6 reasons why to keep your WordPress updated

Failing to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins can expose your website to a range of significant risks. Here are the key potential dangers.

Failing to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins can expose your website to a range of significant risks. Here are the key potential dangers:

1. Security Vulnerabilities

Increased Risk of Hacks:

Outdated software is a primary target for hackers. Security patches and updates often address vulnerabilities that, if left unpatched, can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to your website .

Malware and Viruses:

Vulnerable sites are more susceptible to malware infections, which can lead to data breaches, defacement, and the distribution of malicious software to your visitors .

2. Compatibility Issues

Broken Functionality:

Newer versions of WordPress may introduce changes that are not compatible with older themes and plugins, causing parts of your website to break or malfunction .

Conflict Between Plugins:

Updated plugins may not work well with outdated ones, leading to conflicts that can disable critical website functions or features .

3. Performance Problems

Slow Load Times:

Updates often include performance improvements. Running outdated versions can slow down your site, leading to poor user experience and lower search engine rankings .

Resource Inefficiency:

Outdated code might be less efficient, consuming more server resources and potentially leading to increased hosting costs or even server crashes under high traffic .

4. Loss of Features

Missing Out on New Features:

Updates frequently include new features and enhancements that can improve functionality and user experience. Not updating means missing out on these advancements.

Deprecated Functions:

Some features in older versions may be deprecated or removed in future updates, leading to potential issues if you rely on them.

5. SEO Impact

Negative SEO Effects:

Search engines favor secure, fast, and reliable websites. Outdated software can negatively impact your SEO, reducing your site’s visibility and organic traffic.

Blacklisting:

If your site gets hacked and spreads malware, search engines might blacklist it, leading to a severe drop in traffic and credibility.

6. Legal and Compliance Risks

Non-Compliance with Regulations:

Websites must comply with various data protection and privacy laws (like GDPR). Updates often include necessary changes to stay compliant. Not updating can lead to legal issues and penalties​ (DesignRush)​.

Conclusion

Regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins is crucial to maintaining a secure, efficient, and fully functional website. Neglecting updates can lead to severe security breaches, functionality issues, poor performance, and legal problems, all of which can damage your reputation and business.

Picture of Tomáš Jendek

Tomáš Jendek

Tomas has been Web & IT consultant for last 11 years. He is focused on Website design and low-code development. Happy Dad of 2 boys.Likes freedom, wandering, thinking, history, stories, interesting people, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Co-founder • Website & Growth Strategist

More Articles

WordPress vs Webflow: What’s the best choice for enterprise?

Read more
Blog

Discover how Bloomreach saves 50% of the costs on website development and speeds up marketing activities by 32% thanks to Webgate.

Read more
Blog

Optimizing Bloomreach’s Website Performance

Read more
Blog

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and receive latest insights.

Topics: Improving B2B websites, AI tools in web development, UX/UI, website marketing trends etc.

By submitting this form you agree to the processing of your personal data according to our .
Services

Thank you for your interest!

We will contact you soon.