A lot of us do it. On our server/hosting at some time or other we set up a test WordPress site. Something we use to either build sites or just play around in. Or other times we do an install, thinking we are going to start a blog, and well, that doesn’t work out, or it gets put on hold.
And we forget about them. That is where the danger lies.
What happens is that WordPress updates, plugins update, or even your theme updates get neglected. The site ends up being filled with out-of-date installs. Sometime this can go on weeks, months, and even scarier, years. All of which result in a big security risk.
And as you may know, that is one of one of many reasons WordPress is updated. To fill security risks.
By leaving those installs outdated, this gives hackers and viruses the opportunity to sneak in there. And if you have your current site on the same host, it gives hackers a back door into your other sites. Bad news.
What can you do? One of three things.
1. Manually delete all files on your server, and just to be safe, delete your database for that install as well.
2. Some hosts have a uninstall option. Although I can’t say how good that works, if you aren’t able to do #1, try this.
3. Or simply keep the site updated.
Just a little security advice for the day!
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Thanks for this reminder, Bob. I am sooo guilty of this.
Join the club… in the past I was hugely guilty of this. It’s these small things that can slip our mind and then wreck havoc later on. You are very welcome!
Bob Dunn recently posted..Is Your WordPress Blog Your Social Hub?
Guilty as charged. In fact, I once had a freeze on my host account until I made the appropriate deletes or updates.
Terence recently posted..The essential ingredients needed for cooking up your very own website
Ugh, I’ve heard of that happening. I guess they have to watch their own butts and make sure everyone is keeping thing secure… but what a nasty surprise, huh?
Bob Dunn recently posted..How to Use the Paypal Addon with Gravity Forms
Wow…thanks so much for this reminder. I had a site on our server I had completely forgotten about. Funny thing is, I’m so adamant about reminding clients to get their plugins upgraded, this one totally slipped my mind. Good job, Bob!
Deb Dorchak recently posted..Using Pinterest For Your Non-Graphic Business
Yeah, it’s the old “Cobblers children have no shoes”.
I’m the same way and really try to practice what I preach. But they can slip by… glad this was a helpful reminder!
Bob Dunn recently posted..The Events Calendar Plugin
Guilty as charged! Time to clean up after myself.
Yes, this is turning into a confessional
I think we all have been guilty of this at one time or another.
Bob Dunn recently posted..Using the Default WordPress Photo Gallery and the Gallery Carousel without Jetpack Plugin
That goes double for old plugins, like a caching plugin that had a well documented security vulnerability.
Kyle Alm recently posted..How To Embed A Tweet In WordPress
Exactly. Outdated plugins seem to weigh in more even then themes… thanks!
Bob Dunn recently posted..A Gift for All My Readers – WPStarters Videos