Some of the issues that can arise are:
With Windows, one of the activities that presents the biggest security issue is when you’re downloading random software off the internet. It could have a virus in it, it could install malware, etc. But, when you stick to paid, well-supported applications, you’re usually fine.
It is the same with WordPress.
Usually, it is the premium plug-ins that work better. They generate revenue which means they have the ability to continually support and update their software. If security issues arise, they are often fixing it before you even know about it.
The WordPress plugin database has a lot of plug-ins. Many of them are free and done as a passion project by the developer. In most cases, they’re perfectly fine. But, by not generating revenue, the maintenance of the plug-in could suffer. Eventually they just move onto other things and you don’t see plug-in updates anymore. That’s when security issues can arise and there’s nobody there to fix it.
Keep Software Updated
This is so important.
You absolutely need to keep WordPress updated. You need to keep your themes updated. And you need to update your plug-ins.
I recently had to clean up a malware issue for a client where he was getting text link ads inserted into his footer for pills and other such things. In his case, it was an outdated Divi theme causing the problem. Simply updating Divi got rid of the whole issue, then I could manually remove the link and there was no problem.
In almost every case where I’ve had to come in and fix malware injections on a WordPress site, the attack vector was an outdated theme or plug-in. The bot was scanning around looking for a known vulnerability and the out-of-date software presented it to them. The other thing I’ve seen is hosting vulnerabilities, but I’ve already mentioned hosting (see above).
If you want to automate plug-in updates, you can. I usually don’t because I also don’t want to run the risk of a plug-in update breaking something when I’m not there to see it. I just make a point to routinely update my software regularly and manually.
Keep Backups
In the rare occasion your site is hacked, you can always revert to a backup. It is like the big magic eraser. ?
Of course, when you restore a backup, you’re still installing the vulnerable site. So, it is important that you know HOW the site was hacked. Again, if you’re not using any questionable themes or plug-ins and you’re keeping them updated, then look to your hosting.
If you have a web host where things get hacked and all they do is inform you and act like you’re the guilty one, time to look for a better host.
When To Install (And Not Install) A WordPress Security Plugin
People who write about security and create security software are notoriously paranoid. ? They’ll scare the crap out of you if you don’t know any better.
Here is MY opinion…
This content was originally published here.