Last updated on May 23, 2024
Imagine that you have found the perfect plug-in for your WordPress website. It has all the extras – you can't wait to see how it can improve your website.
You excitedly tried it and soon downloaded and installed it.
Within a few hours, the loading time of your website will double, your analyzer will report suspicious traffic, and spam will flood your email inbox.
Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario is more common than you think. However, since there are countless WordPress plug-ins, how can you determine which ones are unsafe?
Not all WordPress plug-ins are secure
WordPress is Up to 43% of websites on the Internet It is not surprising that it has become the main target of hackers and cyber criminals.
One of the reasons why WordPress is popular is its huge library of free plug-ins. As of this writing, WordPress users can access more than 60000 plug-ins.
many WordPress plug-in They were created by reputable developers. They are safety checked and have active installations.
But others are not. They may be improperly coded or even intentionally malicious.
Malicious code may cause plug-in vulnerabilities in your website. It can expose your website to attacks Performance degradation And other issues.
To protect your website, you need to identify which plug-ins are safe and which are not.
How to check whether WordPress plug-ins are secure
No matter how big your business is, your online image is very important. If your WordPress website fails, it may bring high costs to your company. Not to mention, it may damage your reputation in the eyes of customers.
Avoiding vulnerable plug-ins is one way to help prevent downtime and other costly problems. The following is a way to check whether WordPress plug-ins are secure or have security vulnerabilities.
Check the source of the plug-in
The source of the plug-in is where you plan to download it. official WordPress plug-in repository It is the most secure and reliable plug-in source. Every new plug-in submitted to the market goes through a review process to ensure that it meets quality standards.
Although third-party websites also provide plug-ins, they may not be secure, exposing you to potential risks.
View comments and ratings
Read the comments and ratings of the WordPress plug-in to get an in-depth understanding of its performance, security and overall quality. Users who encounter plug-in problems or problems may share their experiences in comments.
The following is what you look for in the plugin comments.
- Total Comments ： A lot of comments indicate that the plug-in is good. However, it is always a good idea to read something to confirm. In addition, check third-party sources to verify that comments are legitimate.
- Average score ： The average score of more than four stars is ideal, indicating that most users have a positive experience of the plug-in.
- Recent comments ： Recent comments confirm that the installed plug-ins are still working well and not damaged. In addition, they let you know whether the plug-in is maintained.
- common problem ： Please review the negative comments before downloading. What do they have in common? Do they apply to you? Understanding potential problems can help you avoid frustration and ensure the safety of your website.
Look for combinations of positive factors and weigh them against any negative factors. For example, if a plug-in has a large number of comments but is old, you should consider an alternative.
We will discuss the danger signs that need attention later in the article.
Investigate plug-in developers
Reputable developers are more likely to maintain high-quality, secure plug-ins and provide necessary updates and support.
First, visit the developer's website to learn more about their background, expertise and other products they provide. Professional websites provide detailed information to show that developers take their work seriously.
Checking the plug-in's update log or update history can also provide valuable insights. Frequent updates and improvements indicate that developers actively maintain their plug-ins and solve any problems.
If developers are active in the forum, you can bet that they are committed to providing excellent products.
Evaluate plug-in update frequency and compatibility
Periodically updated plug-ins appear WordPress security issues Less risk. If developers have not updated the plug-in for a long time, it may indicate that they no longer actively support it. Using unsupported plug-ins may put your website at risk.
In addition, please check the compatibility of the plug-in with your current version of WordPress. Incompatible plug-ins may cause conflicts or unexpected behavior on your website. Most developers will list compatible WordPress versions in the plug-in description or documentation.
Check the documentation of the plug-in
Whether it's a user guide or a simple website with tips, plug-in documents or tutorials can save you several hours. This is a sign that developers care about users and products.
If there are documents, please take some time to read them. It can help you avoid any trouble or accident in the way the plug-in works in the future.
Using safety scanners and testers
The security scanner allows you to verify the security of plug-ins before installing them. Some popular tools include Solid Security Pro 、 WPScan – Plug in Security Scanner and Jetpack Protect 。
Using these tools, you can proactively identify potential problems and make informed decisions about installing specific plug-ins.
Monitor your website after installing plug-ins
After taking all necessary precautions, it is wise to observe the performance and status of the website. Monitor website load time, analyze data and Error Log To find abnormal behavior or potential problems.
You can also use Wordence or Sucuri And other security plug-ins to help protect your website from potential threats. These tools can identify and block malicious traffic, scan for vulnerabilities, and alert you to website security issues.
If necessary, you can set up notifications and automatic updates to ensure that problems are handled in a timely manner.
