In a Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a WooCommerce user shared a serious concern: despite running the latest versions of WordPress and WooCommerce with minimal plugins and no custom themes, their website had been repeatedly hacked.
This is especially concerning for WooCommerce sites handling customer data and transactions. After consulting with the hosting provider, they found no unusual attack logs. Despite following standard security practices, the website was compromised again.
Here, we’ll cover key tips and strategies discussed in our community to strengthen your WooCommerce site’s security and pinpoint any vulnerabilities, ensuring a safer experience for both you and your customers.
The first step our community suggested was identifying potential sources of vulnerability. Given that this user had only the default Twenty Twenty-Two theme, WordPress, and WooCommerce installed, a direct external attack seemed unlikely.
Several scenarios emerged, each with actionable recommendations:
- Verify Plugin and Theme Sources:
Many hacks occur when sites use “nulled” plugins or themes—premium themes or plugins that have been modified and made available for free on unauthorized websites. These often contain malicious code that can create backdoors for hackers. Even though the user wasn’t running additional plugins, this point is vital for WooCommerce security: only install plugins and themes from the WordPress repository or trusted sources. - Secure Passwords and Limit Access:
Another common vulnerability is compromised admin credentials. If other people have access to the site’s backend or if the password is weak or reused across sites, attackers could gain entry without needing to hack the software itself. To prevent this, always use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the login page. Limit the number of people with admin access, and regularly update your password. - Invest in a Security Plugin:
Security plugins are essential for monitoring suspicious activity and adding an extra layer of protection. A tool like Wordfence or Sucuri can help identify and block threats in real-time. While this user tried Wordfence, it’s beneficial to go beyond default settings to customize alerts and scan schedules, making sure nothing slips by undetected. Wordfence, for example, can monitor login attempts and prevent brute-force attacks. - Check Hosting Security and Backup Protocols:
Hostinger, known for its secure environment, reported no unusual activity logs. However, confirming that your hosting plan includes security monitoring, automated backups, and firewall protection is essential. Reliable hosts often have protective measures, but additional security at the server level, such as account isolation and regular malware scans, is worth verifying with the provider. - Run a Malware and Vulnerability Scan on Your Device:
When hacks persist despite a fresh installation, it’s worth considering if your personal device or network might be compromised. Malware on your computer could capture login credentials as you type. Running antivirus scans and changing all associated passwords (including hosting and FTP) can prevent this.
Community’s Final Advice
Our Business Bloomer Club members advised implementing multiple layers of security, even on an apparently “clean” WordPress installation. Use 2FA, set up regular backups, and avoid logging in on public networks or shared computers.
Keeping a WooCommerce site secure requires both a secure hosting environment and vigilance against weak credentials and risky plugins. With strong passwords, limited admin access, and trusted security plugins, you can effectively minimize the risk of hacks. By following these steps, WooCommerce store owners can protect their customers’ data and create a safer shopping experience. If security issues persist despite these measures, consider consulting a WordPress security specialist to help you safeguard your website’s integrity.