Keeping your store up to date: why standing still can cost more than change
Every second of delay or technical bug on your online store is an opportunity handed to your competitors. When your platform isn’t working properly, your growth grinds to a halt. In this context, regularly updating your online store is an investment that ensures not only security but also long-term savings and overall better performance. This article explores the risks of running an outdated store and the concrete benefits of a system that’s always up to speed.
The risks of an outdated online store
Even when everything seems to be working fine, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that nothing needs to change. However, the risks of not updating your store add up quickly and can directly impact your revenue and reputation.
Exposure to increasing security vulnerabilities
Cyberattacks typically target weaknesses in outdated systems. According to the 2023 Cyber Threat Landscape published by ANSSI, the level of IT threats continues to rise, with attackers constantly evolving their methods.
The report notes that financially motivated cyberattacks did not slow down in 2023—quite the opposite. ANSSI recorded a 30% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the previous year.
Beyond disrupting your operations, these attacks can steal sensitive customer data and seriously undermine the trust your clients place in you.
Technical incompatibilities
The modules and extensions you use to customize your store evolve alongside the latest platform updates. Whether you’re on PrestaShop or another CMS, keeping your store updated is essential to avoid issues like:
- modules that stop working
- bugs in the checkout process
- payment methods becoming incompatible
These technical issues damage the user experience, which directly affects your conversions.
The cost of unexpected downtime
Unplanned outages are expensive. According to a 2023 study by Statista, cybercrime cost France nearly $93.5 billion and the world more than $8 trillion.
In just 10 years, the cost of cyberattacks in France jumped from $5.1 billion (in 2016) to $129 billion (in 2024)—a 25-fold increase.
And that’s not all: in 2024, three out of four French companies had already experienced a cyberattack, showing that the threat is only growing.
The real benefits of regular updates
Updating your store isn’t just about security—it brings operational and financial benefits in both the short and long term.
Strengthened security
Updates include patches for known vulnerabilities and protection against new threats. Strengthening your store’s security also means creating a culture of best practices within your team.
According to an IBM report, 90% of data breaches are caused by human error. This highlights the importance of training staff on digital security. Protecting your data and your customers’ data is essential for building trust and loyalty in ecommerce.
Improved performance
New versions of CMS platforms often improve load times and functionality. Page speed is critical for sales—most users won’t wait long.
A survey by Unbounce of 750 consumers found that slow-loading pages directly impact conversion. While 75% of shoppers say they would wait four seconds or more, Google’s data shows most users abandon a page after just three seconds.
Lower maintenance costs
Contrary to popular belief, regular updates help reduce overall maintenance expenses. A well-maintained site needs fewer emergency fixes and runs more reliably.
Keeping up with updates helps you avoid surprise costs and gives you more time to focus on growing your business.
Access to new features
Updates often include innovations that match growing customer expectations: one-click payments, AI-based personalization, and smarter product recommendations.
These features are valuable assets for enhancing customer experience and staying competitive.
Steps for a smooth transition
Updating your store can seem daunting, but with good planning, it can be done with minimal impact on your operations.
- Assess your current setup: identify critical modules and features, and check their compatibility with the latest CMS version
- Pick the right time: schedule updates during low-traffic periods to reduce disruption
- Test before going live: use a staging environment to ensure everything works as expected
- Work with experts: if you don’t have technical expertise in-house, bring in specialists to ensure a smooth update
Conclusion
Ignoring updates means accepting that small flaws could grow into major threats.
A high-performing online store depends on its ability to adapt—to customer expectations, technical standards, and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
The real question isn’t “why update?” It’s “can you really afford not to?” Delaying this process could cost you far more than just time.
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