I run WordPress sites for client work, and plugin security is something I take seriously but honestly used to ignore. After a couple of sketchy experiences, I’ve developed a workflow for evaluating plugins before installing them.
As designers, we might not be security experts, but we can spot red flags and make smart decisions about what we install on our (and our clients’) sites.
Plugin security checklist:
Before Installing:
- Check the WordPress.org rating and review count (established = safer)
- Look at when it was last updated (stale = risky)
- Read negative reviews for security-specific complaints
- Check if the developer is reputable/has multiple plugins
- Look at the plugin’s security policy
Installation Best Practices:
- Use a staging site for testing first
- Regular backups before installing anything new
- Limit plugin functionality (one thing per plugin > bloated all-in-one)
- Disable unused plugins rather than deleting them
Common vulnerabilities to watch for:
- Unencrypted data transmission
- Poor authentication handling
- Known exploits mentioned in security forums
- Excessive admin permissions requested
What I’ve learned: Free doesn’t mean risky, and premium doesn’t mean safe. The key is active maintenance from the developer.
How do you vet plugins for your projects? Have you had security scares? What’s your minimum bar for installing something on a production site?