Why do websites still get hacked despite firewalls?

Here’s a staggering stat; over 30,000 websites are hacked daily. Even with firewalls in place. How can this be?

You might think a firewall is like a digital fortress, impenetrable, solid, untouchable. But in reality, it’s only one layer of defense. And like any defense system, it has its limits.

Firewalls are great at blocking unauthorized access, but they’re not foolproof. Hackers are clever. They exploit weaknesses elsewhere: outdated software, poor coding practices, or human error. While your firewall may stop one attack, others slip through the cracks.

Let’s break this down.

The Real Threat: Vulnerabilities Beyond the Firewall

One of the biggest reasons websites get hacked is outdated software. In fact, 56% of WordPress websites are compromised because they aren’t regularly updated. Hackers know this. They actively search for websites running old versions of software, which contain known vulnerabilities. If you're not updating your content management system (CMS), plugins, or third-party integrations, you're practically leaving the door wide open.

Firewalls can't patch outdated code. You need to stay proactive with updates.

Set up automatic updates or regularly schedule manual updates for all your website’s software and plugins. If this sounds tedious, consider a managed hosting service that handles this for you.

Poorly Coded Applications: A Hacker’s Playground

Web applications, whether a custom built feature on your website or a standard e-commerce plugin, can be riddled with security holes. Even a simple form submission on your site can become an entry point if not properly coded. Hackers can inject malicious code through these weak spots, bypassing your firewall entirely.

This is where things like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) come into play. These attacks are sneaky, often targeting poorly written code and taking advantage of security flaws within the application layer, areas your firewall isn’t designed to protect.

Use secure coding practices and regularly audit your web applications for vulnerabilities. Invest in a web application firewall (WAF), which adds an additional layer of protection focused specifically on application-level attacks.

The Human Element: Still the Weakest Link

Even with firewalls and security measures in place, human error remains a major factor in website breaches. Consider this: over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. It only takes one employee clicking on a suspicious link for a hacker to gain access to your network, compromising everything beyond the firewall.

Or think about weak passwords. A surprising number of users still rely on simple, easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password.” Once a hacker gains access through a weak password, the firewall can do little to stop them from moving laterally within your systems.

Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all user accounts. Regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices, so they recognize phishing attempts and avoid common security pitfalls.

Misconfigured Firewalls: A False Sense of Security

A firewall is only as strong as its configuration. Poorly configured firewalls can leave dangerous gaps in your security posture. For example, leaving unnecessary ports open or failing to define proper access control rules can create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Many organizations mistakenly believe that simply installing a firewall is enough. It’s not. Regularly reviewing and tightening firewall configurations is crucial to ensure it’s actually doing its job.

Perform regular firewall audits. Check for misconfigurations, ensure only essential services and ports are accessible, and update your rules to reflect current threats.

The Rise of Zero-Day Exploits

Zero day vulnerabilities, those that are unknown to the vendor at the time of exploitation are a growing threat. Firewalls can't stop what they don't know exists. Hackers who discover these vulnerabilities before a patch is issued can bypass even the most advanced firewalls.

In this scenario, your best defense is having a multi layered security approach. Relying solely on a firewall is dangerous. You need intrusion detection systems (IDS), malware scanners, and strong encryption to reduce the risk from zero day attacks.

Invest in a multi layered security strategy. Deploy an IDS, regularly scan for malware, and ensure all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

Firewalls Are Important—But They’re Not Everything

To sum it up, firewalls are essential, but they aren't magic shields. Hackers exploit weaknesses beyond the firewall, whether it’s outdated software, poor coding practices, or human error. The key to protecting your website isn't just a firewall, it’s a holistic approach to security.

Regular updates. Secure coding. Strong passwords. Ongoing audits. A well configured firewall. Together, they form a more resilient defense.

The landscape of cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Your website’s security should too.

Take action now to safeguard your site beyond the firewall. Don't wait for an attack to happen because in today's digital world, it's not a matter of if but when.