Once a digital product like a website is completed, the fast-paced world inevitably moves on. It’s normal that about six months after launch, the website’s content management system, its plugins, and the server’s PHP version start to become outdated. That’s why these components need regular updates—similar to how computer software requires periodic upgrades.
Nothing drastic happens immediately if you don’t update your website regularly—the site remains live and functional, just like a new car fresh from the showroom. At handover, both the car and the website are in their best condition. But over time, potential issues slowly begin to build up.
Why is an outdated website a problem?
An outdated website doesn’t necessarily mean it will break or lose functionality—though that can happen. Often, the only visible sign is an annoying warning message on the website administrator’s dashboard, hidden from regular visitors.
But those who don’t overlook these warnings are often hackers or others with malicious intent. Security vulnerabilities don’t usually affect how the site works, but they make it easy for attackers to break into, damage, or take over your website. Once that happens, it’s already too late. You’ll need to hire a specialist to fix the damage, which costs time, money, and stress. For certain sites, like e-commerce stores, this can also disrupt business operations, leading to direct financial losses.
Because hackers use automated tools to find and exploit vulnerabilities, even websites with seemingly little value are targeted. So, the attitude of “why would anyone bother hacking my site—it’s nothing important” doesn’t protect you from daily waves of attacks.
How does website maintenance help?
When a new version of a tool or software is released, it usually includes fixes for security vulnerabilities. These updates protect your site from those who want to harm it. That’s why keeping your website’s software up to date is crucial.
Maintenance means regularly updating all the software components that run your website to their latest versions. While it won’t stop a determined hacker, for most websites, these updates provide enough protection.
Technically, any website owner can do these updates themselves, but it’s a tedious task that requires consistency. In reality, updates often get delayed or forgotten, which leads to problems.
Our maintenance service makes this easy by handling updates for you—plus we include regular backups and thorough technical checks to keep your website safe and running smoothly.
Maintenance service as insurance
Think of website maintenance as insurance for your site. When you sign up for maintenance, we take full responsibility for keeping your website running smoothly. If anything happens to your site while it’s under our care, restoring it and getting it back online is included in the service—you won’t have to pay extra for repairs.
Just like you insure a new, valuable car, it makes sense to protect your website, especially one developed with significant investment.
At Redwall, we monitor and maintain numerous websites daily. We stay up-to-date on vulnerabilities and security issues discovered in software, and promptly apply updates as soon as they become available.
Website maintenance service and support
A website requires regular maintenance to remain up to date, secure, and trustworthy for your clients.
P.S. Last year, a fun and educational board game called “Hackers’ Battle” was released to help develop digital skills.
Andi Angel contributed to this article.
Photo: Mikhail Kapychka/Pexels
