defender-security / readme.txt

readme.txt in Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall 5.5.1, at readme.txt

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1	=== Defender Security - Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall ===
2	Plugin Name: Defender Security - Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall
3	Version: 5.5.1
4	Author: WPMU DEV
5	Author URI: https://wpmudev.com/
6	Contributors: WPMUDEV
7	Tags: security, malware, firewall, malware scanner, login security
8	Requires at least: 6.4
9	Tested up to: 6.8.2
10	Stable tag: 5.5.1
11	Requires PHP: 7.4
12	License: GPL v2 - http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html
13
14	WordPress security plugin with malware scanner, IP blocking, audit logs, antivirus scans, firewall, 2FA, brute force login security, and more.
15
16	== Description ==
17
18	Defender adds the best in WordPress plugin security to your website with just a few clicks, including malware scanner, firewall, password protection, and login security features. Stop brute force login attacks, weak password usage, SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other WordPress security vulnerabilities and hacks with Defender’s malware scanner, providing antivirus scans, IP blocking, firewall, activity log, security log, and two-factor authentication (2FA) login security.
19
20	No more complex security settings, Defender's malware scanner, firewall, and login security features add all the hardening and security you need.
21
22	Defender is brought to you by the WordPress speed specialists that created Smush image optimization, now active on more than +1 million websites.
23
24	Plus, connect for free to WPMU DEV’s AntiBot Global Firewall to block harmful IPs with data from over 500,000 sites.
25
26	Enjoy complete site protection from malware, vulnerabilities, bot attacks, and session hijacking from the start with [Defender Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme-above-the-fold&utm_content=wp_defender_pro).
27
28	Level up security immediately with exclusive Pro features like scheduled malware scanning, Safe Repair for suspicious files, and known WordPress vulnerability detection. [Learn more about Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme-above-the-fold&utm_content=wp_defender_pro).
29
30	### Security Recommendations
31
32	Defender's one-click security hardening recommendations instantly adds layers of protection and security to your site.
33
34	### Enhance Security and Block Hackers At Every Level:
35
36	* Malware scanner - scan WordPress core files for modifications and unexpected changes which may be caused by malware. Scan for malware and tighten up the security of your files
37	* AntiBot Global Firewall - Connect for free to WPMU DEV to block harmful IPs with data from over 500,000 sites
38	* WordPress Security Firewall - block or allowlist IPs, implement IP blocking, and Geo IP blocking, user agent banning and protect against brute force attacks
39	* Two-factor authentication (2FA) - Easily set up better security with 2FA to prevent most login attacks such as brute force, App verification, backup codes, lost device email, WooCommerce 2FA, and Web Authentication
40	* Login masking - change the location of WordPress's default login area to improve login security
41	* Login lockout - failed login attempts lockout for even more security assurance
42	* User Agent Banning - Fortify security by blocking bad bots and user agents from accessing your site
43	* Security Headers - Add an extra layer of defense security and protect against common attacks like: XSS, code injection, and more
44	* 404 Detection security - automated block of bot IPs
45	* Security Configs - Create your ideal Defender security plugin settings and export / import saved configs to any other site
46	* Geolocation IP lockout security - block users based on location and country (IP blocking)
47	* Disable trackbacks and pingbacks - disable these notifications to enhance spam protection and site security.
48	* Core and server update security recommendations - stay on top of your system security
49	* Antivirus scan - scan for active security threats, viruses, and other malware
50	* Disable file editor - if they get in, they won't get far
51	* Hide error reporting - hide code errors on the frontend so hackers can’t exploit site security
52	* Update security keys - update old WordPress security keys to be more encrypted and provide better security
53	* Prevent information disclosure - improve server security and protect sensitive files by locking down specific file types
54	* Prevent PHP execution - Defender bolsters security by automatically preventing any PHP code from being executed
55	* Resolve security recommendations and issues in bulk
56	* Google reCAPTCHA security - easy to add, stop fraud and abuse - including BuddyPress and WooCommerce
57	* Pwned Password Check - Increase security by protecting against compromised passwords
58	* Force Password Reset - Force users with selected roles to reset passwords
59	* Force Strong Passwords – Ensure users create secure credentials by enforcing robust password requirements
60	* User Agent Blocklist Presets – Easily block unwanted bots and scripts using curated user agent presets.
61
62	### Learn The Ropes With These Hands-On Defender Security Plugin Tutorials
63
64	* [How to Get the Most Out of Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-defender-security/)
65	* [How to Stop Hackers in Their Tracks with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/stop-hackers-with-defender-wordpress-security-plugin/)
66	* [Find Out if You're Hacked: How to Find and Delete Suspicious Code with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/delete-suspicious-code-defender/)
67	* [How to Create a Powerful and Secure Customized Firewall with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/defender-ip-address-lockout-firewall/)
68
69	### WordPress Security Scans
70	Defender's malware scanner security checks for suspicious code and malware. It also compares your WordPress install with the WP directory master copy, and reports any changes so you can restore the original file with a click.
