The risks of using an un-updated WordPress and its modules
WordPress is without doubt one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, offering users excellent flexibility and ease when building websites and online stores. Its popularity comes largely from being an open-source platform supported by thousands of developers around the world. On top of that, WordPress offers a countless number of modules and themes that make customising a site and adding functionality easy. But like any software, WordPress too requires regular updates and maintenance in order to stay secure and perform well. Using an un-updated WordPress and un-updated modules, however, can bring serious risks. In this post we look at those risks and explain why it matters to keep your WordPress site and its modules always up to date.
Security risks
1. Vulnerabilities and malware
The biggest risk in using an un-updated WordPress and un-updated modules is security vulnerabilities. Outdated software is easy prey for cybercriminals. Every WordPress and module update often contains security fixes that repair previously discovered vulnerabilities. When those fixes are left unapplied, your website and its users remain open to attack.
Malware, viruses and other types of attack can lead to your website being compromised, to data being stolen or destroyed and to user data being exposed. Cybercriminals can, for instance, inject malicious code into your site that steals users' personal data or even credit card details. Incidents like that can seriously damage your company's reputation and trustworthiness.
2. Brute force attacks
Brute force attacks, where hackers try to guess login credentials one after another, are another common threat. WordPress and module updates often contain improvements that protect your site against these attacks — for example additional security measures such as limits on the number of login attempts or two-factor authentication.
3. SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
SQL injection and XSS attacks are likewise common methods that hackers use on un-updated WordPress sites. These attacks let malicious actors inject code that can destroy databases or steal data. Applying updates regularly helps prevent those vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Performance problems
1. Slow loading time
Using an un-updated WordPress and un-updated modules can make your site load slowly. Outdated software may not be optimised for the newest technologies and servers, which can slow your site down. Slow websites lead to dissatisfied users who leave, which in turn can affect your company's revenue and reputation.
2. Compatibility problems
Old modules and themes may conflict with newer WordPress versions. That can cause functionality to disappear or even break the site completely. Regular updating ensures that all modules and themes work smoothly together and that your site runs without trouble.
SEO effects
1. A drop in search results
Slow and insecure websites can affect your SEO (search engine optimisation) negatively. Search engines such as Google prefer fast and secure sites. If your site is not up to date, it can lead to a drop in your position in search results, which in turn reduces your traffic and the number of potential customers.
2. Penalties for security holes
If your website or online store can be hacked and user data leaks, search engines may penalise it. That can include removing your site from search results or showing warnings to users who try to visit it. Such warnings can seriously damage your site's reputation and the trust people place in it.
The benefits of updating
1. Improved security
Updates often contain security fixes that protect your site against the newest threats. Regular updating ensures your site is protected against known vulnerabilities and attack methods.
2. Better performance
Updates often also contain performance improvements. They can optimise your site's code, reduce loading times and improve the overall user experience. A fast, smoothly working site increases visitor satisfaction and can contribute to a rise in conversions.
3. New features and improvements
WordPress and its modules develop constantly, adding new features and improvements. Applying updates lets you use these new possibilities, which can make your site even more attractive and functional.
4. Compatibility with the newest technologies
Technology develops quickly and outdated software may not be compatible with the newest technologies. Regular updating ensures your site works smoothly with the newest browsers, devices and servers.
How to keep a WordPress site secure?
1. Regular maintenance and updating
We offer regular website and online store maintenance that includes updating WordPress and its modules on time. We monitor the site's performance and security continuously so that updates are applied at the right moment and without failure — before a problem reaches your customers.
2. Security audit and fixes
A thorough security audit helps identify and remove possible security holes before anyone exploits them. The right protective measures — strong passwords, limited login attempts, two-factor authentication and regular backups — reduce the risk considerably.
3. Performance optimisation
Modules accumulated over time and unoptimised code slow the site down. Analysing the code and the structure helps find the causes of the slowness and improve loading times and the user experience — which is also good for SEO.
4. Consider a code-based alternative too
If a site needs more constant plugin management and security monitoring than you like, it is worth considering a code-based solution (React, Next.js). It has many times fewer moving parts, which means a smaller security risk and less maintenance. ArborIT does both and helps you choose what suits your situation best.
In summary
Using an un-updated WordPress and un-updated modules can bring serious risks to your website or online store and to your company. Security vulnerabilities, slow performance, compatibility problems and an SEO decline are just some of the possible consequences. Regular updating and maintenance are essential to ensure your site's security, performance and success.
Maintenance and updating are not an extra cost but part of the site's security — cheaper than cleaning up the consequences of any single attack. If you would like someone to keep a constant eye on your WordPress site, or you are considering a move to a more secure code-based solution, ArborIT helps with both.
The same logic applies one layer deeper: if the site runs on its own server, that needs updating too. Take a look at the checklist for securing a Linux server or read what Linux server management and maintenance covers.
