Infrequently used Plugins – Should I Deactivte or Delete Them?

  • Resolved chcw

    (@chcw)


    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi,

    I have some plugins that may be used infrequently, not for daily usages. For example, Better Search and Replace, which is only used when I need to search and replace the database.

    In such a case, should I:

    1. Deactivate these plugins and keep them in my plugin list?

    or

    2. Deactivate and delete them when finishing using them. And reinstall them when I need to use them again?

    Current I choose option 1, but everyrtime when I login WordPress, I will see the site health check and it tells me that I have several unused plugins that will become security problem, and it suggests me to remove them, i.e., use option 2.

    So what should I do?

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

  • Deactivating a plugin does not totally protect you if the plugin were to have a vulnerability.

    So, yeah, delete one-time only or infrequently-used plugins when they’ve done their job for the day. You can always install anytime

    I agree with George in most every case – but if a plugin requires extensive settings and if those settings have to be re-done with each install, I’d probably be lazy and just deactivate.

    From where I stand — managing two dozen servers with over a handed client sites — and what I see everyday — thousands of automated brute-force attacks and attempts to leverage known WordPress/theme/plugin vulnerabilities — I’ll do the work anytime to reduce my attack surface.

    Perhaps I’m TOO LAZY to deal with the aftermaths of a hacked site ??

    Thread Starter chcw

    (@chcw)

    OK. Thank you so much.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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