71
72	### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Security
73
74	Easily add an extra layer of protection and security to your WordPress sites with Defender's two-factor authentication (2FA) features. Including: mobile app verification (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy), backup code generation, lost device emails, WooCommerce 2FA, Biometric Authentication (fingerprint/facial recognition), and Hardware Key Authentication (USB security keys). Easily prevent brute force attacks and login security vulnerabilities.
75
76	### Login Protection
77
78	Brute force attacks are no match for Defender's login security. Limit login attempts so hackers can't guess passwords. Permanently ban IPs or trigger a timed lockout after a set number of failed login attempts. Use Geo IP blocking to ban users from specific countries or locations.
79
80	### Firewall Security and IP Manager
81
82	Improve your website security with Defender's IP manager and firewall. Manually block specific IPs, import a list of banned IPs, and set automated timed and permanent lockouts. Defender makes it easy to block and unblock specific locations quickly thanks to its advanced firewall security(WAF) offering Geographical IP blocking.
83
84	### User Agent Banning
85
86	Add user agents to the block or allowlist and stop bad bots from spamming and scraping your site. All major search engines and special network bots are allow-listed out of the box. Easy to set up, Defender's user agent banning tool now includes built-in bot and script presets to help you quickly block malicious traffic. It does all the security work for you—no editing of the .htaccess file required.
87
88	### Google reCAPTCHA Integration
89
90	Add reCAPTCHA security to your login / registration pages, lost password forms, and post comments in a couple of steps to up security and help protect from fraud and abuse. Select reCAPTCHA type, language, location, and style to suit. As well as Google, Defender also supports the following reCAPTCHA types:
91
92	* BuddyPress reCAPTCHA
93	* WooCommerce reCAPTCHA
94
95	### Login Screen Masking
96
97	Defender makes it easy to move your login screen to a custom URL. Not only does login screen masking improve security, but it also lets you white label your login user experience and improves branding.
98
99	### Force Password Reset
100
101	Enhance site security by forcing all users with selected roles to reset their password at any time. Especially helpful if you suspect a possible data breach on your site.
102
103	### Security Headers
104
105	Protect your site against common attacks, such as: XSS, code injection, cross site scripting, and more. Enable the following security headers:
106
107	* X-Frame-Options
108	* X-XSS-Protection
109	* X-Content-Type-Options
110	* Strict Transport
111	* Referrer Policy
112	* Permissions-Policy
113
114	### 404 Limiter
115	Detect when bots are being used to scan your site for security vulnerabilities and shut them down. The 404 limiter lets you stop the scan by detecting when a bot keeps visiting pages that do not exist, which can also save you from a giant strain on your site's performance.
116
117	### Security Notifications and Reports
118	Defender runs surveillance and sends security notifications with information that matters. All activity and notifications are recorded in the activity log to let you see at a glance the website security actions that have been taken by the Defender security plugin.
119
120	### Reduce Security Setup Time With Saved Configs
121
122	Save your Defender security plugin configurations and reapply them to your other sites in just a few clicks. You can create and save an unlimited number of security configurations.
123
124	### Pwned Password Check
125
126	Entered passwords are checked against public database breach records to further boost security. If a password is identified as compromised, the user will be asked to change it.
127
128	### Custom IP Block/Allowlist
129
130	Create your IP block/allow list once, then apply and automatically sync it to all your other sites with just a single click. Save hours by not having to manually add IPs to each individual site. *Note: a [free WPMU DEV account] (https://wpmudev.com/register) is required to access this feature.
131
132	### What Do People Say About Defender?
133
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140	"I found other pro security plugins a bit too fiddly for my taste...I'm delighted with Defender" - <a href="https://profiles.wordpress.org/keithadv">KeithADV</a>
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148	"Thank you for bringing back a free and easy to use 2-Factor Authentication after Clef! Defender helps keep me aware of my site's security." - <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/users/awijasa/">awijasa</a>
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156	"Defender's interface is very intuitive with warnings that are very helpful" - <a href="https://wpmudev.com/profile/djohns">djohns</a>
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163
164	"Defender Recently blocked over 3000 attacks in one week without any noticeable impact on the website. WPMUDEV knocking it out of the park on this one." - <a href="https://wpmudev.com/profile/davidoswald/">David Oswald</a>
165
166	### Secure Websites, More Trust, Better Profit
167	If you're running a business website or eCommerce store, privacy, security, uptime and trust are essential.
168
169	The Defender security plugin is here to help you: it's a one of a kind WordPress security plugin that makes web security easy for anyone, for free!
