January 2025 Drupal 7 Advisory: What Small Businesses Need to Know

If you have a website built on Drupal 7 it’s important to stay informed about the latest security news. The Drupal Security Team recently published a Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding potential vulnerabilities in Drupal 7, which is reaching the end of it’s life, in software terms. If you’re a small business owner using Drupal 7, here’s what you should know.

Why the Announcement Matters

• Data Protection: Even a minor vulnerability can pose serious security risks, such as data breaches or website defacement. Small businesses often store valuable data—like customer details or stock information—so safeguarding this information is crucial to maintaining trust.
• Website Reputation: A compromised site can harm your brand’s credibility. Keeping your site secure portrays professionalism and ensures customers feel safe when interacting with your business online.

Key Points from the PSA

1. Potential Update on the Horizon: The PSA indicates a possible future security update to address a discovered issue. It’s important to install any forthcoming patch promptly.
2. Site Maintenance Checks: Until an official patch is released, it’s wise to ensure your Drupal 7 modules and themes are fully updated. Regular maintenance can help prevent many security concerns.
3. Backup Your Website: Backups are essential. If something goes wrong during an update, a recent backup helps you quickly restore your site to a stable version.
4. Have a Plan for Patches: Delaying updates can leave your site vulnerable. Consider scheduling maintenance windows to apply patches as soon as they’re available.

How O’Brien Media Can Help

• Security Audits: Our team can review your Drupal 7 setup to confirm everything is up-to-date and configured securely, including checking modules for potential vulnerabilities.
• Update & Maintenance Services: When new security patches become available, we’ll apply them swiftly and verify that your site remains compatible and functional.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery: O’Brien Media offers reliable backup solutions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for unexpected issues during updates.
• Ongoing Support: From general website maintenance to implementing security best practices and boosting performance, we’re here to support your small business every step of the way.

Stay Proactive About Security

Even if you don’t notice immediate issues, vulnerabilities can lurk in the background. By regularly applying recommended updates, you’ll help protect your site’s reputation and keep your customers’ data secure.

If you have any questions about this PSA or need assistance with your Drupal website, get in touch with us. At O’Brien Media, we’re committed to helping you secure your online presence so you can focus on growing your small business.

Looking for help with Drupal or other web solutions?
Contact O’Brien Media to find out how we can make your website secure, reliable, and future-ready.