21 Dec 2023
The developers of WordPress are very active and sometimes release updates as frequently as monthly.
And that’s just for the updates addressing “potential” security issues discovered by the community. If you look at the release log, you’ll see that there have been numerous updates for WordPress.
WordPress takes prompt action when they discover a new vulnerability that could be exploited. This is a good practice!
However, it’s not always the case for plugins and themes. Some premium plugins and themes are not updated regularly, even when vulnerabilities have been known for months. These vulnerabilities are sometimes reported on forums, accessible to any hacker.
Should you update WordPress with every release?
It is advisable to keep WordPress updated regularly, but immediately updating right after every release comes with its own risks. Sometimes, new releases may introduce errors or issues in your WordPress. It’s not unwise to wait a few days before updating to ensure it is a security update or just includes “fancy” features for bloggers.
Help! I encountered an error after updating!
It’s not uncommon to encounter errors after updating. It could be due to insufficient server space or incomplete updates caused by a server outage. If you face this situation, you can manually upload WordPress via FTP.
My website is at risk!
You might receive alarming emails from your hosting provider stating that something is wrong with your WordPress site and that there are files posing a risk. These emails are sometimes generated by hosting software that detects not only hack files but also potential vulnerabilities.
However, a “potential vulnerability” doesn’t necessarily mean that your WordPress is compromised if it’s well secured. Since these notifications do not consider the security measures you have in place, they can be unsettling.
Ways to stay worry-free:
1. Regularly back up your website: Backups can help you restore your website in case of any issues caused by vulnerabilities.
2. Update WordPress regularly: Especially when there is a security release.
3. Use a limited number of plugins: Every plugin increases the potential for vulnerabilities, injection points, or XSS attacks.
4. Secure your website with a professional security plugin: A good security plugin like iThemes Security can enhance the protection of your WordPress site.
