Plug-ins always present certain security risks because hackers can use these add-ons as attack gateways. In recent years, attackers have increasingly exploited plug-ins (especially browser add-ons) in order to spread malicious code and gain unauthorized access to websites.
There are many reasons for this trend. One reason is plug-ins have a large user base. Popular plug-ins are often installed by millions of users. If hackers manage to exploit a security vulnerability, they can potentially reach a large number of victims. In addition, plug-ins are used in many different areas and cover a wide range of applications. This means that the security risks are not limited to a specific target group of users.
Another fundamental problem: Many plug-ins (such as WordPress plug-ins) are developed by single individuals or hobbyist programmers. As a user, it’s often impossible or difficult to determine how clean the code really is and whether it has vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. Even more problematic are plug-ins that are specifically programmed to spread malware, spyware and other malicious code.
That's why it’s important to choose plug-ins carefully. Most importantly, always use plug-ins from reputable sources instead of just installing the first plug-in you come across with features that sound interesting. Ultimately, even plug-ins that are installed but not activated can pose a threat. Last but not least, always keep installed plug-ins up to date by installing the latest updates to eliminate known security vulnerabilities.