Website Security Isn’t Set-and-Forget – Why Ongoing Maintenance Matters

In light of recent cyber attacks affecting major UK retailers like Marks & Spencer (Sky News), Harrods (BBC News), and Co-op (Daily Mail), it’s time to talk honestly about website security – and why you need to stay on top of it.

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. These attacks can range from malware infections and ransomware to phishing scams and brute-force login attempts.

For businesses, this isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a trust issue. A compromised website can result in stolen customer data, defaced pages, downtime, or even being blacklisted by search engines. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a blog, or a service-based site, your digital presence is part of your reputation.

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. What worked as protection six months ago might now be outdated. That’s why prevention, regular updates, and proactive monitoring are critical—not just after an attack, but always.

1. Security Updates
Outdated WordPress versions, themes, and plugins are often the easiest way in for attackers. Regular updates patch known vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.

2. Backups Matter—Until They Don’t
A site is only as safe as its last clean backup. We run regular, automated backups for all our maintenance clients. If the worst happens, you don’t lose everything.

3. Plugin Clashes & Compatibility
What works today might break tomorrow. Updating a plugin without checking compatibility can cause functionality to fail or security holes to open.

4. Real-Time Monitoring
We track downtime, login attempts, and suspicious activity. If anything looks off, we catch it quickly before it becomes a full-blown issue.

5. Peace of Mind
Most business owners don’t have the time (or desire) to log into WordPress every week. That’s where we come in—keeping things stable, secure, and running smoothly.

Whether you’re running an online shop, a booking site, or a basic brochure site—don’t assume you’re “too small to hack.” Hackers often prefer smaller sites because they’re less likely to be monitored or maintained properly.

✅ Check when your site was last updated

✅ Review who has admin access

✅ Test your backups

✅ Talk to us about ongoing maintenance

Here are some Useful External Resources

Here are some trusted articles to explore further:

• Sucuri: WordPress Maintenance Tasks & Best Practices

• MalCare: How To Manage WordPress Security Maintenance

• WP Rocket: WordPress Security Best Practices (2025)

• Quest: What Website Maintenance Really Means

• Yelling Mule: The Importance of Website Maintenance

At SUSSIT STUDIO, we take the boring-but-critical stuff off your plate. Because a secure site isn’t just about preventing disasters—it’s about protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.

Want to chat about keeping your site safe? Get in touch with us.