Questionable Plugins
Remove any questionable plugins. These are plugins that appear that the creator or developer has stopped doing updates on the plugin. Known to many as Abandoned plugin(s). This also can be plugins that you no longer use. If needed replace the plugin with another that compatible with WordPress 5.6
Note that deactivating a plugin is different from deleting a plugin. I would delete the plugin. It is also possible that right after the WordPress update comes out, that the developer comes out with their own updates. Only then will I reinstall that plugin.
Full Backup
If it has been a while since you completed a full backup of your files now would be the time to do this.
Update PHP?
As for PHP, here is my rule of thumb: if a new version of PHP is out, I like to wait for a while before I rush out and update PHP. SO as an example I am currently running PHP 7.3.4, I am ok with waiting to update to PHP 7.4. I will wait longer for PHP 8.
Do the Update!
Once all the above has been completed go ahead and update to WordPress 5.6.
Another Backup:
Now for the catch after you have completed the update and you see no issues with your site, completed another full back. I like to use Updraft for this task.
Firewall Scan
At the time of writing this article I have completed these updates on four websites running WordPress without any issues. Using the “Wordfence” firewall I did run a new scan to make sure there were no surprises.
Read the Post by Wordfence
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