Google has started notifying webmasters about updating the software platform they are using. For example, if you are using older version of WordPress for your blog then you may receive notification in Google Webmaster Tools message section saying that you should update WordPress to latest available version. This initiative from Google will help webmasters in keeping their backend up to date and secured.
Actually the updated version of software comes with security fixes and other enhancements. Features and newly added options are not critical but the security fixes are. That’s why it is really important to keep the updated software platform for your website. This is true for blogs, e-commerce sites and other application based websites or CMS.
What I received from Google in Webmaster Tools is as below,
Dear site owner or webmaster of http://clickonf5.com/,
Your site appears to be running an older version of WordPress. Google recommends that you update to the latest release. Older or unpatched software may be vulnerable to hacking or malware that can hurt your users. To download the latest release, visit the WordPress download page.
If you have any additional questions about why you are receiving this message, Google has provided more background information in a blog post about this subject.
Best wishes,
Google Search Quality Team
This message came for one of my other site which is not very active. The above message contains link to WordPress download page and the blog post by Google about this initiative.
Here is the screencast of my Google Webmaster Tools where you can see the WordPress Update Notification.
I spend most of my time around WordPress and related plugins. It is almost impossible to resist myself from sharing good tips, tutorials and updates related to the platform. After all, I am a blogger by passion.