Q. My security score changed after updating WordPress
A. This is normal behavior. WordPress updates can cause changes in diagnostic results.
Why the Score Changes
When the Score Increases
A new WordPress version may include security improvements that raise your diagnostic scores. For example:
- The new WordPress version added default security headers
- REST API access controls were strengthened
- Known vulnerabilities were patched
When the Score Decreases
The following causes are possible:
- File Integrity Monitoring baseline is outdated — Core files changed by the update are being flagged as "modified." Update your baseline to resolve this
- New diagnostic items were added — A plugin update introduced new security checks, and previously unaddressed items are now being detected
How to Address It
- Go to SentinelSecurity → Dashboard
- Identify which items caused the score change
- If File Integrity Monitoring is the cause, click Update Baseline to set the new file state as the reference
- If new diagnostic items are the cause, review the findings and plan the appropriate remediation