Is your WordPress site an easy target for attackers right now? Outdated jQuery versions contain critical security vulnerabilities affecting thousands of sites. If you don’t upgrade, that likely includes YOURS too.
Don’t wait until your site is already hacked to take action…
In this complete game plan, you’ll learn:
✅ Exactly how to check what jQuery version your site is running
✅ Specific exploits impacting sites still on jQuery 1.x or older
✅ Step-by-step guidance to update jQuery across your entire WordPress site
Let’s first see where your site’s current jQuery stands and why hackers are hoping you continue using dangerously old versions…
Checking Your Current jQuery Version
Using an outdated jQuery practically welcomes cyber attacks but many site owners don’t even realize it’s outdated. Use these quick methods to inspect your site’s current jQuery status:
- Install the “Version Checker” plugin to reveal all JS library versions.
- Open your active theme‘s functions.php file and check wp_enqueue_script() references.
- On a site page, View Source, Ctrl+F “jQuery” to see what JavaScript files load.
Once you locate the live version, compare it to the latest stable jQuery release at jquery.com. Unfortunately, jQuery usage stats show a majority of sites lag FAR behind current versions…
Why You MUST Upgrade jQuery
jQuery saw over 20 total vulnerabilities patched in just the 1.x to 3.x transition. Arbitrary code execution holes alone put MILLIONS of WordPress sites in harm‘s way if attackers discover them.
Don’t gamble your site’s security…here are cold hard facts on why upgrading grandfathered jQuery MUST become an urgent priority:
Lingering Security Exploits
- jQuery 1.12 and older are impacted by 6+ year old vulnerabilities like #2432 allowing script injection attacks.
- The jQuery 3.4.0 upgrade alone fixed 2 severe XSS flaws frequently targeted in client-side attacks.
Painfully Slow Performance
- jQuery 3.0+ runs up to 30% faster than 1.x lagging sites still use per web.dev research.
- Upgrading aligns with Google PageSpeed and Core Web Vitals recommendations for faster loading experiences.
Leave outdated jQuery in the past. Equip your WordPress site with the latest jQuery performance and security fixes using the steps next…
How to Upgrade jQuery in WordPress
While manually replacing the jQuery file technically works, using an automated plugin as your upgrade tool is BY FAR the easiest and most reliable method…
Plugin Method: Effortless Automated Upgrades
Simply install the jQuery Updater plugin and its background processes handle updating jQuery to the newest version automatically.
Follow these 3 simple steps:
- In wp-admin, visit Plugins > Add New.
- Search “jQuery Updater” and install the plugin.
- Activate the plugin. That‘s it!
jQuery Updater runs silently in the background and updates your site’s jQuery to the latest release as soon as one becomes available. No need to ever manually upgrade jQuery again.
If you notice functionality conflicts after upgrading, quickly rollback to a previous version before reporting the issue. But typically, sites transition smoothly to new jQuery versions thanks to strong backwards compatibility.
Now let’s cover a manual upgrade alternative for those who require complete control over the process…
Manual Upgrade
Manually upgrading your jQuery version takes more effort but allows managing everything directly yourself:
- Download the latest jQuery minified JS file or pull from the Google Hosted Libraries source.
- Upload it to your active theme‘s /js/ directory.
- Edit functions.php and update wp_enqueue_script() to reference the new file location.
- Double check jQuery across all site pages loads properly.
While coding-savvy site owners may opt to manually upgrade, we saw many botch this process leading to DOUBLE the outdated jQuery versions loading! Without plugin assistance, version management entirely depends on your due diligence.
Post-Update Recommendations
Upon completing your jQuery upgrade using either primary method, always double check:
- Site functionality testing – Click around pages confirming intended interactions work.
- Version verification – Revisit source code views checking solely the new jQuery serves.
- Security rescanning – Rescan your site through a tool like Wordfence to confirm patching vulnerabilities.
Also bookmark and regularly revisit jQuery’s release notes page. As new versions emerge, use jQuery Updater or repeat the manual process to stay at the cutting edge.
Don’t Become Another Outdated jQuery Cyber Attack Statistic
Failing to upgrade grandfathered jQuery invites disastrous security incidents as attackers prey on lingering exploits in vulnerable versions.
WordPress sites frequently fall victim to code injection, XSS attacks, and other hacks traced back to outdated jQuery. Don’t become the next headline…
Now that you know precisely how to check your current jQuery version and have step-by-step upgrade instructions for WordPress, NO excuses remain for allowing your site to fester with an outdated jQuery liability.
The jQuery Updater plugin makes staying current a no brainer. But regardless of your preferred upgrade method, leverage this complete game plan to lock your site down with the latest jQuery security and performance fixes TODAY!
The safety of your site, business, and visitors depends on it.
