Common website security vulnerabilities and how small businesses can reduce risk 

Key takeaways: 

• Cyber vulnerabilities put systems at risk. Weak spots in software, hardware, networks, and user habits let hackers steal data or cause problems. 
• Knowing and fixing vulnerabilities is important. Regular updates, strong passwords, good security practices help reduce risks, and tools like SSL certificates add extra protection. 
• Being prepared helps reduce damage. Having a response plan and training staff helps you quickly handle security issues, limiting harm to your business. 

Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler recently uncovered an exposed online database that put over 184 million records at risk. The unprotected data included sensitive information like email addresses, passwords, and login links — all stored in plain text. This massive leak affected major platforms such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, as well as government and financial services. 

Sensitive data unprotected on the internet is a big cyber vulnerability that can lead to threats and possible damages. According to Exploding Topic’s blog, Microsoft estimated 600 million cyberattacks per day in 2025. It’s critical to understand how vulnerabilities work and how to protect your business from becoming another statistic. 

What is a vulnerability in cybersecurity?

A vulnerability is a weak spot or a hole in your computer systems, software, or cybersecurity setup. It could be a mistake in the software code, a wrong setting, or even a risky habit by users that lets a hacker sneak in without permission. 

If your house door wasn’t locked properly or your window was left open, criminals with bad intentions can come in and cause problems. It’s the same for cybercriminals. They look for these openings to get inside and take control, steal information, or cause damage. 

For websites, vulnerabilities most often appear in areas that accept input or rely on third-party software, such as login pages, forms, themes, and plugins. Even a small oversight can expose sensitive data or administrative access.

Some of these vulnerabilities can include: 

• Outdated software flaws: Unpatched CMS platforms or server software may contain known bugs attackers can exploit.
• Cross-site scripting (XSS) weaknesses: Malicious scripts are injected into web pages and run in visitors’ browsers.
• Unpatched plugins or extensions: Add-ons that haven’t been updated often provide easy entry points for attackers.

To keep track of how dangerous each vulnerability is, cybersecurity experts use a rating system called the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). This system gives a score from low to high. A high score means the vulnerability is easy to exploit and can cause big problems. Meanwhile, a low score means it’s harder to use or causes less harm. 

What are the main types of vulnerabilities in cybersecurity?  

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are often grouped into a few broad types. These categories help explain where security problems come from, but most small business owners don’t run into them in theory.

In real life, these vulnerabilities usually show up through your website. Knowing the main types of vulnerabilities helps you spot weak areas and focus on the website risks that matter most:

• Hardware vulnerabilities
• Software vulnerabilities
• Network vulnerabilities
• Human vulnerabilities

Hardware vulnerabilities

Hardware includes physical devices like routers, modems, and firewalls. These devices sometimes ship with default passwords or extra features that aren’t needed, and attackers love that.

If hardware isn’t secured or updated, attackers can use it as a back door. For small businesses, this can affect your website if your network or hosting equipment is compromised.

Software vulnerabilities

Software vulnerabilities are one of the most common problems for small business websites. They happen when operating systems, website platforms, themes, or plugins aren’t kept up to date.

Old software can contain known security flaws that attackers already know how to exploit. Keeping everything updated and removing tools you don’t use helps close these gaps.

Network vulnerabilities

Network vulnerabilities come from weak or incorrect network settings. Examples include open ports, poor firewall rules, or exposed cloud storage.

If attackers get in through your website, network weaknesses can make it easier for them to move around and cause more damage. Simple steps like limiting access and monitoring activity help reduce this risk.

Human vulnerabilities

People can also accidentally create security problems. Common examples include reusing passwords, clicking phishing emails, or setting up “temporary” tools that never get reviewed.

Training staff to pause before clicking, using password managers, and turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) go a long way toward reducing human error.

What are the most common web security vulnerabilities?

While security issues are often grouped into broad categories like software or network problems, small business owners usually encounter these risks through their websites.

These vulnerabilities tend to show up in everyday places such as login pages, contact forms, plugins, themes, and hosting settings. This section focuses on the most common website security vulnerabilities found on real-world small business sites, and explains them in clear, practical terms.

• SQL injection 
• Cross-site scripting (XSS) 
• Broken authentication 
• Security misconfigurations 
• Vulnerable or outdated components 
• Sensitive data exposure  

SQL injection

SQL injection is one of the most common web application security issues and a well-known website security vulnerability. It happens when a website sends information from input fields, such as login boxes, search bars, or contact forms, directly to its database without handling it safely.

Attackers take advantage of this by entering harmful commands instead of normal text, which the database may treat as instructions rather than data. This can allow attackers to view, change, or delete information they shouldn’t have access to, potentially exposing customer details, email addresses, passwords, or order data—sometimes without the site owner realizing it.

How small businesses reduce the risk of SQL injection

• Use secure website platforms and reputable plugins that are designed to prevent common website security vulnerabilities
• Keep forms, plugins, and site software updated so known SQL injection flaws are patched
• Block suspicious traffic with website security tools, such as web application firewalls (WAFs) and basic input validation.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) 

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a website security vulnerability where attackers sneak harmful code onto a website by adding it into places visitors are allowed to enter information, such as comment sections or contact forms.

