Update notifications are easy to ignore — until an outdated plugin becomes the exact vulnerability a hacker uses to get in.
WordPress Core Updates
Core updates should generally be applied promptly, especially security releases, which are often issued specifically to patch a known vulnerability being actively exploited elsewhere.
Plugin and Theme Updates
The same applies to plugins and themes — most hacking attempts on WordPress sites exploit known, already-patched vulnerabilities in outdated versions, not sophisticated zero-day attacks.
A Practical Cadence
- Security updates — apply as soon as possible, ideally within days
- Minor updates — weekly to monthly is reasonable for most sites
- Major version updates — test on a staging copy first if your site is complex, since major updates occasionally introduce compatibility issues
Always Back Up First
Before any update, especially a major one, make sure you have a current backup. Updates very rarely break things, but "rarely" isn't "never."
Consider Managed Updates
If staying on top of this consistently isn't realistic for your team, ongoing website maintenance — where updates are handled for you — removes the risk of falling behind entirely.
Don't Want to Manage This Yourself?
Talk to us about a maintenance arrangement so your WordPress site stays updated and secure without it being one more thing on your plate.