Websites can be hacked through security vulnerabilities on their hosting platform; a security issue in their WordPress theme or a plugin; or because of a weak username or password. Your hosting company should support the latest software; have experience with and be optimized for running WordPress; scan for malware and intrusive files; and have knowledgeable and accessible staff. If you do not update your website’s software (WordPress, your theme, your plugins), you are more susceptible to attacks. This is why it is so important to stay up to date. WordPress and most themes and plugins release major updates a couple times a year and minor updates more frequently. New features might be included in the major updates, and security bugs and errors are released in minor updates. Bottom line: updates are important…and they need to be done!