When the code runs, attackers can steal login information, take over user sessions, or cause redirecting users to malicious sites. Even if sensitive data isn’t stolen, these attacks make a website feel unsafe and directly damage User trust, which can lead visitors to leave and avoid returning.

Note that both SQL injection and XSS often start the same way: through unsafe user inputs in website forms or fields, but they affect different parts of a website. While SQL injection targets a website’s database by manipulating input fields, XSS targets users’ browsers. In short, SQL injection puts stored data at risk, while XSS affects visitors and their trust in your site.

How small businesses reduce the risk of XSS

• Keep CMS platforms, plugins, and themes updated to patch known XSS issues
• Limit and clean user inputs before displaying them on web pages
• Use browser security rules, such as Content Security Policy (CSP), to block unauthorized code from running in users’ browsers

Broken authentication

Broken authentication happens when login systems aren’t set up securely—especially for admin panels and website dashboards. Common problems include weak passwords, reused credentials, shared logins, or default passwords that were never changed. For example, the 2016 Mirai botnet exploited this by hijacking thousands of IoT devices with default passwords.

When attackers gain access to an admin account, they can take full control of the website. This may include changing content, stealing customer data, adding hidden users, or locking the owner out of their own dashboard.

How small businesses reduce the risk of broken authentication

• Use robust authentication mechanisms such as strong, unique passwords for all admin and editor accounts
• Avoid shared logins and give each user their own account
• Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for dashboards and admin panels
• Remove old or unused accounts that no longer need access

Security misconfigurations 

Security misconfigurations happen when a website’s settings aren’t locked down properly. This often means default options were left in place, features were turned on but never used, or access permissions were set too loosely in the website’s hosting environment or CMS.

For small business websites, common misconfigurations include unused plugins that were never removed, admin areas left publicly accessible, file folders that anyone can view, or hosting features that were enabled by default but never secured. Attackers don’t need advanced skills to exploit these issues—they simply look for what was accidentally left open.

How small businesses reduce the risk of security misconfigurations

• Remove unused plugins, themes, and features you no longer need
• Review default CMS and hosting settings after setup and updates
• Restrict file and folder permissions so only the right users can access them
• Use basic firewalls and monitoring tools to block unwanted access and spot issues early

Vulnerable or outdated components

Vulnerable or outdated components are one of the most common website security problems. For small business websites, this usually means an outdated CMS, plugin, or theme that hasn’t been updated to fix known security issues. The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 spread rapidly because many systems missed important Windows updates.

Attackers actively scan the internet for websites running old software because those flaws are often publicly known and easy to exploit. Even a single outdated plugin can give attackers a way into an otherwise secure site.

While most website attacks target software, the underlying systems that support your website also need regular updates. These are your servers, hosting infrastructure, and device firmware.

Firmware is a type of software that’s permanently stored on a device that provides low-level control and instructions for proper functionality. Like regular apps, firmware should be updated.

If firmware or system-level software is outdated, attackers may gain deeper access that can affect the website as well.

How small businesses reduce the risk of outdated components

• Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated with the latest security fixes.
• Remove plugins and themes you no longer use, since unused software can still be exploited.
• Use routine website scans to identify outdated components or known vulnerabilities before attackers do.

Sensitive user data exposure

Sensitive data exposure happens when a website doesn’t properly protect the information visitors share with it. If you’re a small business website, you’ll often handle email addresses, login details, contact form messages, and payment information. These are things you need to properly secure.

If a website has a broken access control or doesn’t secure connections, this data can be intercepted or accessed while it’s being sent. That means information submitted through forms or checkout pages could be exposed without either the business or the customer realizing it.

How small businesses reduce the risk of sensitive data exposure

• Use HTTPS on your website, which encrypts data so it can’t be easily read if intercepted.
• Secure contact forms and payment pages, especially when collecting personal or financial information.
• Limit access to stored customer data so only the right people and systems can see it.

Why website security vulnerabilities matter for small businesses

So, cybercriminals use vulnerabilities to get into your system. But what does that actually do to your business? Some of the biggest risks include: 

• Data theft: Hackers can steal sensitive information like customer details, passwords, or financial records. 
• Service disruption: Vulnerabilities can let attackers crash your systems or networks, causing downtime that hurts your business. 
• Financial loss: Attacks can be costly, including fines, legal fees, and lost sales. 
• Damage to reputation: Customers and partners may lose trust if their data is exposed, or services go down. 
• Unauthorized access: Attackers can take control of systems, giving them the power to move around your network and do further damage. 
• Ransomware attacks: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to lock your data until you pay a ransom, interrupting operations. 

How cybercriminals exploit website vulnerabilities  

Cybercriminals usually follow a predictable process when attacking small business websites. Understanding these steps helps explain how website security vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited.

