Security Patch Management

We start with an inventory. We list the WordPress core version, every plugin and theme with versions, the PHP version, database version and any custom code or external libraries, then check each against public vulnerability databases and vendor notices. Components that are abandoned, unlicensed or no longer maintained are marked as risks even without a current known flaw. We agree a patching policy with you that sets how quickly each severity should be handled. Critical flaws that are being actively exploited are treated as urgent, often within a day, while lower-severity issues go into a regular maintenance window. We also agree who approves changes on sites where a short interruption matters, such as shops. For each patch, we first take a fresh backup of files and database, using the process described in website backups and restoration. Where the site is complex, we apply the patch on a staging copy and test the pages and functions that matter: forms, checkout, login, search, key templates and integrations. Then we apply it to the live site, ideally at a quiet time, and repeat the checks, watching error logs and uptime. If something breaks, we roll back and look for a compatible alternative, a temporary protective rule such as a firewall setting, or a safe fix from the vendor. When no patch exists, we recommend replacing the component or isolating its use. After patching, we confirm the vulnerable version is gone and note it in a record. We also review user accounts, file changes and unusual activity around the patch date, because a site that was exposed before patching may already be compromised. If we see signs of infection, we move to malware cleanup and recovery. We send a short summary of patches applied, issues found and remaining risks, such as outdated hosting software we cannot change on a shared plan. We do not claim to make a site unhackable, since new flaws are found continuously and security also depends on strong passwords, careful access and hosting quality, but timely, tested patching removes one of the most common and avoidable causes of compromise.