Is it really that important to keep your WordPress website up to date? The answer is a huge YES! Just ask those impacted by the Panama Papers leak of 2016. Hackers accessed millions of documents containing confidential data about the rich and famous. It exposed the unscrupulous financial practices of the super wealthy, ranging from shady to downright illegal.
The attackers gained access through an outdated WordPress plugin. While it seemed small, it was like the tiny hole in the Death Star that Luke Skywalker used to blow up the massive space station. In this case, this plugin that had not been updated in a timely manner was the small crack that exploded into an international incident. This breach was so impactful that it served as the basis for a 2019 star-studded film called “The Laundromat.”
WordPress: The Web’s Silent PartnerÂ
Latest estimates put WordPress at powering over 43% of the web. It provides online services from Fortune 500 companies to personal blogs, making it a versatile framework for millions of websites. One reason for its “silent partner” designation is that WordPress is open source, meaning it is not owned by a big corporation but supported by a nonprofit and the community. It is interesting to note that one of the internet’s greatest success stories is not about making a profit, but is driven by those who want to create something excellent. Do with that what you will.
While WordPress prefers to work quietly in the background, its massive online presence has made it a favorite target for hackers. Bad actors are vigilant in probing for vulnerabilities, looking for unlocked doors and open windows into the WP infrastructure.
Run Updates Fast and Furious
The WordPress community is hard at work keeping the core system and its ecosystem of themes and plugins secure. As vulnerabilities surface, developers release security patches to fix them. These updates occur almost daily.
Here is the catch: Once that update is released, the security hole becomes public knowledge. Hackers know exactly where the weak spot is, scanning the internet for websites that have not yet applied the patch. So, unless you run WordPress updates promptly, your website is a sitting duck to become the next Panama Papers story.
Most of the big players in the web hosting game that brag about their cheap hosting do not update your WordPress website. They bury this disclaimer in that 20-page service agreement in the tiny font you checked when you thought you were getting such a good deal.
If TecAdvocates manages your WordPress website, we have good news. We proactively monitor for updates and apply them in a timely manner.
The Weakest Link: Plugins and Themes
You might be diligent about updating WordPress core, but what about that contact form plugin you installed three years ago and forgot about?
Plugins and themes are often the primary entry points for attacks. Because third-party developers create them, code quality can vary. A reputable developer will release regular updates to fix bugs, patch security issues, and ensure compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.
The Abandoned Plugin Risk
Sometimes, developers stop maintaining a plugin. If a plugin hasn’t been updated in over a year, it is a significant risk. It may not be compatible with newer versions of WordPress, leading to site crashes, or worse, it may contain unpatched security holes.
How to audit your plugins:
- Check the “Last Updated” date: If it is older than 6 months to a year, investigate.
- Review the support forum: Are users complaining about unresolved issues?
- Find alternatives: If a plugin is abandoned, replace it with a supported alternative immediately.
WordPress Updates Come With GoodiesÂ
Updates aren’t just about fixing security issues and repairing broken things; they are about giving you new tools to build better content. The digital landscape changes rapidly. Since it started in 2003, WordPress has a proven track record of keeping pace with the ever-shifting sands of the online world. For example, as YouTube and online video exploded, WordPress evolved to let you easily embed a YouTube video on your site with a few clicks.
By keeping your website current, you ensure it loads quickly. Fast websites lead to better user experiences, higher search engine rankings, and ultimately, a better return on investment (ROI).
If you are still running an old version of WordPress, you are missing out on new features and performance enhancements. Staying updated ensures you have access to the latest technology, empowering you to create content more effectively and engage your audience in new ways.
Keeping your WordPress site up to date is not just a technical chore; it is a strategic business decision.
- It protects your brand reputation
- Ensures your customers have a fast and seamless experience
- Gives you the tools you need to stay competitive
Ignoring updates is like leaving the front door of your business unlocked at night. The risk simply isn’t worth it.
TecAdvocates wants to help your website be safe and up to date.