You’re not going to like this – but it’ll help protect you online.
Quick truth: hackers don’t always break in by guessing your password. Sometimes they just steal your backstage pass and walk right in like they own the place.
When you log in to WordPress (or your bank, or the movie tickets website, or just about anywhere else), the site gives your browser a small token – a short-lived “hall pass” that says, you already proved who you are. That token keeps you logged in so you don’t have to type your password every two minutes – which is incredibly annoying, I know. It’s so convenient not to have to do that. But…
If a bad actor gets that token, they don’t need your password or your 2FA (two-factor authentication) code. They just reuse the token and the site thinks it’s you. That’s called session theft or token theft, and it’s how attackers can act as if they’re you – without even logging in.
Why this is scary
Let’s use your WordPress site as an example. If a hacker steals your token because you didn’t log out:
- They can remove your security tools so you can’t see what they do.
- They can install malicious plugins in your site.
- They can make it look like you made the changes, because the logs show your account.
What to do right now for your own WordPress site:
- Log out of WordPress when you’re done. Don’t leave sessions open overnight.
- Reset your password regularly – and use a unique password for each and every website you visit. (Password managers are your friend.)
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on admin accounts – and enforce it for editors/admins. (If you’re a client, we’ve done this one for you.)
As part of your WordPress Care Plan we require secure passwords, 2FA, and other strict security measures, but as you see we also need help from you. Log out to protect your business website.
What else you should do
Logging out isn’t just for WordPress. Any site that “keeps you logged in” is giving your browser a token (don’t tick that box to keep you logged in!). If a hacker gets that token, they get the same open door – whether it’s Gmail, Facebook, your bank, or your file storage. Two-factor codes don’t help here, because the attacker isn’t logging in again – they’re reusing your already-open session.
The same “stolen backstage pass” risk exists on:
- Email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo) → if someone steals your session token, they can read and send email as you without your password.
- Banking / finance apps → some attackers use token theft to slip past 2FA and drain accounts.
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn) → stolen sessions = account takeovers, fake posts, ads, or scams.
- E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce) → attacker can place or cancel orders, or change account info.
- Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) → attacker can steal or delete files if your session token leaks.
So yes, logging out matters everywhere. If you wouldn’t hand someone your unlocked phone or your car keys, don’t hand them your online sessions, either.
If you have questions, please ask.
References for more info:
