WordPress has just been updated to version 3.6.1, and if you’re currently running version 3.6, it is recommended that you immediately upgrade to the latest version for security reason. This update is a security and maintenance release which fixes issues relating to security.

Below are some of the issues that were addressed in this release:

  • Block unsafe PHP unserialization that could occur in limited situations and setup which can lead to remote code execution
  • A fix that prevent a users with author role from being able to post and as another user
  • A fix to sufficiently validate redirections that may lead users to another website unknowingly

For more about this release, please check its release note page.

Before upgrading WordPress, it’s also recommended that you backup your database and website content. If you’re a new users who uses CPanel to manage your blog, the steps below will show you how to backup your database and website content before upgrading.

To get started, logon WordPress admin’s page by typing your URL followed by /wp-login.php.

http://myonlineblog.com/wp-login.php

 

When you’re there, you should see the Update Now button that lets you to easily upgrade WordPress. But because it’s recommended that you backup first, you don’t want to upgrade until after backing up your database and well as your website content.

 

wordpress-update-cpanel

 

 

To backup, sign onto CPanel using your website URL followed by cpanel.

http://myonlineblog.com/cpanel

 

When you sign in, select phpMyAdmin from the list of programs. When phpMyAdmin opens, select the database on the left you wish to backup and click Export.

 

wordpress-update-cpanel-1

 

This may not work with a large databases. If your database is large, you may have to find other means to backup. When prompted, save the database locally on your machine.

When you’re done backing up your database, go and backup your website content using an FTP client. You should download the entire web folder using the FTP client to your local computer.

When you’re done, logon to WordPress admin site and use Update Now button to upgrade.

 

wordpress-update-cpanel-2

 

That’s it! That’s the best way to upgrade WordPress. The reason you want to backup before upgrade is simple; so that when something goes wrong, you should be able to restore your machine.

Enjoy!