Today we would like to discuss updating your CMS (Content Management System) website with the latest security updates.
Not many people/businesses are aware that their website is actually an ongoing solution and not a set and forget product.
As providers of web design solutions in Liverpool – we could just build the website and sit back saying our job is done, but at Digital Config – we don’t do that. We are here to educate not only our clients, but all businesses trying to advance in today’s technical online age.
From the moment you have a business website built. It requires attention and maintenance throughout it’s existence. Just like a windows PC were security updates are vital to prevent potential exploits or hacking attempts – your website is exactly the same.
So how do you know that there are updates available to install?
When you log into your CMS/website admin area (WordPress for example) you will usually clearly see down the left hand side that there is a tab stating updates are required. WordPress have now started displaying the important core updates on the main dashboard menu to make sure that all can visually see updates are required.
What Updates Are Required?
On CMS platforms – there are usually two types of updates that need to be maintained.
Core Platform Update:
Just like your Windows PC. When vulnerabilities are identified by the CMS community – they are reported to the developers. In turn – the main developers create what used to be known as a hotfix. This fix/update would remedy the security issue making all safe again until the next issue is found and resolved in the same manner.
Plugin Updates:
CMS websites have the ability to expand on it’s basic functionality with the use of plugins. These plugins could be used for adding a newsletter solution, contact pages, new main slider images and much more. How-ever – as with all technology – these plugins also need updating on a regular basis as and when the developer thinks its necessary.
What is the best way to update your website?
The most efficient and safe way to update your website is:
1: Backup.
Backing up the website on a regular basis is an important factor in itself and would be too much to discuss in this current blog post, but backing up the site before updates are added is also important.
When we perform any updates for our clients – we always take a full complete backup of the site before we commence. Because all websites are not the same – we have witnessed firsthand that updates can actually make issues once applied to the website. Updates can sometimes change certain code on the site and once the update is complete – things may not look correct or how they were. Having the ability to restore your website in the event of problems is one of the most important things to consider.
2: Update.
Before you update. Its wise to take note of what plugins are being updated. Once all updates have been completed – if any issues arise – then you will have a general idea of what plugin caused the problem and will only have to focus on these plugins only instead of having to go through all plugins that are on the website.
Sites with many plugins will find this method vital as it will save them many hours of process of elimination if problems happen.
Additional Support:
At DigitalConfig we are always here to assist our clients with maintenance and backup of their website. We provide this as a one off service or on a regular ongoing basis as part of a monthly support package.
This enables our clients to use their time to focus on their business tasks while we do what we do best by taking care of the website on their behalf, making sure all data is safe at all times providing peace of mind.