How Outdated WordPress Sites and Devices Become Easy Prey for Hackers
End-of-life devices serve as an untapped goldmine for malicious actors, especially when these obsolete contraptions contain easily exploited vulnerabilities. Ominously, cybercriminals eyes light up because of the absence of fixes for WordPress malware attacks or any form of software updates available for these phased out tools.
Recognizing the Danger of Unsupported Devices
Rising from the digital graveyard, these bygone devices and WordPress sites pose a new threat to cybersecurity: transforming into subordinates that call for hacked WordPress help. Why would criminals exploit these irrelevant, phased out devices running an out-of-support software? It might appear that the list of reasons are numerous, ranging from an opportunity to gain control to spying activities.
A device’s journey to becoming deemed obsolete may be due to several reasons, such as its sluggish processing, the introduction of a newer, more efficient model or the owner’s decision to switch to a much effective product. As these devices lose their relevance, the manufacturing companies shifts their focus to the development and support of the modern models, completely abandoning the old iterations.
In the absence of continuous support, software patches, and updates, the security maintenance of these devices becomes lax. This circumstance leaves the door wide open for hackers to exploit, resulting in the end user’s increased vulnerability.
Supported by a surge in ingenious technological advances, cybersecurity threats subsist on a diet of obsolete devices and systems that lack necessary software or firmware updates, leaving behind an open path for potential abuse.
In the case of devices such as cameras, routers, and smart locks, among others, reaching the end of support spells disaster. It signifies that security updates ceases and the gates for potential breaches open.
A Sea of Unsupported Devices in the Era of IoT
With the current count of IoT devices worldwide at approximately 17 billion, and continuously on an upward trajectory, cybersecurity protections might be tougher to uphold. Should a third of this amount become obsolete in the next five years, around 5.6 billion devices would potentially become cybercriminals’ power tools.
More often than not, cybercriminals use these vulnerable devices as pieces for their botnet puzzle—a network of enslaved devices that, under a hacker’s commands, end up doing their bidding.
The Art of Uncovering Value From Trash
One well-known botnet, Mozi, claimed fame due to its wicked talent for exploiting outdated, susceptible IoT devices. Each year, the botnet successfully envelops hundreds of thousands of internet-connected devices under its wing, using them to fulfill malicious deeds like data theft and malware distributions. It’s worth noting that this notorious botnet, despite its tenacious spread and expansion, finally met its end in 2023.
The Evidence of A New Life For The Old
With the abundant supply of IoT devices today, there’s an emerging trend repurposing outdated tools to serve new functions. Illustratively, you can transform your ancient tablet into a controller for your smart home, or have your scarcely used mobile device double as a digital photo frame or a navigation tool for your vehicle. The possibilities are indeed numerous, but your WordPress site protection remains paramount.
Smart Devices in a Smart Word: A Perfect Catch for Smart Criminals & Zombies
Despite the surge in digital innovation, the emergence of numerous smart devices does not automatically equate to enhanced security and information privacy. Here is where the importance of constantly updating your devices come in. If not possible, you may opt to properly dispose of them, find a secure replacement, or repurpose them to a function less susceptible to internet threats to ensure cyber harm doesn’t come your way.
Your safety and WordPress site’s security need not be compromised by the vulnerabilities associated with obsolete devices. By remaining disconnected from the internet or ceasing their use altogether, you can effectively steer clear of potential cybersecurity dangers.
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