170
171	* Malware scanner
172	* Google two-factor authentication (2FA)
173	* Web Authentication
174	* Firewall setup and configuration
175	* One-click site hardening and security tweaking
176	* WordPress core file scanning and repair
177	* Ongoing firewall security
178	* Google reCAPTCHA
179	* Security headers
180	* One-click security configs
181	* Login Screen Masking
182	* Pwned Password Check
183	* IP Blocklist manager and logging
184	* Geo IP blocking
185	* User agent banning
186	* Unlimited file scans
187	* Timed Lockout brute force login attack shield for login security
188	* 404 limiter for blocking vulnerability scans
189	* IP lockout notifications and security reports
190
191	All the above is free and will enhance WordPress security for you. If you need extra security for your WordPress site, [you should get a WPMU DEV Membership](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=you_should_get_wpmudev_membership#trial).
192
193	Our Membership gives you access to Defender Pro - which security features include automated scanning, scheduled malware scans for Core, themes, plugins and other files, audit logs, firewall protection, Safe Repair, Blocklist monitoring - alongside Snapshot Pro cloud backups, the Hub with automated plugin, theme and core updates and safe-upgrade scans, all our premium WordPress plugins, 24/7 WordPress support and if your sites already been hacked our team of security experts will clean it up at no additional cost.
194
195	[It's an incredible deal, and you can find out more here](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=and_you_can_find_out_more_here#trial).
196
197	== Frequently Asked Questions ==
198
199	= Why should I choose Defender over other security plugins? =
200
201	Defender is built to add all the best hardening and website security recommendations used by the pros without having to become a security expert. This means you get all the most effective and proven protection methods other services provide with fewer settings, one-click hardening and faster setup.
202
203	= Is installing Defender the only step I need to take for better WordPress security? =
204
205	Hackers and bot attacks are not the only security threats to your site. No matter what security plugin or service you use, always be prepared with a secure backup stored in a safe location away from your live site. Security does not protect from hosting outages, server errors and accidentally lost or damaged data. We recommend [Snapshot](https://wpmudev.com/project/snapshot/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=snapshot#trial). Defender with scheduled managed backups is the best way to keep your site safe.
206
207	= Does Defender security protect against harmful bots? =
208
209	Yes! Defender's Firewall gives you robust site protection and security by allowing you to block bad bot IPs and use geographical IP blocking
210
211	= Can I use Defender with other security plugins? =
212
213	You can. Just make sure not to enable the same security features in the third-party plugin that you also have enabled in Defender, as this might cause conflicts, such as malware scanners, firewall, and login security features.
214
215	= Is Defender’s security compatible with WordPress Multisite? =
216
217	Yes! All of Defender's security features are fully compatible with a multisite installation. It can be network enabled and managed from the network admin.
218
219	= Does Defender offer spam protection and security? =
220
221	Yes, Defender provides multiple layers of spam protection and security. A large percentage of Trackbacks and Pingbacks are spam, and Defender allows you to easily disable both to reduce spam and improve site security. Additionally, Defender includes the AntiBot Global Firewall, which blocks known malicious IPs and bots before they even reach your site, offering proactive protection against common attacks and spam bots.
222
223	= Will my site be protected from DDoS attacks and similar security threats? =
224
225	Yes. Defender's IP banning, IP lockout, and 404 detection security features can identify DDoS attacks and block bad IPs.
226
227	= I've locked myself out of my admin panel, what can I do? =
228
229	If you’re the administrator and you’ve been locked out due to multiple failed login attempts, Defender offers two options:
230
231	Option #1: Use the “Unlock Me” feature:
232
233	Click the Unlock Me button on the login page and enter your username or the email address linked to your site. You’ll receive an email with a secure link to unlock your account and regain access — no technical steps needed.
234
235	Option #2: Use the manual method (if email doesn’t work):
236
237	Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file, located in the main directory of your active theme.
238	`
239	add_filter( 'ip_lockout_default_whitelist_ip', function ( $ips ) {
240	$ip = 'YOUR IP HERE';
241	$ips[] = $ip;
242	return $ips;
243	} );
244	`
245	Replace "YOUR IP HERE" with your actual IP address (you can use a tool like whatsmyip to find it.)
246
247	= Help! I was already hacked. What should I do? =
248
249	WPMU DEV's expert support can advise you on how to clean up your site if it's been hacked. Create a new thread in our [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/), or [Defender Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/) gives you access to 24/7 live support.
250
251	= How can I report security issues or bugs? =
252
253	We take plugin security incredibly seriously; if you have a bug or vulnerability to report, you can do so through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. It's fast, easy, and you will be notified when the issue is fixed. [Report a vulnerability](https://patchstack.com/database/vdp/defender-security).
