Why WordPress Security in 2025 is a Wake-Up Call for Site Owners

For years, I steered clear of WordPress opting instead for Do-It-Yourself HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Between “clunky-to-me” user experience, security concerns, outdated plugins, and constant maintenance headaches, the risks never seemed worth the reward. Now, in 2025, it turns out my skepticism might have been well-founded. The latest “State of WordPress Security in 2025” report from Patchstack confirms what many of us have suspected: WordPress security is a growing concern, and site owners are not nearly vigilant enough.

The Reality of WordPress Security Today

According to the report, 2024 saw an alarming increase in vulnerabilities:

• 7,966 new vulnerabilities were discovered in the WordPress ecosystem, marking a 34% increase from the previous year.
• 96% of vulnerabilities originated in third-party plugins, while themes accounted for 4%.
• The WordPress core itself remained relatively secure, with only a handful of minor vulnerabilities.
• Over half of plugin developers failed to address security issues before public disclosure, leaving sites exposed.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): A Game Changer

To address these growing concerns, the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) took effect in December 2024. By September 2026, plugin and theme developers must have structured processes in place to report and mitigate vulnerabilities. This regulation is a significant step toward accountability, but for now, WordPress site owners must take matters into their own hands.

What This Means for WordPress Users

The increasing number of vulnerabilities—combined with developer inaction—makes it clear that WordPress security is a shared responsibility. If you’re running a WordPress site, here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Keep Everything Updated

• Regularly update the WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
• Remove any plugins or themes that are outdated or no longer maintained.

2. Choose Plugins & Themes Wisely

• Only install plugins from reputable developers with a proven track record of updates and security patches.
• Limit the number of plugins to reduce the attack surface.

3. Implement Strong Security Measures

• Use reliable security plugins to scan for vulnerabilities and apply virtual patches.
• Set up firewalls and brute force attack protection.
• Enforce strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).

4. Stay Informed & Compliant

• Follow security reports and advisories to address emerging threats.
• If you’re a developer, ensure compliance with the CRA’s new regulations to avoid legal and financial repercussions.

5. Maintain Good Internet Hygiene

• Avoid downloading themes or plugins from untrusted sources.
• Use unique and complex passwords for all accounts.
• Regularly scan your site for malware and remove inactive users.
• Be cautious with admin access—limit privileges to only those who need them.

Final Thoughts

WordPress remains a powerful and flexible platform, but the security risks are real. The rapid increase in vulnerabilities—especially in third-party plugins—means site owners can no longer afford to be passive. Regular updates, strong security measures, and a proactive approach to compliance are now essential.

If you’ve been hesitant about WordPress (like I was), this report validates those concerns. However, if you’re already running a WordPress site, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your website security. This is for you AND your clients. . Your site’s safety—and its future—depend on it.