An easy way to avoid getting hacked

Getting hacked can be a real hassle. Restoring your website takes time, and for most people money to have their web developer pull backups. One of the most common ways hackers gain access to websites is through vulnerabilities in software applications. So what can you do to prevent being hacked? One of the easiest things you can do is update your software applications on a regular basis. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we get calls every day from customers who have had their website hacked as a result of outdated software. It’s important to realize that hackers generally don’t target a specific website, but rather, develop automated scripts that scour the Internet looking for known security holes to exploit. By updating your software applications on a regular basis you are better able to fend off most of these attacks.  

Here are a few tips to get you started with a few WordPress basics:

    How to check your current version of WordPress

• Within your Administration Screen the version number is displayed in the lower right corner. You can always visit wordpress.org to see what the latest version is.

    Updating WordPress Plugins and Themes

• When new updates are available you should receive an update notification in your Administration Screen. To update, simply click the link in this notification and follow the prompts.

    How to check for updates

• Checking for updates and installing those updates is simple. Under the Dashboard menu in the Administration Screen click Updates to view your current versions and to download the latest version of WordPress, Plugins and Themes.
  

Regularly checking and installing updates is a quick and easy way to protect yourself. While not foolproof,it is an effective way to save time, money and a lot of hassle!