The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring "rel noreferrer noopener" in WordPress
"POPUPS" were forbidden. So too were "broken links", "slow-loading pages", "unoptimized images", "insecure forms"—and lest that list of web design sins left any developer feeling overwhelmed—"ignoring rel noreferrer noopener". The list of overlooked WordPress best practices was, for such a powerful platform, surprisingly common, even negligent: "unsecured plugins" were rampant; "outdated themes" lingered; pages must not be "cluttered"; one never settled for "poor hosting". WordPress sites may promise flexibility, but they demand vigilance in execution.
Why "rel noreferrer noopener" Matters for Your WordPress Site
In the world of web design, small oversights can lead to big vulnerabilities. The rel="noreferrer noopener" attribute is one such detail—often ignored but critical for security. When you link to external sites using target="_blank", failing to include this attribute can expose your site to phishing attacks, where malicious pages could potentially manipulate your site's window object. This isn't just theoretical; it's a documented risk that affects WordPress sites every day.
Consider this scenario: Your beautifully designed WordPress site features InDesign vector graphics in a portfolio section, linking to external client websites. Without rel="noreferrer noopener", those links become potential security liabilities. The same applies to newsletter sign-ups that redirect to a Mailchimp price comparison page or affiliate links pointing to best WordPress VPS hosting providers.
How to Implement It Correctly
Adding rel="noreferrer noopener" is simple but often overlooked. Here’s how to ensure your WordPress site stays secure:
- Manual Links: When adding external links in the editor, include the attribute directly:
<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Example</a>. - Plugins: Use security plugins like "WP External Links" to automate this process globally.
- Theme/Plugin Audits: Regularly check your theme and plugin code for missing attributes, especially if they generate external links.
Beyond Security: The SEO and Performance Angle
While security is the primary concern, rel="noreferrer noopener" also impacts SEO and performance. Search engines prioritize secure sites, and preventing unnecessary JavaScript access via window.opener can improve page load times—a key ranking factor. If your WordPress site relies on best WordPress VPS hosting, pairing that speed with proper link attributes ensures peak performance.
Let WPutopia Handle the Details
WordPress maintenance is more than just updates and backups—it’s about safeguarding every element, from link attributes to server configurations. At WPutopia, we specialize in:
- Security hardening, including automatic
rel="noreferrer noopener"implementation - Theme upgrades that preserve functionality while closing vulnerabilities
- Plugin installation and optimization for seamless integrations
Don’t let overlooked details compromise your site. Contact WPutopia today for WordPress services that prioritize both performance and protection.
