Security Risks of Page-Builder Websites (and Why Custom Websites Are Better)

Introduction

For small and medium businesses in St. Louis, having a secure website is essential. Many businesses turn to page-builder platforms like WordPress because they’re user-friendly. However, these platforms come with significant security risks that can put your business at risk. In this post, we’ll discuss these risks and explain why custom-coded websites are a safer alternative.

Understanding Page-Builder Platforms

Page-builders are popular because they allow users to create websites without any coding knowledge. With templates and drag-and-drop tools, web design becomes accessible to everyone. But this convenience can make your website more vulnerable to security issues.

Common Security Risks with Page-Builder Websites

1. Plugin Vulnerabilities

Plugins enhance functionality on platforms like WordPress, but they can also make your website vulnerable. Since plugins are created by different developers, some may have security flaws. Certain popular WordPress plugins have allowed hackers to inject malicious code into websites.

2. Complex and Bloated Code

The more plugins and themes you add, the more complex your website's code becomes. This added complexity can lead to security vulnerabilities, especially when plugins are outdated. For instance, in 2014, a popular plugin called Revolution Slider led to widespread website hacks.

3. Platform Security Flaws

Page-builder platforms themselves can have security issues. In 2021, GoDaddy suffered a data breach affecting 1.2 million accounts, highlighting the risks of relying on third-party platforms.

4. Slower Performance

Security risks often go hand-in-hand with performance issues. Websites built with page-builders typically load slower due to extra code and plugins. A one-second delay in mobile page load time can reduce conversion rates by up to 20%, according to Google. Slow websites not only frustrate users but can also increase security risks.

Advantages of Custom-Coded Websites

1. Reduced Attack Points

Custom-coded websites offer fewer points of entry for hackers. Using clean HTML and CSS keeps the code streamlined, minimizing security vulnerabilities. This approach also eliminates the need for plugins, reducing potential security flaws. Learn more about our custom web design services.

2. Enhanced Security Control

With custom-coded websites, developers have complete control over security measures. They can implement robust security practices tailored to your business, including secure coding, regular security audits, and proactive threat monitoring.

3. Independence from Third-Party Platforms

Custom websites don’t rely on external platforms or plugins, which lowers security risks. This independence makes it easier to maintain consistent and reliable security across your site. Explore the benefits of working with Space Age Mediaworks.

4. Superior Performance

Custom-coded websites are lighter and faster, as they don’t rely on heavy plugins. Faster load times lead to a better user experience and improved search rankings. Research shows that 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take more than three seconds to load, underscoring the importance of a fast website. See how our custom websites achieve perfect PageSpeed scores.

Conclusion

For St. Louis businesses, a secure and fast website is a must-have. While page-builder platforms are easy to use, they often come with performance issues and security risks. Custom-coded websites provide a safer, faster, and more reliable alternative. Investing in a custom website not only protects your business but also supports its long-term success.