Protect your site with new EasyWP WordPress Automatic Updates

WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally, and its popularity inevitably makes it a top target for cyberattacks. So, keeping your website secure means staying ahead of vulnerabilities in WordPress core files, themes, and plugins. Yet, manual updates can be a hassle, especially if you’re running a small business and have a million other things to remember. 

EasyWP has already introduced two new security tools this year: HackGuardian constantly monitors your site for vulnerabilities, while MalwareGuardian scans for and blocks malicious code. Together, they protect your site against cyber threats. 

To complement your EasyWP Guardian suite of security features, we’re introducing your next free feature: WordPress Automatic Updates.

Paired with HackGuardian and MalwareGuardian, WordPress Automatic Updates provides a multi-layered defense system, reducing risks and giving you peace of mind. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and how you can make the most of it.

Keeping your site safe and secure 

A cyberattack can severely impact a small business by causing financial losses, reputational damage, and customer distrust, which is why EasyWP consistently explores new ways to keep your site shielded from cybercriminals. 

First, let’s explore why keeping WordPress updated is important to protecting your site. 

WordPress Automatic Updates:

• Minimize security risks — Regular updates close gaps that hackers often exploit in outdated WordPress plugins or themes.
• Save you time — Updates happen seamlessly in the background, so you can focus on growing your business.
• Work smarter with EasyWP’s tools — Each update is scanned for malware by MalwareGuardian and protected by HackGuardian, so you can be reassured your site is safe. 

Integrated with HackGuardian and MalwareGuardian

As we grow the EasyWP Guardian suite of tools, we’re also finding intelligent ways they can work together to maximize their benefit to your website security. Here’s how WordPress Automatic Updates, HackGuardian, and MalwareGuardian interact.:

1. Identify updates — WordPress detects available updates for core files, themes, or plugins.
2. Secure the process — HackGuardian temporarily deactivates filesystem protections, allowing updates to install smoothly.
3. Apply and verify — Updates are installed, and HackGuardian is automatically reactivated to safeguard your files.
4. Scan for threats — MalwareGuardian scans updated files for any hidden malware.
5. Notify you — You’re informed of update results, whether successful or flagged for issues.

This integrated system means your site is protected at every step of the update process.

WordPress auto-updates rollback feature 

For added reliability, WordPress 6.6 introduces a rollback feature. If an update fails, your site automatically reverts to the previous version, preventing downtime or disruption. Not sure if you have the rollback feature? You should see this notification in the EasyWP Dashboard:

Your WordPress version lacks auto-updates. Upgrade to 6.6+ for auto-updates, rollback features, and enhanced security. Update WordPress version. 

Best practices for using automatic updates

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of WordPress Automatic Updates:

• Turn on MalwareGuardian Autoclean protection — It detects and neutralizes potential threats introduced during updates. To activate Autoclean protection, go to the EasyWP Dashboard > Security tab > Under Autoclean protection, switch the toggle to on. Autoclean protection is available for EasyWP Turbo and Supersonic plans. 
• Check for plugin conflicts — Third-party update tools like WP Auto Updater and Easy Updates Manager may interfere. Deactivate overlapping plugins to avoid issues.

How to activate WordPress Automatic Updates

Important: Activating WordPress Automatic Updates will upgrade all software to the latest version. If you rely on specific versions of core files, plugins, or themes, activating this feature may result in website functionality issues. 

1. Log in to your EasyWP dashboard.
2. Select the EasyWP subscription for which you would like to activate WordPress Automatic Updates. 
3. Navigate to the WordPress tab.
4. Select Manage. The Manage WordPress updates page will open. 
5. Under Automatic updates, press the toggle to activate auto-updates. The switch will turn green, and the status will say “Activated”.  
6. When necessary, deactivate Automatic updates by pressing the toggle again. The switch will turn gray, and the status will say “Deactivated”. 

Keep your site safe with less manual effort 

EasyWP’s WordPress Automatic Updates is a simple yet powerful way to secure your WordPress website. Coupled with HackGuardian and MalwareGuardian, it provides a seamless and reliable defense system for your website. With less manual effort and robust safeguards in place, you can focus on running your business while EasyWP handles the rest.