Automatic Update occurred against cPanel settings

You can also disable automatic updates by modifying your wp-config.php file.

Please reference the following link to disable Automatic Updates: https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Configuring_Automatic_Background_Updates#Constant_to_Disable_All_Updates

You should not disable automatic, minor updates. 4.8.3 was an important security fix and you would want it updated ASAP.

Thank you Michael for that link.

But why did WordPress update anyway? Are the settings described in your link set to override Softaculous’?

Steve,

And what happens if the update breaks my site? I’ve heard the horror stories, so it’s better to be on the safe side.

It’s rare that a WP update breaks a site. And when it’s a security update, you want to err on the side of updating. Michael’s advice is correct but not recommended, at least by me.

One thing: It’s really important to do regular, automatic backups of your site. Not so much for hacking or evil doers, but to protect your site from dumb stuff you’re likely to do. (Been there, done that.) I use the plugin “backwpup” and set it to backup once a week and to move the backups off-site to Dropbox.