WordPress site owners face constant threats from vulnerabilities, which are among the most common causes of hacks. Vulnerabilities found in software can lead to severe security breaches if not promptly identified and fixed.
This is where WordPress vulnerability scanners are worth their weight in gold. These tools can detect potential vulnerabilities, allowing you to address security issues the moment they arise.
In this article, we’ll explore how vulnerability scanners work, their role in improving your site’s overall security, and the best options available on the market.
What are WordPress vulnerability scanners, and how do they work?
WordPress vulnerability scanners flag known or discovered vulnerabilities in plugins, themes, or the WordPress core. Unlike malware scanners – which detect when malicious software has already been installed — vulnerability scanners identify security gaps before they can be exploited. Malware scanners are an outdated tool in the modern security era, making vulnerability scans increasingly important.
Vulnerability scanners typically work by crawling a website’s code, comparing it against a database of known vulnerabilities, and reporting any matches. Some advanced solutions like Solid Security Pro offer automatic patching of vulnerabilities, reducing the need for manual intervention. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
- Solid Security Pro sends users an alert if vulnerable code is found.
- Patchstack’s database is checked to confirm whether a virtual patch is available.
- Solid Security Pro places the patch on your site to protect against any vulnerabilities.
While vulnerability scanners are a key part of any WordPress security toolkit, they should only be considered part of the puzzle. These scanners are not designed to discover new vulnerabilities in the site code; they simply identify if any known vulnerabilities exist. The best tools provide additional security features, which we’ll explore below.
Comparing top WordPress vulnerability scanners
Focusing on effectiveness, features, ease of use, and pricing, let’s take a look at some of the most popular WordPress vulnerability scanners on the market:
Solid Security
Solid Security Pro has been designed to protect WordPress sites from all potential vulnerabilities.
Patchstack integration identifies and patches vulnerabilities based on a sophisticated priority system. This ensures that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed first, maintaining security while minimizing alert fatigue for site owners.
Twice-daily vulnerability scans combined with Patchstack’s extensive database mean Solid Security Pro is well-equipped to detect and fix issues before they lead to breaches. This makes it one of the best solutions available for proactive vulnerability management.
Beyond its built-in vulnerability scanning and patching, Solid Security Pro offers a range of features to manage your site’s security. These include:
WordPress sites are susceptible to brute force attacks as the system allows unlimited login attempts. Solid Security protects against both Local and Network attacks. Local attempts are from those trying to access your site, whereas Network protection bans users with track records of breaking into other sites.
Solid Security Pro has a straightforward onboarding process, and the plugin’s intuitive interface makes it accessible even for non-techies. It prioritizes the most common vulnerabilities faced by WordPress site owners, enhancing security without compromising site performance.
A free version of Solid Security is available, offering core features such as automatic vulnerability detection. To unlock automated virtual patching and other advanced features, the pro version starts at $99 per year for a single site.
WPScan
WPScan uses its own vulnerability database to scan for potential security issues in your WordPress site, plugins, and themes. The platform’s database — maintained by dedicated security specialists and the community — contains over 21,000 known vulnerabilities. Site code is compared with this extensive database to identify matches with known threats.
Beyond vulnerability scanning, WPScan provides features like scheduled automated daily scans and email notifications, keeping you informed about potential risks. The plugin also offers additional checks, such as detecting debug logs, backup files, and weak passwords, making it a useful solution. However, WPScan is unable to detect vulnerabilities in custom code. Consequently, modifications made to your WordPress themes or plugins could lead to potential security risks.
The plugin’s functionality is limited for non-enterprise users, with pricing based on the number of Application Programming Interface (API) calls performed each month. A free version offers 25 API requests per day, so larger sites need to consider paid plans.
Wordfence
Wordfence is powered by the constantly updated Threat Defense Feed, and boasts a comprehensive firewall and malware-scanning solution. The feed is a continuous stream of data, providing information about current and potential cyber threats.
The plugin scans all your files, comments, and posts, comparing them to URLs on Google’s Safe Browsing list. Users are naturally alerted in real-time, should any security issues arise.
In addition to vulnerability scanning, Wordfence offers several useful features. These include a real-time Live Traffic view, which provides visibility into hack attempts on your website. The plugin also includes login security and brute-force attack prevention. Wordfence’s firewall operates within the WordPress environment, analyzing user access levels in over 80% of its rules, providing true endpoint security.
Wordfence is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface. The plugin’s dashboard provides clear insights into your security status, and real-time alerts ensure you’re always informed about potential threats. However, Wordfence’s intensive scans can slow down some websites, and occasional integration issues with other plugins and themes have been reported.
Wordfence offers a free version with essential security features, making it accessible for smaller websites. For more advanced features, including support and a real-time IP blacklist, the premium version starts at $119 per year.
MalCare
MalCare offers a comprehensive suite of features to protect your website from malware and other security threats. Developed after analyzing over 240,000 websites, MalCare uses intelligent signals and deep scanning techniques to detect the most complex malware.
In addition to vulnerability scanning, MalCare offers an industry-first, automatic one-click malware removal feature. Your website is immediately cleaned, reducing the chances of being blacklisted by search engines. The plugin also includes a security firewall, providing an additional layer of protection against potential threats.
