusion, the notion of “almost zero” security is a dangerous myth that can lead to severe consequences for website owners and users alike. By prioritizing comprehensive security measures and staying vigilant against emerging threats, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect their valuable digital assets.
