WordPress 4.9.7 is Essential to Have

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Having been updating sites all day long for this version, I just now learned that there were vulnerabilities in the WordPress core files of previous versions. So, you will want to backup your websites FIRST and then be sure to update your WordPress websites a.s.a.p.

Backup options

1.) https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/full-backup-with-a-...

2.) https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/the-easiest-way-to-... - Though this training is for tranferring a website, I use this on 2 larger domains as a method of backing up the sites as they are too large for the method explained in option #1.

Here is a full explanation regarding the WordPress vulnerabilities in previous versions: https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2018/07/details-of-an-additio...

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Recent Comments

42

Thanks for this info, Trish. I just got a notice that my site has already been automatically updated. I think my backups are up to date because I haven't added any new content in awhile, but do I need to do anything to check to see if I lost anything? Thanks. Carol

Hey Carol,

There is a slight chance that automatic updates can break a website. Because it CAN happen, you are recommended to always back up your website first.

If you are concerned and want to remove the option of automatic WordPress updating, I have left directions to do that in responding to Yvette:

Thanks, Trish. I think I will disable that auto update feature. I didn't even realize I had one! I guess the only way to know if the update damaged anything is to go and check each post, right? My site isn't very far along, so it shouldn't be too hard for me to check it out, I guess.

The only thing the latest update did on one of my customer's sites is break a dropdown list in a Contact Form 7 widget form.

It really is not all that often that WP breaks a website. As long as you keep your plugins updated and do regular backups (the key here!) then auto updating is fine.

Thanks.

If our sites are hosted here at WA, are they less susceptible to these vulnerabilities you mentioned?

Hey Howard,

Because the Amazon servers (WA hosting servers) are so very well protected they may be less vulnerable but not impossible to hackers.

Updating our websites whenever newer versions of our plugins, themes, and WordPress itself become available is always the best move any webmaster can make in protecting their own websites from hackers.

As an example: if you lived in a well guarded neighbourhood that is surrounded by areas where there are lots of B&Es;... would you lock your doors at night?

Good point Trish!

Every update requires a backup and then hopes when you do hit that "update" button, it does not create hours of work to get it back to the way it was before the update.

By the way, I always lock the door on my RV when I am inside. LOL

:-)) it sure is good to know you're staying safe in you... RV? That's EVER retirees DREAM home... traveling the country in a mobile home. Good stuff Howard!

Hmmmm... I can just imagine... travel site... right? If not... hope I've given you an idea.

Yes, the first site I launched here is on full time RV living.

Two thumbs up for you Howard... you're living one of my dreams! ;-))

I received a message form WordPress saying my site was upgraded. I thought that was a bit strange. I have backed it up, so I feel all is okay....I hope so at least.

Yvette

Hey Yvette,

You must have clicked on an option to update WordPress (WP) automatically. Some updates to WordPress have caused major outages of websites which is why it is always recommended to back up your website before updating.

However, as long as you make a habit of updating your website regularly (and keeping the latest backups), then if an automatic WP update takes down your website, you will have a means of restoring your website to what it was previously.

If you decide that you want to stop automatically updating your WP, you will need to install Disable Updates Manager plugin, and then got to your WP Dashboard Settings > click on Disable Updates Manager, and select the option of Disable All WordPress Core Update.

I don't remember clicking anything and I have never received a message for updating it before - which is why I thought it was strange. But, thank you for the information. I appreciate it.

Got it locked and loaded Trish!

:-)) right ON Michael!

Thanks for sharing Triblu. Wishing you success in your work.

Thank YOU Kamina!

Thanks for that. Great reminder

You are very welcome Glenys!

Great info ! Thanks for sharing Trish !

Mike

You're very welcome Mike!

Thank you, Trish. Appreciate your advice and warning.

Wayne

You're very welcome Wayne!

Thanks, Trish,

I just noticed the updates for 4.9.7 this morning. I exported all my websites content files and downloaded them but could not save the xml files on my computer. I think I will install the WP Clone plugin that Marion recommends.

Your post came at very good timing for me because I was looking at Updraft, and viewing Marion's video I found that Updraft is not supported.

Hey Brad, thank YOU for letting me know this helped you. WP Clone works perfect on the smaller websites I tend to... and like I said, if you receive a prompt that your website is too large to use WP Clone, try the other one, because it works wonders on the bigger sites.

By bigger, it isn't necessarily content that creates the oversize for WP Clone. Sites that use page builders can be a major headache to backup. Am just glad the other one is available to use.

Thanks, Trish. I am using the free version of Elementor and I can imagine it could be a bit of a headache. Since I have been using Elementor I have noticed that two URL's are delivering content.

Thanks for sharing, Trish.

You are very welcome Roger!

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