People have rightfully said that “the first impression is the last impression“.
It has been found that people often judge your appearance first and then analyze your work.
As petty as this sounds, it has become a notion around the world.
This judgmental flaw doesn’t just limit itself to humans.
Surveys have found that people are more likely to click on websites with better presentation than those with better content.
So, it has become mandatory for developers to program the WordPress website with extraordinary themes.
WordPress offers a range of in-built themes based on its popularity.
Many of these themes are premium. Hence, they are not usually affordable to everyone.
So, people end up getting nulled WordPress themes, which are nothing but pirated versions of paid themes distributed for free.
What is a null theme?
Developers are seen downloading free themes from unauthorized sources.
Such nulled WordPress themes will not only harm their website but are also an open invitation to hackers.
Basically, such null themes are coded in such a way that hackers can extract sensitive information from your device.
These themes are collected from a third party, which is not only unsafe but usually not licensed or legal.
What are the Risks of Using Null themes?
As stated earlier, null-themed plugins are unsafe and illegal. But apart from being unethical, these plugins have the following drawbacks:
1. Security Issues
Well, you might lose control over your website; anything could happen that you have never thought of.
Even after installing a nulled WordPress theme, if you are logged out of your admin area, that is not a surprise.
Hackers could get control not only over your website logins but also at your servers. YES, it’s that dangerous. AfteAfter, have to pay the cost of so-called FREE or equal to-free themes.
Data security of your website is not only important for you but also for the users.
The free theme providers often hack the premium themes by using malicious codes and then sell them for free.
- hackers also leave a backdoor open while writing the code for the themes to get access to websites after downloading it.
- To say directly, these themes are nothing but maneuvers to hack into your website.
- Even the most authentic certificate for your WordPress website the SSL certificate can do nothing when you download a null theme plugin yourself.
- WP-VCD malware is the most common malware found in these themes.
Due to the illegal authorization of the themes, the risk of data theft and data distribution increases.
Thus, the chances of cybercrime increase, and if found guilty legal actions will be taken against you.
This is why I always go with premium themes, for my sites and my clients. No Compromise when it comes to security.
At most, I prefer GeneratePress and Astra. These are SEO-friendly, fastest-loading themes. And you will be able to get the desired look. Because there are a variety of child themes that come along with those.
2. No Support
Since the creator of the null theme plugins is unknown, they can’t provide you with a warranty or support if your website gets stuck somewhere.
Whereas if you use premium themes, the creators have long scripts of codes and can solve any technical issue you might face during the installation of your website.
The premium theme developers also provide a warranty so that you can run your website smoothly.
So, these premium themes might look expensive at first, but they will assist you throughout your website’s running process.
3. Affecting SEO
One tries best to put his website on the first page of famous search engines like Google.
But when you use null themes for your WordPress site, Google throws it at the bottom of the page.
Due to pirated coding and harmful spam, Google detects the threat to its users and warns them to switch to another site.
Due to this, huge traffic for the website is lost.
4. No Upgrading
With new software releasing every day, WordPress upgrades regularly to ensure security fix bugs, or just update the website for more traffic.
When you use pirated themes you will not be able to upgrade since the access will not be provided to you by the unknown theme developer.
So, not only do you increase the risks of the insecure network but you also lose access to update your sites.
Do you need my expertise in WordPress theme recommendation?
My Favourite WordPress Themes
Well, being a web designer and WordPress savvy, I have tried a lot of WordPress themes. My favorite ones are lightweight and SEO-friendly.
1. GeneratePress – $49 (Unlimited sites usage)
2. Astra Pro – $59 (Unlimited site usage, lifetime deal also available at $249)
3. StudioPress: Starts at $99 (Bundle pack is also available – best for web designers and agencies)
Already a user of null-themed plugins?
It is common to use free stuff. And it’s okay until you know about the harmful outcomes of using these null themes.
We, any day, advise our readers against downloading such plugins.
However, if you have already installed them and got hacked, follow this WP hack removal guide to clean & safeguard your website.
I will still go ahead and mention the vital steps here as well. Find them below:
1. Detect Malware
You can tell you’ve got infected by a nulled theme, if,
- You start to see a lot of malicious pop-ups on your website
- Your website has been flagged by Google or other search engines
- Your website starts redirecting to spam pages.
These are some obvious signs that inform you about a hack. You can then scan your website through a Malware scanner. You can then follow this guide to find & clean WP-VCD malware.
2. Create Backup
Before removing the malware, you will need to back up your files. Follow the following steps to back up your WordPress theme data:
- Create an FTP client and log into the FTP account. Navigate “wp-content/themes” on your website host.
- From a list of themes running on your blog, select the one you are recovering and transfer it to your computer hardware.
3. Edit and Reinstall
To ensure that you have cleared all the bugs from your website, follow the following steps:
1. Click on the “Appearance” and then “Editor” on your WordPress blog dashboard. Detect the unwanted code lines or edit them.
2. If you are unable to edit them, then the access is not given to you. In that case, you are required to troubleshoot your website.
3. Reinstall the theme click on “Appearance” and then click “Themes” on your dashboard, and activate a different theme.
4. Click on “Delete” to remove all the files from your broken theme.
5. Click on “Install Theme” from the top page and then search for the theme name and reinstall it to your library.
Not Worth it – Your Turn
The null themes might seem attractive, even budget-friendly, at first. But given the endless risks, it is not at all recommendable.
As a security-aware blog, we advise you not to use nulled themes and plugins for your WordPress website.
Ironically, to save time and money, using premium themes is the only option.
Also, ensure that the themes or plugins have an authentic source before you go on and download them.
Having said that, if you go the extra mile in securing your website, it is always sure to repel hackers. This complete & actionable WordPress security guide will help you fill your website’s security gaps.
Pro tip – Using one Security Plugin like GetAstra can ease the security process for you and you can be worry-free.
Are you still using WordPress nulled themes and plugins?
STOP! if you are serious about your business.
If you found this article helpful, comment below and let us know.