Websites built on content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress require users to install themes. Themes determine the look of the website and affect how end users see its content. Every website wants to have an attractive theme.
When choosing a theme, the WordPress site owner can choose paid themes, free themes provided by WordPress, or hacked themes called "nulled".
Paid themes are expensive and free themes are unattractive. Therefore, many users opt for the "nulled" theme. These themes are hacked versions of the originally paid themes that are illegally sold on the internet at low prices or available for free download.
Nulled themes can be harmful and affect a website. They are also one of the reasons why websites are compromised by hackers.
Below are some of the top reasons why you shouldn't use outdated or "nulled" themes on your WordPress site.
1. Website Security and Privacy
Nulled theme providers hack originally paid themes with malicious coding. These themes usually have a backdoor and using them can allow hackers to enter through the backdoor and infect a website.
Some "nulled" theme providers intentionally maintain backdoors so the site can be used to get back-links to a site without their knowledge. It can also redirect websites with spammy links, place advertisements on the site, or even completely hack the site and demand ransom money.
If an SSL certificate is installed to protect sensitive information that visitors send to a website and the theme is faulty, SSL security will not be necessary. Malicious code can allow hackers to steal personal information, such as contacts, usernames, passwords, and email addresses.
Therefore, avoid using "nulled" WordPress themes which are very dangerous for the security and privacy of the WordPress site.
2. Nulled themes are illegal
Nulled themes are stolen paid themes that do not come with any license or copyright. Nulled theme providers remove copyrighted resources to make them free or offer them at a lower cost. There is no doubt that "nulled" themes are stolen paid themes, and anything stolen is illegal.
The use of hacked themes can lead to legal action if the original developers of these files a complaint.
Site owners make the mistake of installing such themes, especially when they start a new blog or don't want to invest much in the site.
3. No support from theme creators
The assistance of the service provider is essential when purchasing services related to the website. However, no one will be held responsible if you purchase a "nulled" theme. Therefore, there is no one to provide support if there is a problem with the theme.
Even experienced WordPress users need support and documentation to use themes properly. Paid WordPress themes help you get support from theme creators so you'll never get stuck.
Theme authors provide detailed documentation and support to help users easily accomplish their tasks.
4. Nulled themes affect SEO
While you're doing your best to rank high on search engines like Google and Bing, "nulled" themes affect your site's SEO terribly. As mentioned above, "nulled" themes contain spammy links and malicious code. By using spam links, the attackers can redirect your visitors to other websites that may harm them. Thus, users will start leaving your site.
Google ranks websites with lower search engine rankings that contain malicious content. You may be using hundreds of SEO tricks and blogging tips to improve your site rankings, but you have no idea that the hacked theme you are using is not optimizing the site.
5. Unable to update WordPress
WordPress regularly releases new versions to improve platform security, fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. However, if you are using a hacked WordPress theme, you cannot update your WordPress version. It's another big problem that can lead to website hacking because attackers know about vulnerabilities in older versions. Also, you cannot improve performance without updating WordPress.