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Top Risks of Ignoring WordPress Updates
- Missy Ly
- Jan 5
- 13 min read
Did you know that 86% of website attacks happen because WordPress sites, plugins, or themes aren’t updated? Ignoring updates can lead to security breaches, slow performance, site crashes, and even legal trouble. Hackers exploit outdated versions to access your data, while your visitors face slower load times and broken features. Plus, outdated sites risk SEO penalties, higher maintenance costs, and compliance violations.
Key Risks of Skipping WordPress Updates:
Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated software is a hacker’s playground.
Performance Issues: Slower sites frustrate users and hurt search rankings.
Plugin/Theme Incompatibility: Broken features and errors are common.
Site Crashes: Old versions are prone to fatal errors and downtime.
SEO Penalties: Google flags slow or compromised sites.
Data Breaches: User data can be exposed, leading to legal and financial fallout.
Higher Costs: Emergency fixes and rebuilds are expensive.
Legal Risks: Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR can lead to fines.
Avoid these pitfalls by keeping your WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated. Managed hosting solutions, like WPWorld, can simplify this process with automated updates, daily backups, and 24/7 support to safeguard your site.
Do WordPress Updates Fix Bugs And Vulnerabilities?
1. Security Vulnerabilities
When you skip updates, you leave your site open to known security flaws. Hackers often use publicly available changelogs as a roadmap to exploit sites running outdated versions of software. This makes your site an easy target for attackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities that have already been documented.
For example, outdated installations are highly susceptible to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), which remains the most common WordPress security threat in 2023. XSS attacks allow hackers to inject harmful scripts, potentially adding unauthorized administrators or creating backdoors. Similarly, Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaws can enable attackers to run arbitrary code on your server, giving them the power to take full control of your site. Other vulnerabilities, like privilege escalation, can allow unauthorized users to gain admin-level access, while SQL injection attacks can compromise your entire database.
Real-world incidents highlight just how dangerous these vulnerabilities can be. The Revolution Slider plugin, for instance, had a major flaw that allowed hackers to upload malicious files, leading to the hijacking of thousands of sites that hadn't been updated. Another example occurred in March 2015, when a critical issue in the WordPress SEO (Yoast) plugin triggered an automatic update to prevent widespread exploitation.
"Running an older version of WordPress is like leaving your shop's front door unlocked overnight." - Jason Cosper, WordPress Product Advocate, DreamHost
Hackers don’t typically target small sites manually. Instead, they rely on automated bots that scour the internet for websites using outdated versions of software. To keep your site safe, it’s essential to update promptly and close these security gaps before they can be exploited.
2. Performance Degradation
Skipping WordPress updates can seriously slow down your site. Every new release comes with code improvements designed to optimize database handling, boost REST API performance, and speed up server responses. If you're running an outdated version, you're missing these upgrades, forcing your site to consume more server resources for tasks that newer versions handle more efficiently.
Speed matters - a lot. Users expect websites to load in under 2 seconds. If it takes longer than 3 seconds, 40% of visitors will leave. For example, WordPress 6.5 significantly improved speed, doubling the performance of the block and site editors compared to earlier versions. Running older versions not only slows your site but also frustrates visitors and makes it harder to keep essential backend processes updated.
"Each new version optimizes code, reduces load times, and enhances efficiency." – Jason Cosper, WordPress Product Advocate, DreamHost
Another issue? Outdated WordPress installations often block you from upgrading to faster PHP versions. Modern PHP 8.x offers much better performance, but an outdated WordPress core might not support it. This leaves you stuck with slower, legacy environments. On top of that, outdated plugins and themes can cause slow database queries and script conflicts, further dragging down your site's performance. These issues compound, leading to unhappy users and SEO struggles.
"Skipping these updates is like driving a car with a dirty engine filter - it still runs, but it's not performing at its best, and over time, the strain will start to show." – Dorian Reinhardt, Digital Marketing Specialist, Bytes.co
The problem doesn't stop at user experience. Google factors site speed into its rankings. A slow, outdated site not only irritates visitors but also risks losing search visibility. After updating, be sure to clear all cache layers to ensure your optimized code is delivered properly.
3. Plugin and Theme Incompatibility
Skipping WordPress updates essentially traps your site in an outdated version, which can lead to serious compatibility issues. Plugins and themes are typically designed to work with the latest WordPress features, and older versions might not support the updates that modern extensions depend on.
