Many charities are unknowingly putting their supporters and data at risk simply by running outdated websites. If your website is over three years old and hasn’t had regular updates, it may be vulnerable to security breaches, compliance failures, and donor frustration—all without you realising it. A website that once served you well may now be outdated, insecure, and even a barrier to fundraising success.
Technology evolves rapidly, and cyber threats are constantly adapting. While charities rightly focus on frontline services, neglecting digital infrastructure can create risks that are too big to ignore. Here’s why keeping your website updated is essential and what you can do about it.
Hidden Security Risks Could Be Putting Your Donors at Risk
Older websites are prime targets for cyber threats. Hackers actively exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems, and without regular updates, your site could be:
- A target for data breaches, exposing sensitive donor and supporter information.
- Vulnerable to malware infections, which could spread to visitors.
- At risk of website defacement, damaging your charity’s credibility.
Charities collect and process donor data, making them an attractive target for cybercrime. If your website isn’t actively maintained, you may already be at risk without knowing it.
Outdated Software = Known Security Holes
Websites typically rely on a mix of a content management system (CMS), plugins, and third-party tools. Over time, vulnerabilities in these components become widely known and actively exploited.
WordPress Websites Are a Common Target
WordPress powers around 43% of all websites, including many charity sites. While it’s a powerful platform, its popularity makes it a prime target for hackers.
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database lists thousands of documented security issues related to WordPress and its plugins. This database is accessible to everyone – meaning critical vulnerabilities are presented to hackers with a quick Google search. Some of these CVEs include:
- SQL Injection (CWE-89) – Attackers manipulate database queries to steal sensitive data.
- Cross-Site Scripting (CWE-79) – Hackers inject malicious scripts that affect visitors.
- Privilege Escalation (CWE-269) – Exploiting user permissions to gain complete control of a website.
Even well-known plugins have been flagged for critical vulnerabilities. If you’re running outdated versions of WordPress or inactive plugins, your website may be at risk without you realising it.
Even the most well-built websites need proactive maintenance to keep them safe.
Your Website Might Be Driving Donors Away
An outdated website doesn’t just pose security risks—it can also frustrate donors and lower engagement. If your website is over three years old, you may be experiencing:
- Slow loading times – A few extra seconds can lead to lost donations.
- A poor mobile experience – More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices.
- Clunky donation processes – Outdated checkout systems can lead to abandoned donations.
An upgraded website ensures a seamless experience across all devices, helping supporters engage without friction.
Are You Still Compliant with Today’s Digital Standards?
Regulations around data protection, accessibility, and privacy have evolved significantly. If your website hasn’t been updated in years, you may be unknowingly failing to meet key standards, such as:
- GDPR compliance – Outdated cookie policies or security practices could put you at risk of non-compliance.
- Accessibility standards (WCAG) – If your website isn’t designed with accessibility in mind, you may be excluding disabled supporters.
- Data security best practices – Storing or processing donor data in outdated systems could expose you to legal and reputational risks.
A compliant, well-maintained website protects your charity and its supporters.
Your Website Is Your Digital Front Door—Does It Still Represent You?
First impressions matter; for many supporters, your website is the first interaction they’ll have with your charity. If it looks outdated, loads slowly, or is difficult to navigate, they may assume the same about your organisation.
A modern website:
✅ Builds trust and credibility
✅ Helps you stand out in a digital-first world
✅ Ensures supporters can engage easily and donate seamlessly
An up-to-date website is a key asset if your charity wants to grow its impact.
How to Future-Proof Your Charity Website
If your website is over three years old, it’s time for a digital check-up. Unfortunately, being accredited with something like Cyber Essentials is only half the job. Here’s what you can do today:
✔ Maintain strong security by keeping your CMS, plugins, and integrations up to date. Regular updates prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
✔ Consider moving to a better-maintained CMS if your platform is a high risk.
✔ Optimise for mobile to improve engagement across devices
✔ Improve donation flows to reduce friction and boost conversions.
✔ Ensure compliance with the latest accessibility and data protection standards.
Your charity’s mission is too important to be undermined by an outdated website. Keeping your website updated isn’t just about aesthetics —it’s essential for maintaining security and trust, protecting data, and ensuring supporters have the best possible experience.
Is your website overdue for an upgrade? Now’s the time to take action.
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