The nature of the internet means that your website’s security is paramount.
Cybercriminals, scammers and hackers are an increasing problem, and your website needs to be protected. Your computer should have antivirus/malware software and be kept updated – and the same applies to your website.
Website maintenance work is not like insurance. It’s like servicing – similar to how you would service a vehicle regularly. It pro-actively prevents and prepares for any possible attacks and problems and either stops them happening or allows for restoration via backups.
Because of the volume of hacking attacks, more frequent security upgrades are needed for the core system, theme and plugins. In the past, this wasn’t as critical with simple static sites. However, modern dynamic websites which allow more functions, such as updating using a content management system, require maintenance.
GDPR / Privacy
With GDPR / Privacy controls, your website has to have security features such as an SSL certificate to protect any information your users submit, especially if you sell online.
These upgrades and changes often lead to a degree of reworking the site. They ensure it continues to work in the latest browsers, plus all modern devices such as new phones and tablets. The software upgrades also ensure your site will continue to work with future web browser versions.
Investment in Security
We are continually investing in the latest hardware and software, such as premium security plugins, backup systems and a full Dropbox account to store backup copies of sites securely off-server.
A maintenance agreement will use this software to ensure your site continues to be safe for customers to visit, as well as secure and fully functional – even as web standards continue to change.
All our new websites have the first 3 months’ maintenance performed at no extra cost. After this time, you can choose if you want to continue with the maintenance services outlined below.
Read more about Website Maintenance from these useful sources:
- https://newurbanmedia.io/wordpress-maintenance-what-it-means-and-why-its-necessary/
- https://www.hswsolutions.com/resources/why-you-need-a-wordpress-maintenance-plan/
- https://www.codeinwp.com/blog/wordpress-maintenance-company-vs-diy/
Technical website maintenance can include the following options:
- Backups manually performed at the start of each month. (Updraft Plus, and daily auto backups using Paid Premium TimeLine service on 20i.com).
- 3 backup sets retained, saved off-server to Dropbox Premium.
- WordPress core website kept up-to-date with security updates.
- Login Security – Two Factor Authentication plugin and setup, if required.
- Shield Security – including monitoring against malware intrusion.
- Restoration of site to latest backup in case of technical failure or hack attack.
- Plugin security updates.
- Master WordPress Theme’ updates.
- Site updates so your website will always work on new browsers, mobiles and tablets.
- Check of pages and site functions after updates completed.
- SSL certificate should be installed separately – this will be updated after you accept the verification each year.
- Removing spam comments, if you run a blog.
- Automated downtime checking in case of internet issues, via uptimerobot.com
- Optimising performance using top-level website speed software – site performance optimisation (WP Rocket). This is normally a paid service but as we hold a reseller account, we can include it as part of our maintenance offering.
If you have any further questions, you can get free, expert advice by phoning Susan on 07802 226937 or emailing sanderson@eikondesign.co.uk