Take, for example, modern plugins that rely on tools like the Gutenberg block editor, updated font libraries, or REST API improvements. If your WordPress installation isn’t up to date, you might encounter errors - or even worse - fatal PHP issues.
"If your theme was built for WordPress 5.7, but you're running 6.3, certain features might not work - or worse, they could cause fatal PHP errors." – WP Fix It
The problem goes beyond just glitches. Plugin vulnerabilities are responsible for 55.9% of known website attack entry points. If your WordPress core is outdated and prevents plugin updates, your site becomes a sitting duck for security breaches.
Incompatibilities can also wreak havoc on your site’s layout. Forms might break, e-commerce checkout processes could crash, and these disruptions can directly hit your bottom line. To prevent such headaches, always check compatibility before installing or updating plugins and themes. Look for the "Requires at least" and "Compatible up to" fields in the repository to ensure they align with your WordPress version. Ignoring these details doesn’t just affect functionality - it sets the stage for even more operational challenges, which we’ll explore next.
4. Site Crashes and Downtime
Neglecting updates doesn't just lead to minor hiccups - it can result in your entire site going offline. Outdated software creates a brittle foundation, where even a tiny issue can cause a complete collapse.
One of the biggest troublemakers? Theme and plugin incompatibility. If your WordPress core isn’t up to date, it may struggle to work with newer plugins or themes. This often triggers fatal PHP errors, leading to the dreaded "White Screen of Death", locking out visitors and administrators alike. Things get even worse when automatic security updates attempt to patch an outdated system, causing unexpected crashes that require manual fixes.
Over time, this neglect builds what developers call "technical debt." The longer you avoid updates, the wider the gap between software versions grows, making future updates more complex and risky. Attempting to leap across multiple major versions at once can lead to catastrophic failures, including data loss. This often results in sites getting stuck in maintenance mode.
Speaking of maintenance mode, failed or timed-out updates in outdated systems can leave your site stuck displaying a "Briefly unavailable" message - sometimes indefinitely. Not only does this frustrate visitors, but it can also grind your business to a halt.
Fixing these emergencies isn’t cheap. Quick fixes for crashes can cost anywhere from $19 to $36. Worse, if the site has been neglected for too long, you might face the need for a complete rebuild. In the long run, regular maintenance is far more budget-friendly than dealing with emergency recoveries.
5. SEO and Ranking Penalties
Using an outdated version of WordPress doesn’t just slow down your site or leave it open to attacks - it can also seriously hurt your SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize fast, well-performing websites. Older WordPress versions often miss out on key code updates and database enhancements, leading to slower load times and, ultimately, a drop in rankings.
Security issues go hand in hand with SEO troubles. If hackers exploit vulnerabilities in your outdated WordPress installation, Google might flag your site with a warning like "This site may be hacked" in search results. This warning can scare away potential visitors, slashing your organic traffic. Even worse, compromised sites are often injected with hidden SEO spam, which can lead to penalties or even removal from search engine indexes.
Modern SEO relies heavily on metrics like Core Web Vitals - Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). Sites running outdated WordPress versions often fail to meet these benchmarks, putting them at a clear disadvantage. As SEO strategist Faysal Ahammed from DeepWPSEO explains:
"Google doesn't rank websites. It ranks experiences".
Poor technical performance directly impacts how users interact with your site. High bounce rates, often caused by slow load times or poor usability, signal to search engines that your site provides a subpar experience, which can further sink your rankings.
Outdated installations can also harm your site's reputation beyond SEO. Hackers frequently exploit vulnerable sites to send spam or host malicious content, potentially getting your IP address blacklisted. This not only damages your domain’s credibility with search engines but also makes recovery an uphill battle. Keeping WordPress updated is essential - not just for security but also to maintain strong SEO performance.
6. Data Breaches and User Impact
Skipping WordPress updates doesn’t just jeopardize your own data - it puts every user who interacts with your site at risk. Unpatched vulnerabilities open the door for hackers to access sensitive information stored in your WordPress database, including usernames, passwords, customer details, and even data submitted through contact forms. These gaps in security create the perfect conditions for serious data breaches.
Statistics show that unpatched vulnerabilities are linked to one in three data breaches. WordPress, being a dominant platform, naturally attracts hackers. Small businesses, in particular, are often targeted due to weaker security measures, and the financial fallout can be devastating - a single data breach can cost as much as $4.88 million.