• Finding information about your website: Attackers begin by gathering information about your website to identify ways they might gain unauthorized access. They look for details like which CMS you use, whether plugins or themes are outdated, where login pages are located, and whether any files or directories are publicly accessible.
• Looking for weaknesses: Next, attackers scan for website security vulnerabilities such as weak or reused passwords, outdated software, exposed forms, or unsafe default settings in your hosting environment that could help them gain access.
• Creating or using tools to attack: Instead of building attacks from scratch, cybercriminals often use automated tools that search the internet for known website flaws. These tools can test forms for SQL injection, check pages for XSS, or attempt common password combinations on admin dashboards.
• Delivering the attack: Once a weakness is found, attackers try to exploit it. This may involve submitting malicious code through a contact form, attempting to log in using stolen or guessed credentials, or directly accessing an exposed part of the website.
• Taking control or causing harm: If the attack succeeds, cybercriminals may steal customer data, change website content, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or install malware, disrupting business operations and damaging trust.
• Staying hidden and keeping access: Finally, attackers try to remain unnoticed after they gain unauthorized access. They may add hidden admin accounts, upload backdoor files, or schedule tasks that let them return later, allowing ongoing access and further damage.

How small businesses can reduce website security risks  

Website security doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Most small business websites are compromised because of a few basic issues and not because of advanced attacks.

Focus on the steps below; small businesses can address most real-world website security vulnerabilities and protect their sites without a dedicated security team.

• Keep software and plugins updated
• Use strong authentication
• Secure website configurations and access
• Monitor and scan for vulnerabilities
• Prepare for incidents and recovery

Keep software and plugins updated 

Outdated software is one of the most common causes of website security problems. For small business websites, this usually means running an old CMS, plugin, or theme that hasn’t received recent security updates. Regular updates remove common weaknesses before attackers can use them.

What this looks like in practice:

• Update your CMS, plugins, and themes regularly.
• Remove plugins and themes you no longer use.
• Set a simple routine to review updates each month.

Strengthen authentication practices 

Login systems are a frequent target for attackers, especially admin panels and website dashboards. Weak passwords, reused credentials, and shared logins make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

When authentication and access controls are weak, websites face several common risks:

• Broken access control: Users or attackers may be able to view pages or perform actions they shouldn’t, such as accessing admin areas or other users’ data.
• Insecure direct object references: Someone can access files or records simply by changing a number or ID in a URL, without the website checking permission.
• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF): Logged-in users can be tricked into taking unwanted actions, like changing account settings or submitting forms, without realizing it.
• Session hijacking: Attackers take over a user’s active login session, often if sessions aren’t securely managed or timed out properly.
• Credential stuffing: Stolen username-password combinations from other breaches are reused to try to log in to your website.
• Privilege escalation: A user gains more access than intended, such as moving from a basic account to admin-level permissions.
• Account takeover: Attackers fully take control of user or admin accounts, allowing them to change settings or access sensitive data.
• Data integrity failures: Data can be altered, deleted, or corrupted when attackers can act as legitimate users.

Using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure session management helps ensure users are properly verified and stay safely logged in.

What this looks like in practice:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all admin and editor accounts.
• Enable MFA on dashboards and login pages.
• Avoid shared credentials and assign individual user accounts.
• Review and remove unused accounts regularly.

Secure website configurations and access 

Many websites start with default settings that prioritize convenience over security. Leaving these defaults unchanged, especially in hosting environments and CMS platforms, can expose unnecessary features or access points.

Limiting access and tightening permissions reduces the damage an attacker can do, even if they gain access to one account.

What this looks like in practice:

• Review default CMS and hosting settings after setup and updates.
• Assign user roles carefully so people only have access they need.
• Restrict file and folder permissions.
• Disable features, plugins, or tools you don’t actively use.

Monitor and scan for vulnerabilities 

Even well-maintained websites can develop new issues over time. Regular monitoring and scanning help identify problems early, before attackers take advantage of them.

Scans don’t require advanced knowledge—they simply highlight outdated components, unsafe settings, or common web application security vulnerabilities that need attention.

What this looks like in practice:

• Run routine website scans to identify known vulnerabilities.
• Watch for unexpected changes or unusual activity.
• Fix issues promptly to reduce exposure.

Prepare for incidents and recovery 

Website security also means being ready if something goes wrong. Backups and basic response planning help you recover quickly and minimize downtime.

Preparation builds confidence and keeps your business running smoothly.

What this looks like in practice:

• Back up website files and databases regularly.
• Store backups securely and off-site.
• Test restores occasionally to confirm they work.
• Know who to contact and what steps to take if your site is compromised.

Frequently asked questions 

Protect yourself against data breaches

No website is completely risk-free, but preparation makes a real difference. Keeping your site updated, securing access, using HTTPS, and monitoring for issues helps reduce both the chance and impact of a breach.

With simple safeguards and a recovery plan in place, small businesses can protect customer data, maintain trust, and stay focused on growth. Tools like SSL certificates and website security monitoring support this readiness by helping secure data and detect problems early.