WordPress wasn't the Problem for WP2Shell security vulnerability, Neglect was.
The Latest WordPress Security Alert : WordPress Core “WP2Shell” RCE flaws get public exploits, patch now” Is a Wake-Up Call for Every Business
If your business relies on a website, your website is one of your most valuable business assets.
It generates enquiries, sells products, builds trust and often provides the first impression of your business.
Yet many business owners assume that once a website has been built, it simply looks after itself.
The latest WP2Shell security vulnerability proves just how dangerous that assumption can be.
Security researchers recently disclosed a critical vulnerability affecting WordPress Core, allowing attackers to execute malicious code without needing a username, password or vulnerable plugin. Within hours of the security update being released, working exploits were already circulating online and attackers had begun scanning the internet for vulnerable websites. See Article source
For businesses running outdated websites, this means the difference between being secure and being compromised could simply be whether someone installed an update.
It’s Not Just WordPress
During the recent emergency updates, we’ve been updating websites for our clients across Ireland, South Africa and Europe.
Something else became very apparent.
Many websites contain:
- Premium plugins with expired licences
- Premium themes no longer receiving updates
- Abandoned plugins that are no longer supported
- Components installed years ago and forgotten
- Security software that hasn’t been configured correctly
Many website owners have no idea these issues exist., all they see is the website still loads and everything appears to work. But behind the scenes, it may already be becoming increasingly vulnerable.
A Website Is Like Owning a Car
You wouldn’t buy a new car and never service it again.
You wouldn’t expect the tyres, brakes and engine to last forever without maintenance.
Your website is no different.
Every month there are:
- WordPress updates
- Plugin updates
- Theme updates
- PHP updates
- Server updates
- Security patches
- Browser compatibility changes
- SEO improvements
- Performance improvements
Ignoring these eventually creates risk.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Websites
Many businesses spend thousands building a professional website and after launch, nobody takes responsibility for maintaining it.
Then one day:
- The website is hacked.Customer enquiries stop.Google displays security warnings.Emails stop working.Online sales disappear.The website must be rebuilt from backups.
The repair bill is often far higher than the cost of ongoing maintenance.
Why WordPress premium themes and plugins licences matter
One issue we regularly encounter is expired premium licences which result in businesses often losing access to:
- Security updates
- Bug fixes
- Compatibility updates
- New features
- Technical support
The website may continue working for months or even years, unfortunately, attackers don’t care whether your licence expired yesterday or three years ago.
They simply look for known vulnerabilities.
We’ve recently found websites where premium licences expired years ago, leaving critical components unable to receive important security updates.
Security Is Only One Part of Website Management
Keeping a website healthy involves much more than installing updates and a professional Webmasters, we look after:
- WordPress updates
- Plugin and theme management
- Premium licence management
- Website security monitoring
- Daily backups
- Malware scanning
- Performance optimisation
- Broken link checks
- SEO improvements
- Google Search Console monitoring
- Analytics reporting
- Content updates
- DNS management
- Hosting support
Your website becomes a living business asset instead of something that’s only looked at when something breaks. if this sounds like the service you need, please give us a call or email.
We Look After Websites So You Can Focus on Your Business
At Cartmell Communications, we don’t just build websites, we help businesses keep them secure, updated and performing at their best.
Our Webmaster Service provides ongoing management of your digital assets, including website maintenance, security monitoring, plugin and theme updates, premium licence management, SEO improvements and technical support.
Because your website deserves the same attention as every other important part of your business.