A glaring example of this risk was the vulnerability discovered in the WP Fastest Cache plugin. This flaw allowed hackers to gain full access to WordPress databases. Timothy Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at Dev.co, highlights the severity of such breaches:
"A WordPress database includes usernames and passwords that can grant a hacker full access to a website".
Delaying updates only increases your exposure to these threats.
The damage caused by a data breach doesn’t stop at stolen information. A compromised site risks being blacklisted by Google, triggering warnings like "This site may be hacked", which can severely harm customer trust. Beyond the immediate loss of credibility, there’s the threat of identity theft, financial fraud, and even costly legal penalties for failing to safeguard user data.
Akshat Choudhary, Founder and CEO of BlogVault, emphasizes the importance of managing plugins:
"Abandoned WordPress plugins pose a higher security threat than active and updated plugins, hence it is recommended to remove them from your plugins folder".
Unused plugins aren’t harmless - if they’re sitting inactive, they can still be exploited. To protect your site, delete them entirely.
7. Increased Maintenance Costs
Skipping WordPress updates might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to ballooning maintenance expenses over time. The longer you delay, the more costly the repairs become. When the issues finally catch up, the price tag for fixing them can be overwhelming. Emergency developer fees are significantly higher than routine maintenance costs, especially when developers need to sift through outdated code and perform manual updates before addressing the primary problem. On older sites, tasks that used to take 5 minutes can stretch to 20 due to accumulated technical debt. These inefficiencies not only frustrate teams but also lead to unexpected financial strain.
In some cases, a neglected site might need a complete rebuild. For instance, if your site hasn’t kept up with major PHP changes - such as the leap from PHP 7.4 (which reached end-of-life on November 28, 2022) to PHP 8 - upgrading may no longer be an option. High Touch Technologies highlights the severity of this issue:
"The change from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8 can be drastic, and in many cases, a complete website rebuild is needed".
A full rebuild isn't just inconvenient - it’s an expensive undertaking that could have been avoided with regular updates.
The costs don’t stop there. If your site gets hacked, you’ll need professional malware removal and assistance to restore trust with search engines. Downtime during high-traffic periods can result in immediate revenue losses. Outdated software that fails to meet compliance standards, like GDPR, could also lead to hefty legal fees and fines. These cascading expenses make the case for consistent updates even stronger.
Routine maintenance is far cheaper than dealing with a major breakdown. Bytes.co sums it up perfectly:
"It's much more cost-effective to invest a little time in regular updates than to face the financial burden of a major site overhaul due to neglect".
Staying on top of updates also helps you avoid the "whack-a-mole" effect, where fixing one problem creates another due to underlying incompatibilities. Regular updates save both time and money in the long run, keeping your site running smoothly without the stress of sudden, expensive emergencies.
8. Compliance and Legal Risks
Using an outdated version of WordPress isn't just a technical oversight - it can lead to serious legal and compliance issues. Security vulnerabilities in outdated software leave your site open to attacks, while regulations like the GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) mandate the protection of personal data "by design and by default". Regulators expect businesses to implement strong security measures, and failing to apply updates or security patches is often viewed as negligence. This not only increases your risk of data breaches but also adds financial and operational stress to your business.
The consequences of non-compliance can be steep. Under the GDPR, fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover for major violations, with smaller breaches still resulting in penalties of €10 million or 2% of global turnover. In the U.S., violations of the CCPA can result in civil penalties and statutory damages. On top of that, the global average cost of a data breach was reported at $4.45 million in 2024, and outdated WordPress installations are linked to 86% of successful website attacks.
Legal risks don’t stop at fines. Article 82 of the GDPR allows individuals affected by security failures to claim compensation for damages, such as identity theft or fraud. Additionally, state laws in the U.S. require businesses to notify users of breaches, which can result in significant costs. Outdated themes and plugins that fail to meet modern accessibility standards can also open the door to lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Compliance with industry standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS also hinges on maintaining up-to-date software. Falling behind on updates can lead to losing certifications or even the ability to process payments. With so many outdated WordPress installations in use, the regulatory exposure across the web is substantial.
