In simple terms, a Brute Force attack is an automated software hack that repeatedly attempts username and password combinations until it gains access.
These attacks have increased across all major content management systems (CMS) including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others.
What does it mean for website owners?
From a website owner’s perspective, a Brute Force attack can cause:
- Sluggish website performance.
- Unexpected spikes in bandwidth usage.
But why target your site?
Websites are often hacked to access valuable data or exploit server resources. Sometimes, it’s less about your site and more about the attacker’s motives, which could include:
- Boredom or mischief.
- Political agendas.
- Personal vendettas.
- Competitive sabotage.
How can you protect your site?
There are several preventative measures you can take:
- Avoid using default usernames like “admin” or “administrator” – these are the most commonly targeted.
- Use strong, unique passwords. If your password is on this list of the 25 most popular (and worst) passwords of 2014, it’s time to change it.
- Consider changing your login URL if your platform allows it.
- Use security plugins or tools to limit login attempts and protect access points.
For more insights, check out Sucuri’s guide to Brute Force and DDoS attacks.
Need help securing your website? Get in touch.
