Think you have got a WordPress site running. But are you sure if it's fully secure? One way to check for vulnerabilities is by creating a safe, controlled environment. For this most use VirtualBox. With this, you can test and scan your site without affecting the live version.
But how do you do it? Today we will walk you through setting up VirtualBox, installing WordPress, and using the right tools to scan for vulnerabilities. You will be able to do it all from the comfort of your computer!
Why Vulnerability Scanning Is Important for WordPress Sites
Vulnerability scanning is important and you should do it regularly to keep your WP site safe,
- Vulnerability scanning helps find weaknesses that hackers could use to attack your WordPress site.
- Regular scans protect sensitive information like customer details and payment data by identifying security risks early.
- Fixing vulnerabilities can stop issues that might crash your site or make it unavailable.
- A secure site helps keep visitors’ trust, as they feel safer sharing their information.
- Scanning shows what plugins or themes need updates to fix known security problems.
Step-by-Step on How to Scan Vulnerabilities on WordPress Using VirtualBox
We have come up with very basic and easy 4 steps for you so you can easily scan vulnerabilities on your WP site using VirtualBox.
Step 1: Set Up VirtualBox for Vulnerability Scanning
Here are the first steps,
Download and Install VirtualBox
Go to the VirtualBox website. There you need to download the installer for your computer. Then simply follow the steps to install it.
Create a Virtual Machine
Now open VirtualBox. Here you need to click "New" to create a virtual machine. You can name it and choose "Linux" as the operating system. Do not forget to set the RAM and storage.
Install the Operating System on the VM
Using Ubuntu or which you are comfortable with download a Linux ISO. In VirtualBox, you can select your virtual machine. There you click "Start." lastly, choose the ISO file to install the OS inside the VM.
Configure Networking
To configure you need to go to the VM settings. Under "Network," choose "Bridged Adapter". This will enable virtual machine internet access.
Step 2: Installing WordPress in VirtualBox
These are the second steps to install WP in your VirtualBox.
Set Up the LAMP Stack
First, you need to install Apache, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP) on your virtual OS. These are the basics to run WordPress smoothly.
Download and Configure WordPress
Next, you can download WordPress from its official website. Then, configure the wp-config.php file. Here you will need to add your database details. Input the database name, username, and password.
WordPress Database Configuration
Now, set up the WordPress database using MySQL. You can create a database and user. And then connect it to WordPress. Make sure everything links properly for it to work.
Step 3: Vulnerability Scanning Tools for WordPress in VirtualBox
In this third step, you need to scan tools.
Download and Install Vulnerability Scanners
Start by downloading and installing the tools you’ll need, such as WPScan, Nikto, and Burp Suite, on your virtual machine.
Run WPScan for WordPress-Specific Vulnerabilities
Use WPScan to check your WordPress site for vulnerabilities like outdated plugins, themes, or weak passwords.
Use Nikto for Server Vulnerabilities
Run Nikto to scan your server. It will help you find potential issues with the web server that could pose a security risk.
Utilize Burp Suite for In-Depth Security Testing
For more advanced testing, use Burp Suite. It helps you to perform deeper checks, like looking for injection points and other complex vulnerabilities.
Step 4: Interpreting and Fixing Vulnerabilities
You have to come to the end of scanning vulnerabilities. Only a few tasks remain, here are those.
Review Scan Results
Carefully look at the results from WPScan, Nikto, and Burp Suite. Identify the vulnerabilities found in WordPress, server, or deeper security issues.
Update WordPress and Plugins
Fix vulnerabilities by updating WordPress core, plugins, and themes. Make sure everything is up-to-date to patch any security holes.
Repeat Scans Periodically
Keep scanning your site regularly to catch any new vulnerabilities. It's important to do this often to keep your site safe.
Verdict
Scanning vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox is easy. With just a few steps, you can create a safe testing environment. First, install WordPress, and run security scans using tools like WPScan. It is a simple way to keep your site secure without risking your live site. All you need is VirtualBox, a virtual machine, and a few security tools. Now you are ready to go!
