Imagine you found the perfect plugin for your WordPress website. It includes all the extra features and I can’t wait to see how this enhances your website.
Excited to try it out, you immediately download and install it.
Within a few hours, website load times double, analytics programs report suspicious traffic, and email inboxes are flooded with spam.
Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario is more common than you think. But with countless WordPress plugins available, how do you know which ones are unsafe?
Keep reading to find out.
Get fully managed WordPress hosting
Power your site with the industry’s most optimized WordPress hosting
Not all WordPress plugins are safe
Achieve incredible functionality with WordPress 43% of all websites on the internetIt’s no surprise that it is a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals.
One of the reasons for WordPress’ popularity is its vast library of free plugins. As of this writing, WordPress users have access to over 60,000 of her plugins.
many WordPress plugin Created by a reputable developer. They have undergone security checks and have active installations.
But others don’t. It could also be poorly coded or intentionally malicious.
Malicious code can lead to vulnerabilities in your website’s plugins. This leaves your website open to attack. performance is slowand other issues.
To protect your website, you need to identify which plugins are safe and which are not.
How to tell if a WordPress plugin is safe
No matter the size of your business, your online presence is important. Also, if your WordPress site experiences downtime, it can be costly for your company. Not to mention, it can damage your reputation with customers.
Avoiding vulnerable plugins is one way to prevent downtime and other costly problems. Here’s how to tell if a WordPress plugin is safe or has security vulnerabilities.
Check the plugin source
The plugin source is where you plan to download it.official WordPress plugin repository is the safest and most reliable plugin source. Each new plugin submitted to the marketplace goes through a review process to ensure it meets our quality standards.
Plugins are also available on third-party websites, but they may not be secure and expose you to potential risks.
Check reviews and ratings
Reading reviews and ratings for a WordPress plugin can give you insight into its performance, security, and overall quality. Users who encounter issues or issues with the plugin are likely to share their experiences in reviews.
Here are some things to look out for in our plugin reviews:
- Total number of reviews: The more reviews it has, the better the plugin might be. However, it’s always a good idea to read some to be sure. Also, check third-party sources to make sure the reviews are legitimate.
- average rating: An average rating of 4 stars or higher is ideal and indicates that most users have had a positive experience with the plugin.
- recent reviews: Recent reviews have confirmed that the installed plugins are still working properly and are not compromised. It also tells you if the plugin is maintained.
- common problems: Check for negative reviews before downloading. Do they have anything in common? And do they apply to you? Understanding potential problems can help you avoid frustration and keep your website secure.
Look for combinations of positive elements and weigh them against negative elements. For example, if your plugins have a large number of reviews but they are all outdated, you should consider alternatives.
Later in this article, we’ll discuss red flags to watch out for.
Research plugin developers
Reputable developers are more likely to maintain high-quality, secure plugins and provide necessary updates and support.
Start by visiting the developer’s website to learn more about their background, expertise, and other products they offer. His professional website with detailed information shows that the developers are serious about their work.
Checking the plugin’s changelog and update history can provide valuable insights. Frequent updates and improvements show that the developers are actively maintaining the plugin and addressing issues.
Also, if a developer is active on forums, it shows that they are passionate about providing a great product.
Evaluate plugin update frequency and compatibility
Regularly updating your plugins reduces the risk of: WordPress security issues. If the developer hasn’t updated a plugin for a long time, it may indicate that the plugin is no longer actively supported. Also, using unsupported plugins can put your website at risk.
Also, check the compatibility of your plugin with the current version of WordPress. Incompatible plugins can cause conflicts and unexpected behavior on your website. Most developers will list compatible WordPress versions in the plugin description or documentation.
Check the plugin documentation
Whether it’s a user manual or a simple website with tips, plugin documentation and tutorials can save you hours of time. It shows that the developer cares about both the user and the product.
If the documentation is available, please take the time to read it. This will help you avoid problems and surprises with future plugin behavior.
Use security scanners and testers
Security scanners allow you to verify the safety of plugins before installing them. Some commonly used tools include: solid security pro, WPScan – Plugin Security Scannerand jet pack protect.
These tools allow you to proactively identify potential issues and make informed decisions about installing specific plugins.
Monitor your website after installing the plugin
After taking all necessary precautions, it is wise to monitor the performance and status of your website. Website load times, analytics data, and error log About unusual behavior or potential problems.
You can also use security plugins like word fence or Skri Helps 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 needed, you can set up notifications and automatic updates to quickly address issues.
Common plugin red flags to watch out for
Now that we’ve covered the green flags regarding plugins, let’s take a look at the red flags.
Note: Look for multiple red flags to determine if a plugin is legitimate. One red flag does not necessarily mean that the plugin is unsafe. However, two or three may indicate a threat such as malware.
Unusual or unprofessional plugin repositories
Be wary of plugins found in questionable or unprofessional repositories. It may not have been thoroughly tested for security and quality standards.
If possible, use WordPress.org when searching for plugins.
developer with bad reputation
When comparing options, choose plugins from experienced and high-quality developers. Plugins from low-quality developers may be less secure. For more information, user reviews, Google search, and the developer’s website are the best.
Plugins marked as unsafe by trusted sources
If a reliable source flags a plugin as dangerous, it’s wise to avoid it. You can check. WPScan vulnerability database Or an established blog.
Low number of downloads
Plugins with low download numbers may not be widely adopted. This may indicate a quality, performance, or security issue that prevents users from installing it. However, consider comparing it to other options before making your final decision.
Incompatibility with latest WordPress versions
Another red flag is if the plugin is not updated to work with the latest version of WordPress. Using this may pose a security risk. This plugin can also cause problems with working with other parts of your website, such as your WordPress theme or other plugins.
Updates are infrequent or outdated
If a plugin’s update history is sparse or there are long gaps between updates, it may suggest that the developer is not actively supporting the plugin. Using this can make your website vulnerable to security threats and compatibility issues.
Lack of support from developers
Make sure the plugin developer is actively participating in forums, responding to user inquiries, and addressing concerns. If not, it may indicate that you are not diligent about maintaining your plugin. Poorly maintained plugins can lead to security flaws and compatibility issues.
File size is too large
Plugins with unusually large file sizes can consume excessive server resources. It may be poorly optimized or may have hidden malicious functionality.
Insufficient code writing (coding experience required)
If your plugin’s code seems questionable, poorly written, or difficult to understand, it may indicate a potential security risk or hidden malicious functionality. You need to know how to write a code to identify this red flag. Programming languages you need to understand include PHP, SQL, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
Final thoughts: How to tell if a WordPress plugin is safe (complete guide)
Although the WordPress community is full of experienced and supportive developers, there are still bad apples. Avoid security, performance, and user experience issues by evaluating potential plugins using these checklists.
Don’t want to take on the responsibility of updating your website regularly? To protect yourself Fully managed WordPress hosting solution From Nexus. Rest assured that your website will run smoothly with our top-notch customer support, lightning-fast hosting, and plugin monitoring services.
Check out our managed WordPress plans today.