As two of the most widely used technologies on the web, PHP and WordPress are common targets for cyberattacks. Understanding the most frequent security vulnerabilities can help you safeguard your site and avoid being exploited. Here’s a rundown of the top security risks and how to mitigate them:

1. SQL Injection
   SQL injection occurs when attackers manipulate a site’s database through input fields. This can lead to data theft, deletion, or unauthorized access to the backend. To prevent SQL injections, always sanitize and validate user inputs. WordPress provides functions like esc_sql() to escape SQL queries. For more information, visit this OWASP SQL Injection guide.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
   XSS attacks occur when attackers inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by others. This can result in the theft of cookies, session tokens, or even user login credentials. WordPress offers built-in functions like wp_kses() to help sanitize content and prevent XSS. For a deeper dive, check out this article.
3. Insecure File Uploads
   Allowing users to upload files to your site without proper validation can lead to serious vulnerabilities. Attackers can upload malicious files disguised as harmless documents or images. To secure file uploads, restrict the types of files allowed (e.g., only images) and scan files for malicious content. Plugins like Wordfence can help detect and block malicious uploads.
4. PHP Vulnerabilities
   Outdated versions of PHP often contain known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Always keep your PHP version up to date. As of 2024, PHP 8.2 is the latest version, offering enhanced security and performance improvements. For more on updating PHP in WordPress, visit this guide.

For a more detailed list of common vulnerabilities and how to prevent them, visit the official WordPress security documentation.