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Hubspot CMS vs Wordpress: Site Security

Written by Chris McGovern | Dec 8, 2022 9:25:14 PM

For IT Managed Service Providers, CMS security isn’t just important—it’s essential. When client data is involved, you’re in the crosshairs of cyber threats. HubSpot CMS and WordPress are both popular platforms, but their approach to security is fundamentally different. Here’s what that means for IT teams looking to reduce risk.

WordPress: Security Risks of an Open Platform

Open-Source Code and Vulnerabilities

WordPress is open-source, meaning its code is available to everyone. This enables a huge developer community to create plugins and themes, but it also leaves sites open to attack. Hackers often exploit publicly available code to find weaknesses, and they use automated tools to scan the internet for vulnerable sites. While security plugins and regular updates can help, they can’t eliminate these risks completely.

Plugin and Theme Vulnerabilities

WordPress relies on third-party plugins and themes, and each one can become a security gap if not carefully managed. When plugins aren’t up-to-date or well-maintained, they’re easy targets for attackers. For IT teams, this means every new plugin adds a layer of risk to monitor.

Hosting Responsibility

WordPress requires users to manage their own hosting. This means handling server security configurations, updates, and compliance with industry standards. For many MSPs, managing these aspects can be complex and time-consuming, taking resources away from other critical areas.

 

HubSpot CMS: Built-In Security Features for Peace of Mind

Closed Platform with Managed Hosting

HubSpot CMS offers a fully managed environment that’s closed-source, so its code isn’t accessible to the public. HubSpot’s security team handles vulnerabilities proactively, reducing the risks IT teams have to worry about on their end.

Security Out of the Box

HubSpot CMS comes with essential security features like:

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of user protection
  • Strict Password Policies to help prevent brute-force attack
  • SSL Certificates for secure data transmission
  • DDoS Protection to keep the site up and running during attempted attacks
With these features built in, MSPs get a strong baseline of security without needing third-party plugins or complex configurations.
 

Compliance and Regular Maintenance

HubSpot CMS adheres to SOC 2 compliance standards, critical for organizations managing sensitive data. Regular updates, monitoring, and maintenance are all taken care of by HubSpot, so IT teams don’t have to manage every patch or worry about security lags.

 

Why HubSpot CMS is the Smarter Choice for IT MSPs

For MSPs who need to minimize risks and avoid the hassle of managing every security layer, HubSpot CMS is a compelling option. It provides an integrated, managed environment with proactive security features designed to protect client data and reduce the burden on IT teams.

Key Advantages

  • Minimized Attack Surface: The closed-source environment and managed hosting mean fewer entry points for attackers.
  • Proactive Security Management: HubSpot’s security team handles vulnerabilities, so updates happen automatically and consistently.
  • Compliance Confidence: SOC 2 compliance ensures rigorous security standards are in place.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Security features and updates are automated, eliminating the need for constant oversight.

While WordPress can be secured with effort, HubSpot CMS offers a lower-maintenance, secure solution that fits IT MSPs’ need to prioritize data protection without adding complexity.