SQL Injection (often shortened to SQLi) is a type of cyberattack where an attacker “injects” malicious code into a website’s database query—usually through a form field or URL—to access or manipulate data they shouldn’t be able to touch.

Let’s break that down. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, the language most websites use to communicate with their database. Whenever someone submits a login form, fills out a contact form, or searches your site, there’s usually an SQL query happening behind the scenes.

If that query isn’t properly protected, an attacker can exploit it to do things like:

• View private customer data
• Bypass login credentials
• Modify or delete records
• Create admin-level users
• Dump entire databases

How SQL Injection works

Imagine your login form asks for a username and password. A normal user inputs their credentials, and the site checks them against the database.

But an attacker might enter something like this into the username field:

​' OR 1=1 --

If the form doesn’t sanitize or filter that input, the database might interpret it as:

“Give me access if the username is blank OR if 1=1 (which is always true)”

The result? The attacker gets in—without a password.

More complex SQL injection techniques can be used to:

• List or export full tables of users and passwords
• Insert malicious data into your site
• Crash the database or application

Real-world impact

For business owners, SQL Injection is especially dangerous because it’s one of the most common causes of data breaches. And it doesn’t take a targeted attack. Automated bots constantly scan websites looking for poorly coded forms or plugins.

If your site is vulnerable:

• You could be unknowingly leaking sensitive data
• Your site might be compromised with no visible signs
• You might face legal issues if customer data is accessed (especially under GDPR)
• You’ll likely suffer trust and SEO damage if the breach is detected by users or search engines

How to prevent SQL Injection

The good news? SQLi is entirely preventable—if your site and tools are built correctly.

• Use well-coded themes and plugins Avoid low-quality or outdated tools that don’t follow modern security practices.
• Always sanitize input If your site accepts user input (search bars, forms, URLs), it should always validate and sanitize that data before using it in a query.
• Use prepared statements Developers should use parameterized queries rather than string-building queries. Most modern CMS frameworks (including WordPress) support this natively.
• Limit database privileges Don’t give your application full access to the database unless it truly needs it.
• Install a web firewall Tools like Cloudflare or Wordfence can block common SQLi attack patterns automatically.
• Audit your site regularly Periodic technical and security audits can catch outdated plugins or risky database usage.

Bottom line

SQL Injection is like giving a stranger backstage access to your business. But with modern tools, good habits, and secure coding practices, this kind of threat can be eliminated. Don’t ignore the risks just because the attack sounds technical—if your site has a contact form, login page, or search function, it needs protection.