Upgrade WordPress and Plugins for Better Security
For business owners and bloggers who depend on WordPress to power their sites, the temptation to overlook upgrades may be easy to fall into. After all, WordPress is the choice publishing platform of countless content producers on the Web; according to BuiltWith, it is currently the most popular content management system (CMS) on the Internet. Similar to the relationship users have with Microsoft Windows, WordPress is such a trusted resource that many believe their current version will continue to perform well without updates.
Unfortunately, that may not be the case if you are using an outdated version. There has been a recent influx of hacking attempts, so now is definitely a good time to upgrade to WordPress 3.2. This can help defend your site against hacking and damaging attacks. While you’re at it, updating your plug-ins is also a good idea right now; they are not part of the core WordPress upgrade, but they are just as important.
For instance, timthumb.php was recently hacked, which resulted in viruses on many WordPress sites. This turned the websites into portals for spreading the virus, by inserting an iframe on the home page that quickly redirected visitors to another site containing malicious code. Now, a timthumb.php is not in and of itself a virus; it’s actually a helpful plug-in that many WordPress users rely on for image sizing. But without an update, it can cause viruses to enter into your site and infect it aggressively.
Whether it’s WordPress or a plug-in, failing to take advantage of updates can make your website vulnerable to malicious hacking attempts and viruses. Plus, WordPress 3.2 is loaded with features that users are bound to find appealing anyway, so there are lots of reasons to upgrade beyond website protection.
On that note: If you are unsure how to update to WordPress 3.2 or update your plug-ins, JT Website Design can help. We can also perform a security audit if your site does not have the security measures it needs. Contact us now to inquire about these services. JT Website Design is equipped to help you protect your site from caustic, expensive viruses and attacks.
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