A major cybersecurity threat has put millions of websites on high alert. Researchers recently discovered critical vulnerabilities in PHP, the programming language behind roughly 70% of websites, including those built on WordPress. With a severity rating of 9.2 out of 10, these vulnerabilities could potentially allow hackers to access sensitive information, compromise websites, and disrupt business operations.

For business owners, this discovery is an important reminder that the platform your website is built on matters, and keeping it secure should always be a priority.

What's Happening With WordPress Website Security?

In October 2026, cybersecurity researchers identified two serious weaknesses in PHP that could potentially allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to website servers.

Emergency security updates were released on October 21, but affected websites still need to receive those updates to remain protected. Although the vulnerabilities were discovered in PHP rather than WordPress itself, WordPress websites may be affected because they rely on this technology.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

You don't need to understand website programming to recognize the importance of website security. A compromised website can have serious consequences for a small business, including:

• Lost Business Opportunities: Website downtime or technical problems can prevent potential customers from reaching you.
• Damaged Reputation: Security issues can undermine customer trust in your business.
• Compromised Information: Hackers may be able to access sensitive business or customer data.
• Unexpected Expenses: Recovering a compromised website can require costly repairs and technical support.

WordPress is an open-source platform, meaning its source code is publicly available for developers to access and modify. While this allows for flexibility and customization, it also creates ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

WordPress websites often rely on third-party plugins, themes, and other software that require regular updates and security monitoring. Without proper maintenance, vulnerabilities can leave websites exposed to potential threats.

This doesn't mean every WordPress website is unsafe, but it does mean that website security requires consistent attention.

Why Juuced Marketing Doesn't Build Websites on WordPress

At Juuced Marketing, we believe your website should be a reliable foundation for your business's digital presence. That's why we've made the decision not to build websites on WordPress. While WordPress is widely used, its open-source structure, reliance on third-party plugins, and ongoing maintenance requirements introduce security considerations that we prefer to avoid.

Instead, we focus on developing professional, high-performing websites with security in mind, and we've seen the results of that approach firsthand. One of our client websites earned an impressive 94/100 Cyber Health Rating following an independent cybersecurity audit by Coalition. You can read more about the results and our approach to website security in our previous blog.

While no website platform is completely immune to security threats, choosing the right technology and maintaining it properly can make a significant difference in protecting your business.

Concerned About Your WordPress Website? Let's Talk

The recent PHP vulnerabilities are an important reminder that website security shouldn't be overlooked. If your business currently uses WordPress and you're concerned about its security, maintenance, or long-term reliability, Juuced Marketing is here to help.

Contact us today to discuss your website and explore your options!