Hackers Are Using Fake Tools to Breach WordPress Sites

A security plugin that isn’t secure.

That’s exactly what researchers uncovered recently when they found a fake WordPress plugin, WP-antymalwary-bot.php, disguised as a legitimate security tool. Once installed, the plugin gave hackers full control over the website — from running hidden code to spreading malware through other directories.

What made it so dangerous? It looked helpful. It claimed to increase protection. And it came wrapped in the kind of language and features that made it seem trustworthy — especially to busy teams trying to stay secure with limited resources.

Why This Matters

WordPress powers a huge portion of the internet — and it’s especially popular among nonprofits, small businesses, and DIY site owners. It’s easy to use, affordable, and flexible — which also makes it a prime target for attackers.

Unlike traditional phishing emails or scammy downloads, this plugin didn’t set off immediate alarms. It acted like a legitimate add-on and blended into the backend quietly. That’s what makes these threats so hard to catch — especially for teams that don’t have time to vet every plugin or check every system log.

What Lockwell Can (and Can’t) Do

Let’s be clear: Lockwell doesn’t scan or block WordPress plugins.
We won’t prevent you from installing a fake one, and we don’t control what gets added to your CMS.

But here’s where we do help:

✅ Regular Domain Vulnerability Scans
Lockwell routinely scans your domain for known weaknesses — so even if a risky plugin has been installed, you’re more likely to catch it before real damage spreads. These scans flag outdated software, misconfigured settings, and known exposure points across your public-facing systems.

✅ Security Reporting for Your Stack
We help track the services and tools you rely on — and flag when something about your tech stack might put you at risk, especially if it's out of date or improperly configured.

✅ Awareness That’s Built for Small Teams
Lockwell makes it easier to spot the risks before they escalate. We keep the focus on visibility, not overwhelm — and give your team the context to ask the right questions, like: “Do we know what plugins are installed on our site right now?”

Bottom Line

You may not have time to monitor every line of code on your WordPress site — but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With domain-level scans and better visibility into your tools, Lockwell gives you more chances to catch trouble early — and more clarity about what’s really happening behind the scenes.

👉 Learn how Lockwell helps small teams surface risks before they become breaches