Protect Your WordPress and Your Business
While WordPress offers users a content management system (CMS) that's versatile and easily updated, there are still issues that arise when users attempt to add or change content. Of course, security concerns are also quite common. That, in essence, suggests users may need help to keep their website secure and functioning optimally.
A recent, 2016 example comes from a law firm running a vulnerable version of a slider plugin. The vulnerability allowed the code to be exploited almost effortlessly, giving the hacker complete access to the website and all information it contained and had access to. It is considered the largest data breach in journalism history and has put many public figures under the spotlight amidst the controversy.
Why Maintenance is Crucial
Site maintenance is, arguably, more important now than ever before. In the past, it was possible to create a site and, essentially, leave it alone for extended periods of time. Today, that's no longer possible, as search engine algorithms tend to penalize sites not routinely updating their content. Site updates are far easier to accomplish when all maintenance tasks are up to date. That means updates are installed to ensure every site function works properly. Glitches tend to send website visitors scurrying to competing sites quickly.
Other maintenance chores site owners may experience trouble with include installing new plugins or removing outdated ones. WordPress is constantly adding features to make the CMS user-friendly, meaning some features may no longer work properly if the correct plugins are not installed. Typical WordPress maintenance chores are often overlooked when site owners attempt to take care of all maintenance without professional assistance.
Seemingly innocuous chores like updating a site map are easily overlooked, but doing so can have significant consequences. Google and other search engines crawl sites routinely looking for issues making the site less user-friendly. Outdated site maps are red flags to Google and result in lower page rankings for sites that rapidly impact bottom line results for business owners. Maintenance professionals routinely check client's sites for issues that affect Search Engine Results Pages (SERPS).
Security Issues Negatively Impact Sites
Every website owner is, or should be, concerned about their website security. Even when using a reliable CMS like WordPress, security issues frequently pop up. Vulnerabilities are easily exploited by hackers. Any security breaches have the potential to damage a site or, at a minimum, the site's reputation. The WordPress security and maintenance experts work with site owners to make sure updates are installed as quickly as they become available to prevent unauthorized intrusions.
Even with the best security, a site's security can be breached. That type of occurrence can result in the loss of data or the corruption of the site. Maintenance experts routinely work with clients to establish reliable off-site backups that will allow the restoration of a site should a catastrophe occur. When WordPress security is compromised, it's important to have professionals on hand to assist with recovery efforts and establish protocols to minimize future threats.
Security and Maintenance Professionals Should Be Part of the Team
Because dealing with website security and maintenance issues are critical if a website is to function properly and safely, working with professionals is strongly recommended by industry experts. Business owners can free up their time to do what they do best - run a business - when they make the decision to consult experts for help.
