Table of contents

Why plugin security matters in WordPressSigns a plugin might be a security riskHow to scan your WordPress siteWhat to do if you find a risky pluginHow to prevent future plugin vulnerabilitiesGetting startedAdditional resources

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WordPress Guide → Plugins → Scan Site Security Risk

How to scan a WordPress site for security risk plugins

Even one bad plugin can open the door to serious security risks. If you’re running WordPress, regularly scanning for vulnerable or abandoned plugins is a must.

Here’s how to find, review, and remove security risks before they become a problem.

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Why plugin security matters in WordPress

Plugins are one of the biggest strengths of WordPress, and one of its biggest vulnerabilities. They add new features, optimize workflows, and expand what your site can do. But because they run code directly on your site, a single vulnerable plugin can expose your entire installation.

According to multiple WordPress security reports, outdated or poorly coded plugins are responsible for most successful attacks. Hackers actively scan WordPress sites looking for known vulnerabilities, often targeting plugins with abandoned support or public CVEs.

Signs a plugin might be a security risk

Not all plugins are created equal. Some are secure and actively maintained. Others are buggy, abandoned, or outright malicious. Watch for these signs:

The plugin hasn’t been updated in 6 months or more.
It hasn’t been tested with the latest version of WordPress.
The plugin page is missing from WordPress.org.
You notice redirect behavior, spammy links, or strange admin activity.
The plugin has known vulnerabilities listed in databases like WPScan.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to run a full scan.

Step-by-step: How to scan your WordPress site for plugin vulnerabilities

There are multiple ways to scan your site. You can use a plugin, check vulnerabilities manually, or rely on a remote scan.

1. Use a WordPress security plugin with vulnerability scanning

If you want to verify a specific plugin or don’t want to install a scanner, you can check manually:

Use WPScan to search by plugin name or slug.
Visit the plugin’s page on WordPress.org to check the last update, WordPress version compatibility, and user reviews.
Search for the plugin name and “vulnerability” in Google to find recent CVEs or blog posts about security issues.

This method is slower, but it’s a good way to double-check a plugin before installing it.

2. Check plugin vulnerabilities manually with online tools

If you want to verify a specific plugin or don’t want to install a scanner, you can check manually:

Use WPScan to search by plugin name or slug.
Visit the plugin’s page on WordPress.org to check the last update, WordPress version compatibility, and user reviews.
Search for the plugin name and “vulnerability” in Google to find recent CVEs or blog posts about security issues.

This method is slower, but it’s a good way to double-check a plugin before installing it.

3. Scan your site with remote tools

Remote scanners work by scanning the public version of your website. They can’t see everything inside your admin dashboard, but they’re useful for spotting known malware, spam links, or plugin backdoors.

Top remote tools include:

Sucuri SiteCheck – Scans for malware, outdated software, and blacklisting.
Quttera – Detects hidden malware, defacement, and suspicious external resources.
VirusTotal – Analyzes URLs with dozens of antivirus engines and blacklists.

To use them, just paste your site URL into the tool and let it scan. It won’t catch everything, but it can give you a heads-up if your site is compromised.

What to do if you find a risky plugin

Found something concerning? Act quickly. Here’s what to do:

Deactivate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
Delete it completely—deactivation alone doesn’t remove potential threats.
Replace it with a secure, regularly updated alternative.
Check your files for unexpected changes, extra admin accounts, or unknown scheduled tasks.
Restore from backup if the plugin left any persistent changes or if you suspect a deeper compromise.

When in doubt, reach out to your host or security provider for support.

How to prevent future plugin vulnerabilities

Even after cleanup, prevention is key. Keep your site safe with a few simple habits:

Limit plugins to only those you absolutely need.
Enable automatic updates for trusted plugins.
Vet all new plugins by checking update frequency, support responses, and user reviews.
Use staging environments to test updates before pushing them live.
Run weekly scans with a plugin like Solid Security Pro or Wordfence.

Staying proactive can keep your site protected long-term.

Getting started with WordPress plugin security scans

Plugins are a huge part of what makes WordPress powerful—but they’re also one of its biggest security liabilities if left unchecked. Scanning for risky plugins regularly helps you stay ahead of threats.

Install a trusted security plugin like Solid Security Pro, or use remote tools like Sucuri for lightweight scans. The sooner you identify a problem plugin, the faster you can protect your site and your visitors.

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