MalCare is designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering a straightforward setup and logical dashboard. Automatic scanning and removal minimizes the need for manual intervention, allowing users to get on with running their business. However, a manual review is recommended as Malcare can sometimes remove legitimate code through its automated cleanups.
While MalCare offers a free version with basic security features, the premium version – starting at $149 per year — unlocks automatic malware removal and personalized support.
Defender
Defender protects your website from various threats, including malware, brute-force attacks, and other vulnerabilities. Developed by WPMU DEV, the platform scans WordPress core files for modifications and unexpected changes.
Defender claims to have included a firewall that blocks hackers at every level, protecting against Structured Query Language (SQL) injections, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities. However, some users have questioned this, with no firewall discovered during testing.
The platform does provide 2FA for enhanced login security, as well as IP blocking and security logs. It’s also been built with user-friendliness in mind, offering one-click hardening recommendations that add layers of protection to your site. Automated features make it accessible to non-technical users.
While Defender offers a free version, paid plans start at $3 per month.
Sucuri
Sucuri Security vulnerability site scanning is highly effective, with malware and file monitoring to detect unauthorized changes or malicious code. The plugin also includes monitoring notifications if your site is blacklisted by search engines. Should this occur, Sucuri provides prompt support in helping users get their sites delisted.
In addition to vulnerability scanning, Sucuri includes security activity auditing, effective hardening, post-hack security actions, and threat notifications. For advanced protection, Sucuri provides a premium firewall that defends against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, zero-day exploits, and brute force attacks.
Sucuri is user-friendly, and the plugin’s comprehensive dashboard provides clear insights into your site’s security status. However, some users have complained that the tool’s lengthy scans can slow down page loading times. For others, configuring the firewall was too challenging for non-technical users.
Sucuri Security is free to all WordPress users, with paid plans starting at $199.99 per year.
Exploring key features of effective WordPress vulnerability scanners
When choosing an effective WordPress vulnerability scanner, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Scan coverage: Ensure the scanner checks not only your WordPress core files but also installed plugins and themes – these are common vulnerability sources.
- Size of database: Vulnerability scanners identify known weaknesses by comparing your site against a database. The best scanners are backed by a comprehensive database covering a wide range of known issues.
- Frequency of database updates: A comprehensive database is only useful if it’s regularly updated. New vulnerabilities are constantly emerging, and a database needs to keep pace with these developments.
- Scan frequency: Without frequent scans, vulnerabilities can be missed. Look for solutions that offer automated, regular scanning to ensure the timely detection of potential issues.
“It’s vital to look at the bigger picture when shopping around for a vulnerability scanner. Can a plugin grow in line with your business, without losing efficiency? Can you access all the data you need? Is the plugin capable of making fixes as well as recommendations? And ultimately, will it keep my site and customers safe? Keep these questions in mind and you’ll likely find the solution you need.”
David G Johnson, Product Owner, SolidWP
Effective vulnerability scanners should also have a low false positive rate, and offer clear reports with recommendations for fixes. Solid Security keeps site admins updated through security reports, site scan results, threats blocked by the firewall, and user logging. Such features go far beyond the remit of most dedicated vulnerability scanners.
What to do when a vulnerability is discovered on your site
When a vulnerability is detected on your WordPress site, swift action can prevent potential attacks and data breaches. All vulnerabilities can lead to potential security issues and should be fixed immediately.
- Verify the vulnerability: First, review the details of the vulnerability and validate that it’s a legitimate issue. Some scanners can produce false positives, so verify the finding before taking further action.
- Evaluate the severity: Consider the type of vulnerability, affected components, and the likelihood of further infection. This will help you prioritize your response efforts.
- Implement a fix: The process of fixing vulnerabilities typically involves updating problematic plugins or themes and patching core WordPress files. Solid Security Pro can automate this process by updating compromised plugins when patches become available.
If a vulnerability cannot be immediately patched, implement temporary measures to reduce the attack surface. This could involve disabling an affected plugin or applying more stringent firewall rules.
In the case of multiple vulnerabilities, assessing the severity of each issue should be your starting point. Prioritizing fixes ensures that high-risk vulnerabilities are addressed first. Solid Security’s reporting system automatically assesses severity, aiding the prioritization process.
When it comes to online security, a proactive approach really is everything! For website owners needing to focus on business growth, an automated background security solution is vital for managing all potential vulnerabilities.
Start protecting your WordPress site with Solid Security Pro today
Effective vulnerability scanning is the first step in identifying and fixing potential weaknesses in your WordPress site. In this article, we’ve explored some of the top vulnerability scanners available. Although every featured plugin has its strengths, Solid Security Pro offers the most comprehensive solution on the market.
Complemented by a firewall, brute force protection, 2FA, and real-time threat monitoring, Solid Security Pro is a masterful defense against cyber attacks. The platform’s vulnerability scanning is backed by Patchstack’s extensive database, providing users with the most up-to-date knowledge of existing vulnerabilities. Moreover, it offers automatic scanning and patching, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Don’t leave your online assets unsecured — make the leap towards premium site safety and get started with Solid Security Pro today.