Why are Drupal security updates essential?
Nowadays, more than half of website traffic comes from automated sources such as hacker tools. Cybercriminals are constantly searching for vulnerable websites with weak security systems, which makes hacking a website and taking control over its operation and sensitive data an easy job.
However, hacker attacks can be avoided with the help of regular security updates. Drupal is one of the most secure solutions on the market. As an open-source system, it is constantly being upgraded by implementing new functionalities and bug fixing. If the Drupal Security Team detects a security breach, it develops patches and releases a new update, which must be implemented as soon as possible to prevent the website from getting infected.
To ensure the security of your website, you have to monitor new system updates constantly and efficiently implement them to the website or outsource the entire process to our security team and benefit from keeping the system protected at a minimum cost.
Five harmful consequences of using an securely outdated Drupal website
The use of the weak website security system can attract cyber criminals, who may:
- steal personal data stored on a website
With stolen data, hackers can get access to other connected systems, especially if the same login information is used for multiple services.
- steal your customer’s confidential data and misuse it
If users find out how criminals get access to their sensitive data, they may lose trust in the website and the related company forever.
- replace the website’s content with their toxic content
The appearance of malicious content on your website can negatively affect user experience and even destroy your brand.
- infect visitors with malicious software
Infecting website visitors may lead to dissatisfaction with a website, and the company may lose customers.
- slow down or even crash the website entirely
Website suspension will temporarily affect company operations. However, in the event of an entire website crash, a long-lasting site recovery process will be required.
As a result, the site may be marked as malicious and removed from search engine results. This may lead to the website’s operation suspension and negatively affect company results.
Reasons to perform Drupal security updates with our team
Flexibility
Website updates are performed on the day and time slot of the client’s choice to minimize site downtime. Our clients can pick cooperation models based on their needs and request a one-time update or subscribe to our regular website updating services.
Cost and time efficiency
By subscribing to a regular update with AWG, you would be able to decrease web development costs and save time. With us, you do not need to worry about website security and can concentrate on core business processes.
Control system
As our client, you will have advanced control over the development process. We keep in touch with our clients 24/7 and regularly provide them with midterm project results. Besides, we perform an update with a version control system, which allows reverting to the previous site version in case of unexpected errors.
Security guarantee
For more than 10 years, Alpha Web Group has been protecting its clients from cybercriminals. As specialists in Drupal development, we are always aware of the latest Drupal security trends. To ensure the client's safety, our team studies the security situation on the market on a daily basis, which allows constantly improving clients' security systems.
Our Process for Drupal security updates
- Consultation
You can start the security update process by filling out the contact form on our website. Provide us with essential information about the project, and we will come back to you to schedule a free consultation. During the consultation, we will offer various cooperation models and provide you with an initial time frame and cost estimations. Based on your needs, you can request a single security update or subscribe to the regular one. - Website audit
Once we agreed on the collaboration term, our team will determine if any website element needs to be updated, including Drupal core, modules, themes, 3rd party libraries, server, etc. If you have subscribed to our regular security update, the website security evaluation will be performed automatically on a weekly basis in accordance with the Drupal security releases. - Performing updates and Testing
In case a website update is needed, our team prepares the website for the changes and performs an update. Before implementing changes to the website, we perform a code review and smoke testing. Both are conducted to confirm the proper performance of the updated security system and prevent bugs. - Delivery
If the test confirms excellent operation of the security system, we perform a live website update. Changes are implemented during the time slot set by the client to minimize site downtime.
frequently asked questions about drupal security updates
How often must security updates be performed?
It is recommended that an update be performed as soon as the Drupal Security Team has released new security patches. Approximately it is one time per one-two weeks for Drupal contributed modules and one per month for Drupal core. However, the update schedule may depend on the project, i.e., on the website architecture and business needs.
Can I schedule security updates for non-standard working hours?
Yes, our clients can schedule security and other updates for any day on a 24/7 basis. This allows minimizing site downtime during the most important business hours.
When will I receive my updates?
If you have subscribed to Alpha Web Group regular security updates, we will perform an update automatically 24 hours after new Drupal core security patches or extensions implemented on your website are released.
Will failure to use an updated branch affect future updates for us?
If you have missed a single security update, the future will not be affected. However, if your website has not been updated for a long time, then implementing future changes to the system can be challenging. Also, websites with outdated core and modules can be easily hacked and cause a lot of problems for the owner.