As the GDPR emphasizes, fines must be "effective, proportionate, and dissuasive for each individual case". Regulators closely examine whether businesses have taken adequate steps to prevent damage, and ignoring security updates is often seen as a failure to meet these expectations. Keeping your WordPress installation current isn’t just a technical necessity - it’s a legal responsibility that protects both your users and your business from potentially devastating financial and legal consequences.
How WPWorld Hosting Reduces These Risks
WPWorld tackles the risks posed by outdated WordPress installations with a hosting solution designed to keep your site safe and up-to-date. Their managed WordPress hosting takes care of security patches automatically - covering the core, plugins, and themes. This addresses vulnerabilities responsible for around 86% of attacks. Plus, it keeps an eye on updates and creates restore points, so you can quickly roll back changes if something goes wrong. This automated system forms the backbone of their proactive approach.
WPWorld offers two plans that include dependable backup options. The Startup plan ($15.95/month) comes with weekly backups, while the Grow Big plan ($19.95/month) provides daily backups. If an update triggers a critical error, these restore points ensure downtime is kept to a minimum. This feature directly addresses concerns like those raised by Will Morris, Staff Writer at ManageWP:
"The danger with automatic updates is that you may be unprepared or unavailable to fix any issues that occur as a result. This can have serious consequences, including extended downtime."
Beyond backups, WPWorld’s 24/7 support team of engineers is on hand to resolve plugin or theme conflicts quickly, cutting down on technical headaches and long-term maintenance costs.
Their hosting also includes enterprise-level security features like SSL certificates, malware scanning, and firewalls to protect your server. With staging environments and managed maintenance that updates the core first - followed by themes and plugins - your site remains compliant and secure, freeing you to concentrate on growing your business.
Conclusion
Skipping WordPress updates can lead to serious consequences, both technical and security-related. In fact, about 86% of WordPress attacks target sites running outdated versions. Problems like the dreaded "White Screen of Death" can completely crash your site. Beyond security risks, outdated software can also harm your site's SEO, leaving it vulnerable to penalties.
To avoid these pitfalls, a proactive approach is essential. Managed hosting services can take a lot of the burden off your shoulders by automating updates, backups, and security patches. For example, WPWorld's managed hosting includes automated updates, daily backups (available on the Grow Big plan for $19.95/month), and 24/7 engineer support, all of which address vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit.
As Konstantin Kolarov from hosting.com points out:
"Most WordPress breaches happen not because of some super-sophisticated hacker's ploy... in most cases it's due to human error and oversight; in other cases, it's caused by outdated website components".
This insight highlights the importance of staying on top of updates. Whether you manage updates yourself or rely on a host to handle them, keeping your WordPress site current is non-negotiable.
Regular updates are your best defense against security threats, performance issues, and reputational damage. Don’t wait for a problem to force your hand - act now to protect your site.
FAQs
What security risks can arise if I don't update WordPress?
Keeping your WordPress site up to date is crucial for its security. Ignoring updates leaves your site vulnerable to attacks. Hackers often take advantage of outdated software to inject malware, run unauthorized code, or carry out cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. These breaches can lead to stolen data, broken site functionality, or even give attackers unauthorized admin access.
By updating regularly, you not only fix security gaps but also shield your site from emerging threats, keeping it safe and running smoothly.
What are the SEO risks of not updating WordPress?
Running an old version of WordPress can seriously hurt your website's SEO. For starters, outdated versions often result in slower page load speeds, which not only frustrate visitors but can also push your site down in search engine rankings. On top of that, older software is more prone to security vulnerabilities, making your site an easy target for hackers. If your site gets compromised, you could face Google warnings or, worse, complete removal from search results.
Another issue is compatibility problems. Outdated WordPress versions might not work well with newer plugins or themes, causing features to break. This can make it harder for search engine crawlers to properly index your site, which directly impacts your visibility online.
To keep your SEO in good shape, always update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins. It’s a simple step that can save you from a lot of trouble.
What legal risks could arise from not updating WordPress?
Failing to keep your WordPress site updated can leave it vulnerable to serious security threats, which could result in data breaches. If sensitive user information is exposed, you might find yourself dealing with class-action lawsuits, hefty regulatory fines, or expensive settlements. To put it into perspective, some data breach settlements in the U.S. have soared into the tens of millions of dollars.
Hackers often exploit outdated software, making it a prime target for attacks. Neglecting to secure your site through regular updates could even be seen as negligence. Staying on top of updates not only safeguards your website but also helps you avoid potential legal and financial fallout.
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