If you have a website, it’s absolutely crucial to keep it up to date. Plugins and updates are software, just like you have on your phone or laptop. You need to update this software regularly, checking for updates yourself and always doing it when prompted.
Here are just three very important reasons why:
- Security
WordPress and other plugins can contain security vulnerabilities. Hackers and other malicious parties are adept at exploiting weak spots in software, apps and plugins. They also rely on people not bothering to update their plugins, along with themes, PHP and WordPress itself. In fact, research by WPBeginner found that a huge 83% of hacked WordPress blogs in 2012 had not been updated.
Updates are the only way to stay one step ahead of the hackers and reduce security risks. The plugin developers release updates which contain patches and fixes to resolve known issues and to strengthen your site against attacks.
If you don’t keep up with plugin updates, you leave your site open to attack.
- A bug-free website
Not only do outdated plugins cause security issues, they can also make your website buggy. This can mean a bad experience for users who visit the site, who may encounter problems with slow loading, broken features, dead ends and other annoying bugs. It can also be very frustrating for you, as your plugins stop working as well as they used to.
- Extra features
Updates don’t just contain patches and fixes for security vulnerabilities. They often come with added features and functionality too, many of which could be great for your website. If you don’t update, you can’t take advantage of them.
Remember – updating plugins is easier than fixing a hacked website
If you still can’t seem to find the time to update your WordPress Plugins, bear this very important point in mind. Updating is like taking out an insurance policy, it’s a preventative measure that can save you a lot of time, frustration and expense later on. If your website is hacked, it could take days or even weeks to fix. You can’t even imagine at this stage what it will take to get the problem sorted, and how many potential customers could be turned away during this downtime?
Anyone who runs a website should put updating plugins at the very top of their list of priorities. It may not seem important when that notification pops up, but it is so easy to do and can save you from serious problems later on. There is even a handy guide available to help you keep WordPress secure, so there’s no excuse not to get those plugin upgrades sorted.
If scheduling updates or even finding the time to do it is a real headache for your business, why not have an expert handle it all for you? Ambos Digital specialise in website solutions, and can take the responsibility for those all-important plugin updates off your shoulders.
