Wordpress Website Updates

Why Should Your Website Have the Latest Updates?

In this post, I’ll explain why it’s important for your website to have the latest updates from the platform vendor. Most of my examples and discussion will be centered around WordPress, since many of my clients are using it for their content management system (CMS), though the principles will apply to any major platform.

Security

Ensuring your website stays updated with the latest code is crucial for one primary reason: security.

Over my years of developing websites, numerous clients have encountered issues with viruses or malicious software infiltrating their sites. These threats often result in unwanted redirects or the insertion of harmful code into pages.

Hackers deploy bots to exploit vulnerabilities in websites, aiming to access sensitive customer data, hijack administrative logins, or scrape content. With hackers constantly seeking new ways to exploit weaknesses, maintaining regular updates is paramount. While WordPress remains a popular choice for website management, boasting a significant market share, its open-source nature exposes its source code, making it an attractive target for cyberattacks.

However, WordPress benefits from a vast global developer community dedicated to rigorous testing and continuous improvement since its inception in 2003.

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Forced Third Party Plugin Updates

The bulk of malicious software I’ve encountered can often be traced back to vulnerabilities found in third-party modules or plugins, such as calendars, sliders, or galleries. Due to resource constraints, limited reach, or inadequate management, third-party software tends to receive less frequent testing and updates compared to the parent CMS platform.

Once a hacker identifies a vulnerability in a specific plugin, they can easily run a script to seek out susceptible websites and launch attacks. These viruses can be particularly elusive, as they often replicate themselves or inject lines of text or JavaScript code into pages.

Updating WordPress may render outdated plugins incompatible, and there’s usually an indicator signaling when a plugin hasn’t received recent updates. This prompts third-party plugin developers to maintain regular updates to avoid becoming obsolete or receiving negative reviews.

Performance

Yet another compelling reason to prioritize the upkeep of your website’s code is the potential for improved performance offered by newer versions. Platform developers dedicate significant efforts to enhancing the code’s efficiency, aiming to ensure that your website loads swiftly and consumes fewer resources when rendering web pages.

It’s crucial to recognize that your customers prioritize speed when browsing online. Internet companies have invested substantial resources in infrastructure to deliver faster loading times, and consumers are willing to pay higher subscription fees for this enhanced experience. A sluggish website is an immediate deterrent for customers, as they have come to expect swift performance.

website updates for security

Google, a leading force in the industry, actively promotes faster website speeds. Websites that load quickly typically receive higher rankings in Google’s search algorithm, highlighting the significance of speed in online visibility and user experience.

You need to have a fast website. Since your CMS developers are likely working hard to improve performance, you need to take advantage of their updates that address this important objective.

Bugs

Another compelling reason to establish a plan for regular code updates is the possibility of encountering software bugs. In technical terms, a “bug” refers to an error in the code’s logic that has the potential to cause issues. Despite my diligent efforts to review code, conduct unit tests, perform interface testing, and stage releases, it’s virtually impossible to anticipate every potential issue beforehand.

Fortunately, platforms like WordPress benefit from a vast community of programmers who regularly test for bugs. Moreover, its extensive user base often identifies and reports bugs that arise during usage. This collaborative approach ensures that potential issues are promptly addressed and resolved, contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the platform.

update your website to prevent bugs

Have a Plan

It is crucial to have a well-defined plan for keeping your website regularly updated. I highly recommend exercising caution if you choose to update the website yourself. Before proceeding with any updates, it’s imperative to download a backup of the website files and database.

I advise against enabling automatic updates on platforms like WordPress, as thorough testing is necessary after updates to ensure that everything functions properly. I’ve encountered situations where clients experienced significant issues after clicking the update button without adequate preparation. One client, in particular, hosted their website on their own server and encountered a catastrophic failure when they initiated an update without proper backups in place. Unfortunately, they lost their entire website as a result.

This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding the implications of each action before taking any steps. It’s essential to proceed with caution and ensure that you’re fully prepared before making any updates to your website.

If on the other hand, you would rather have someone handle the back-ups of your website. SiteHatchery.com offers a Website Updating service. This service includes a member of the SiteHatchery.com team, creating back-ups and securing valuable information prior to updating your website. The developer will verify the update is in good working order, ensuring the website is operating as it did before.

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