The Dangers of Staying on Joomla 3 and the Benefits of Joomla 4 for Business

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses must stay proactive to protect their online assets and maintain customer trust. As Joomla 3 approaches its end of life in August 2023, it's critical for business decision makers to recognize the risks of not upgrading to Joomla 4. Moreover, this migration provides a unique opportunity to embrace the exciting benefits of Joomla 4, a robust CMS platform that outshines its competitors in many ways; maturity, security, stability, extensibility, and ease of use just to name a few. I thought it was important timing to explore the potential dangers of not upgrading, including Australian government fines for unintentionally allowing website hacking, and the remarkable advantages Joomla 4 brings to business.

Running any outdated CMS - even Joomla 3, which is known for it's track record of excellent security, exposes your website to potentially catastrophic security risks. Hackers constantly exploit vulnerabilities in older software versions, making your website an attractive target. Consider how often Microsoft security updates are issues - and imagine how vulnerable website software is because it is exposed on the open internet. In 2018 a Wordpress hack took 8 hours to spead around the world and those who didn't upgrade saw major security breaches across the board. With evolving hacking techniques and sophisticated cybercriminals, the consequences of a successful attack can be disastrous. Not only can your business suffer financial losses, but you may also face reputational damage and government fines that takes years to recover from.


In an effort to combat cyber threats, the Australian government has implemented stringent regulations and penalties to ensure website security - even for small business websites. Failing to upgrade your website from Joomla 3 to the latest version could result in non-compliance, potentially leading to hacking and illegal activities by hackers in the back end of your website without your knowledge - which in turn could lead to severe fines and legal repercussions if your website is seen to have been used in a hacking attack. Protecting you, the public and your customers' cyber safety by maintaining compliance with government regulations is critical for maintaining trust and avoiding costly penalties.


The Exciting Benefits of Joomla 4 - built with a strong emphasis on security, incorporates advanced measures such as improved password hashing, two-factor authentication, and better protection against SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. By migrating to Joomla 4, you fortify your website's defenses against evolving cyber threats, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. There is also an opportunity to upgrade the look and feel of your Joomla 3 (or 2) site or you can simply keep the same design and just upgrade the back end of Joomla if you like. Remember the way people use the internet continues to evolve, and so does the underlying technology on your server, so there are a lot of moving parts here. A reputable Joomla Developer can assist in strengthening your web presence in these and other ways to give you maximum value online.


Joomla 4 offers a modern and intuitive user interface that enhances both the website management experience and the visitor journey. Its responsive design ensures optimal performance across various devices, providing a consistent and engaging user experience. With an updated admin interface and streamlined workflows, your team can efficiently manage content, plugins, and extensions, boosting productivity and saving valuable time.

Website performance plays a pivotal role in user satisfaction and search engine rankings. Joomla 4 introduces significant performance improvements, resulting in faster page load times and improved overall site performance. These enhancements not only enhance user experience but also positively impact conversion rates, search engine visibility, and ultimately, your bottom line.


Joomla 4 delivers an extensive range of customization options, empowering businesses to create unique and tailored websites. The platform supports a wide array of templates, extensions, and integrations, enabling you to personalize your online presence according to your specific business requirements. From e-commerce functionality to multilingual support, Joomla 4 equips you with the tools to deliver a seamless user experience that aligns with your brand identity.

Joomla boasts a vibrant and dedicated community of developers, designers, and users who actively contribute to its growth and success - of which Joomstore is an active part both here in Australia and worldwide. By migrating to Joomla 4 with Joomstore, you gain access to ongoing support, regular updates, and a wealth of resources. Our active community ensures that your website remains secure, up-to-date, and optimized for the latest industry standards.


The deadline for Joomla 3's end of life is fast approaching, and the dangers of not upgrading to Joomla 4 should not be underestimated. By staying on Joomla 3, you expose your business to security vulnerabilities, potential hacking incidents, and hefty Australian government fines. Embracing the benefits of Joomla 4 offers a transformative opportunity to bolster your online / web security, improve your user experience, and future-proof your digital presence. Act decisively, safeguard your business, and unlock the remarkable advantages that Joomla 4 brings to the table.