Keeping WordPress up to date with the latest software patches is a very important thing to do. Not only do you need to update the WordPress “core” whenever it needs updating, but also the plugins. If you have a blog/site on which you use a number of plugins, it is likely that there will be updates needed on your site several times per week, or even more.
Why all of those updates?
Well, there are really two different reasons why these updates are necessary. Both are important, although one of them is the most important.
Functionality
This is the least important of the two. The developers may be adding new or improved functionality to WordPress or one of its plugins. Make the software do new things, or do the old things better. Of course, this is important, because if the new software is better, you want it on your site!
Security
The most important reason, though, for keeping your site up to date is security. Most of these software updates address security issues. Maybe some kind of issue was found where people with bad intentions can access your site, hack in or insert some kind of code to damage your site, or use your site to damage those who visit your site. Not a good thing. When these vulnerabilities are found, the developers will quickly fix the problem so that your site will remain secure. Problem is, though, that if you don’t update the software, the bad guys out there will then know what the vulnerabilities are, and will try to attack your site.
Isis – The Islamic State
ISIS is attacking WordPress
Some people reading this may feel that this is “over the top” but it is true that right now, ISIS, the terrorist group, is focusing on hacking into WordPress sites. They want to take over your site and they will post messages about their terrorist agenda on your site. I am sure you don’t want this, so it is very important to keep your WordPress site up to date.
How often should you update?
See the Red area – that tells you that an update is needed
Well, you should update whenever an update is available! Look at the image above. If you are in the admin area of your WordPress site and you see the little red area with a number in it, that shows you how many updates are needed at the time. When you see the little red number pop up in your admin area, best to take care of it and update your software! It is very simple to do. If you worry about taking care of the updates, though, CurvePress can do it for you and make sure that your site is safe and running smoothly. Just contact us to arrange for us to update your site for you. In fact, if you sign up for our monthly WordPress Fix-It desk service we will always make sure that your WordPress site software is kept up to date, and you won’t experience any hacks or such problems.
Be safe out there!