How WP security updates impact your site

WordPress (WP) websites require routine updates to keep up with user demands. Some of WP’s most critical updates are security patches, which protect sites from various cyberattacks. But why does your website sometimes act up when you finish running an update, and how can you prevent it?

Be cautious with updates

In 2017, WP issued 21 updates and 33% of these focused on security. Despite their many benefits, these updates caused some sites to crash and caused downtime related plugin incompatibilities. To take advantage of updates without experiencing any drawbacks, our technicians shared the following tips:

Check plugin compatibility

A typical WP site has anywhere from 10 to 50 plugins installed that enable additional functionality. Some are supported by developers who constantly update these plugins while others are not.

For a fully functional website, always choose plugins that are backed by certified development teams, and be wary of error-prone free plugins. We know how difficult it is to designate a portion of your business expenses on improving your site, but in the long run, you’ll realize that relying on free plugins will generate more website crashes than website leads.

Choose how you update

Every time WP releases a new version, you get a notification in the dashboard. There, you are given an option to select a manual or automatic one-click update. Consider the effect of either option before you update.

With manual updates, you can fix incompatible site features, customize plugin update settings, and view your updated website in a controlled environment. Keep in mind that this process is technical and complicated, but gives you more flexibility with the way your update is managed.

With automatic updates, you have three options: automate the process with custom programming, click the “Update Now” button, or download an automatic update plugin. Option number three may seem ideal, but sweeping automatic updates will make it difficult for you to single out which add-on caused your site to crash.

Unless you’re certain of the best option for updating your WP site, you need a managed services provider to help you navigate this complicated process. We’ll keep your site secure and lend a hand in case it breaks down. Give us a call today to get started!

ron.pierce

Share
Published by
ron.pierce

Recent Posts

Smart Tips for Choosing a Strong Password

Creating a strong password might seem like a small task, but it’s one of the…

14 hours ago

Comprehensive Guide: Protect Your Devices from Malware and Viruses

Protect Your Devices from Malware and Viruses Protecting your devices from malware and viruses is…

1 week ago

Why Regular Software Updates Are Important: An Expert Guide

Keeping your software updated might seem like a small task, but it plays a big…

2 weeks ago

Preventing Identity Theft: Essential Safety Steps

Identity theft is a serious problem that can cause a lot of trouble for people.…

3 weeks ago

Understanding Cloud Storage: A Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever wondered where your photos or documents go when you save them online…

4 weeks ago

Exploring the Top Tech Tools for Businesses in 2025

Staying ahead in today’s business world means leveraging the best tech tools available. With rapid…

1 month ago