WordPress Care Plan Series: Part 4

Just like any software these days — phone, laptop, desktop computer — WordPress updates are regularly released with improvements, bug fixes, and security solutions.

WordPress is no different with regular updates for (1) WordPress itself, (2) installed plugins, and (3) installed templates.

A WordPress care plan can be instrumental in maintaining the health and performance of your website. By outsourcing critical tasks such as regular backups, security monitoring, and software updates to professionals, you ensure that your site remains secure, up-to-date, and fully functional.

WordPress Care Plan Content Series

In this series of 5 posts, we will be outlining the following topics:

1. The Role of Regular Updates in Website Health
2. Proactive Monitoring and Issue Prevention for WordPress Sites
3. Outsourcing Website Maintenance to Professionals: Why It’s Worth It
4. Website Security Risks from Outdated Software
5. Software Updates in the Modern Digital World: Why Your Website Is No Exception

1. Introduction: Your Website Is a Target

• Every website—no matter how big or small—is a potential target for cyber attacks.
• Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for hackers to get in.
• This post breaks down the risks and how you can protect your site by staying updated.

2. Why Hackers Target WordPress Sites

WordPress powers over 40% of the web—so it's a big target.

Hackers don’t manually search for vulnerable sites—they use bots to scan thousands at once.

They look for:

• Outdated plugins
• Known vulnerabilities
• Weak admin passwords

“If you think your site is “too small” to get hacked—think again.”

3. Common Security Threats from Outdated Software

Backdoor Access

• Allows hackers to get in and out without detection.

Malware Infections

• Can redirect users to scam sites, display ads, or steal data.

Phishing Pages

• Hackers can create fake login pages on your domain to steal credentials.

Spam Injection

• Your site can be used to post spam links or email spam—hurting your reputation.

Complete Takeover

• In extreme cases, you can lose full control of your website and data.

4. How Software Becomes Vulnerable

• Developers constantly release security patches to fix flaws.
• If you don’t install updates, your site still has those flaws—and hackers know exactly what they are.
• Public vulnerability databases list these issues, making it easy for bots to exploit them.

5. Real-World Examples

“In 2021, a vulnerability in the File Manager plugin was exploited to compromise over 700,000 WordPress sites. A simple update could have prevented it.”

6. How to Protect Your Site

• Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated.
• Only use plugins/themes from trusted developers.
• Remove unused or abandoned plugins/themes.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Have regular backups in place—so you can restore your site if needed.
• Consider a care plan with proactive security monitoring.

7. Final Thoughts

• Outdated software is like leaving your front door unlocked in a bad neighborhood.
• Security should never be an afterthought—it’s essential to protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.

Not sure if your site is secure? Our WordPress Care Plans keep your site secure, fast, and fully functional—without the stress. Need help staying on top of updates? Please get in touch.