WordPress is updated on a regular basis. Some people are however afraid to install the latest version of the platform because they think that it might affect the security and the operability of their websites. But it is important to note that every update usually seeks to address a number of flaws or vulnerabilities that might have been present in the previous versions.
Therefore, you are at more risk when you don’t upgrade compared to when you install the latest version. If you are still not convinced, here are some of the reasons why you need to keep your WordPress website updated:
Bug Fixes
However rigorous testing a platform might undergo before the final deployment, there are always certain bugs that might slip through the cracks. These bugs can present fresh security threat or compromise on the functionality of the software. In WordPress, such bugs are fixed in the minor releases. By not upgrading, you will be running a WordPress with known vulnerabilities which malicious people can exploit to wreak havoc on your website.
Fix security issues
One of the primary reasons why you need to keep your WordPress websites updated is to enhance their security. Being open source and the most popular blogging software in the world, WordPress tends to attract a lot of hackers who try to look and exploit vulnerabilities in order to attack people websites. On the other hand, there are a good number of developers who are keen to find any loopholes in the code and work out fixes for them. Whenever an update is released therefore, it fixes the security vulnerabilities that might have been noticed in the previous version.
Enhanced speed
Performance is also a key metric with every update of the WordPress platform. The developers are always trying to make it work well by making it run faster and perform more efficiently. Installing the recent version will ensure that you get good speeds and great performance from your website. You also need to remember that the speed of the website is very important when it comes to search engine optimization and this should be your sole reason of updating your WordPress website even if you never wanted to.
Compatibility with plugins and themes
Most plugins and theme developers usually coordinate their products with the recent releases of WordPress so that they can benefit from the new features and the enhancements. If you fail to update, you may find that you are unable to install certain plugins or your website will not be compatible with certain themes. This is why you need to keep your WordPress website updated at all times.
Benefit from new features
Major updates of the WordPress platform will always come with new features meant to enhance your experience and interaction with the platform. For instance, WordPress 4.0 improved the plugin installation experience and also came with inline image editing capabilities. Using a past version will greatly limit your experience and you will find it difficult to find help should you run into problems since the majority are essentially using the most recent versions.