The Dangers of Outdated WordPress Plugins & How to Find Them

If you’re running a WordPress site, keeping your plugins updated should be a top priority. A staggering 97% of detected WordPress security vulnerabilities come from plugins. Outdated and abandoned plugins are one of the most common entry points for hackers, making regular updates essential to protecting your site and data.

In this post, we’ll explore the risks of outdated plugins and how you can easily identify them.

Why Are Outdated Plugins a Security Risk?

WordPress plugins extend your site’s functionality, but if they aren’t regularly maintained, they become a liability. Here’s why:

Security Vulnerabilities – Hackers exploit known weaknesses in outdated plugins to gain access to your site.
Compatibility Issues – Older plugins might not work well with the latest WordPress updates, causing errors or even breaking your site.
Lack of Developer Support – If a plugin is abandoned, it won’t receive security patches or performance improvements, leaving your site exposed.

How to Find Outdated Plugins on Your WordPress Site

It’s easy to check if your plugins are up to date. Follow these steps:

Go to Your WordPress Dashboard.
Navigate to the Plugins Section.
Click on “View Details” for Each Plugin.
Look for the Yellow Warning Banner.
This banner appears if a plugin hasn’t been tested with the latest WordPress version.
However, a warning banner doesn’t always mean the plugin is abandoned—it might just be slightly behind on testing.
Check the “Last Updated” Date.
This is the most important indicator of whether a plugin is still actively maintained.
If a plugin hasn’t been updated in over six months, it’s a red flag.
If it’s been years, it’s time to find a replacement plugin for the functionality. Or, if you don’t actually need the plugin, deactivate and delete it.

screenshot of outdated wordpress plugin highlighting details to look for

What About Premium Plugins?

These steps apply to plugins in the official WordPress repository. If you use premium (paid) plugins, updates might not be as clearly marked. Always check the developer’s website for release notes and support activity to ensure the plugin is maintained.

Keep Your WordPress Site Running Smoothly

Your website’s security is only as strong as its weakest link, and outdated plugins are a major vulnerability. Make plugin updates a routine task to keep your WordPress site secure, stable, and running smoothly.

If you don’t have time to manage updates yourself, PJ Update can help. It’s an easy way to automate WordPress maintenance, keep your plugins updated, and ensure your site stays protected—without the hassle.

👉 Learn more about PJ Update here.