254
255	= I have another question, where's the best place to get help with security? =
256
257	Please open a new thread in Defender's [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/). Our support team is always happy to help!
258
259	== Screenshots ==
260
261	1. Malware scans and one-click website security hardening recommendations.
262	2. Layered security recommendations let you harden your site with a few clicks.
263	3. Enable AntiBot & Local Firewall for smart, layered defense against bots and brute-force attacks.
264	4. Keep your account safe with 2FA options including TOTP apps, backup codes, and secure fallback methods.
265	5. Use built-in password rules to ensure only secure, uncompromised passwords are used.
266	6. Never miss a threat—Defender emails you security updates on your schedule.
267
268	== Installation ==
269
270	1. Upload the `wp-defender` plugin to your `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
271	2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
272	3. Configure and manage using the `defender` menu item in the WordPress dashboard.
273	4. Done!
274
275	== Changelog ==
276
277	= 5.5.1 ( 2025-09-04 ) =
278
279	- Enhance: Change Outdated Plugin threshold to 2 Years
280	- Enhance: Create hook to customize Outdated Plugin threshold
281
282	= 5.5.0 ( 2025-09-02 ) =
283
284	- New: Detection of outdated and removed plugins in scans
285	- New: Scan process runs in the background
286	- Enhance: Display User Agent name in Bot Trap logs
287	- Enhance: Improve Blocklist Lockout with updates for the move_uploaded_file function
288	- Enhance: Update YARA rules for better Malware detection
289	- Enhance: Tab improvements in Security Headers
290	- Enhance: Improve WooCommerce compatibility with Force Strong and Pwned Password features
291	- Enhance: Enable "Unlock Me" option by default on AntiBot activation
292	- Enhance: Migrate "audit_clean_up_logs" multisite event to the centralized Cron Manager system
293	- Enhance: Rename "File Change Detection" to "Issue Type" on the Malware Scanning page
294	- Enhance: Remove "In progress" upsell during onboarding
295	- Enhance: Improve flow for expired members
296	- Enhance: Improve code style in Defender core
297	- Fix: Defender Bot Trap causing invalid robots.txt
298	- Fix: Blank Defender > Get Started page when WPMU DEV branding is enabled
299	- Fix: Error on WooCommerce > Login page when logging in using a weak password and Strong Passwords option is enabled
300	- Fix: Improve Vulnerability Scan for free and premium plugins using the same slug
301	- Fix: Default login pages return error 500 instead of 403 when Mask Login area is active and configured
302
303	= 5.4.1 ( 2025-08-05 ) =
304
305	- Enhance: Add a button to direct the users to the AntiBot Statistics page
306	- Enhance: Improve Bot Trap flow
307	- Fix: UI Improvements
308
309	= 5.4.0 ( 2025-07-22 ) =
310
311	- New: User Agent Blocklist Presets
312	- New: Bot Trap to block spam User Agent IPs
313	- Enhance: Update Vue.js and Axios versions and related packages
314	- Enhance: Remove Tutorials menu and widget
315	- Enhance: Remove widget on Dashboard page to discover other free plugins by WPMU DEV
316	- Enhance: Remove recommended-plugins-notice submodule for Free version
317	- Enhance: Update Malware Signatures to detect suspicious code
318	- Enhance: Remove "Add Spam User Agents" button
319	- Enhance: Create new wd_404_attempt hook to extend 404 Detection flow
320	- Enhance: Add Session key to config structure
321	- Enhance: Add Force Strong Password key to config structure
322	- Fix: Defender forcibly logs out users for inactivity
323	- Fix: Unable to save secure password when Strong Passwords and Password Reset are both enabled
324	- Fix: Documentation buttons are missing aria-hidden tag
325	- Fix: Error when creating multisite and running Malware Scan
326
327	= 5.3.1 ( 2025-06-12 ) =
328
329	- Fix: Sync malicious IP count displayed in Defender and the Hub
330
331	= 5.3.0 ( 2025-06-11 ) =
332
333	- New: AntiBot Mode
334	- Enhance: Improve Session Protection when loading an image
335	- Enhance: Add session widget on the Dashboard page
336	- Enhance: Rename slug for Expert Services
337	- Enhance: Update wp.org screenshots
338	- Enhance: Update Session Protection Tracking event
339	- Enhance: Change "Central IP List" label to "Custom IP List"
340	- Enhance: Change OTP page styling to match the default WordPress login
341	- Enhance: Generate strong passwords that meet all verification requirements
342	- Enhance: Update malware signatures to detect additional infected files
343	- Enhance: Log custom IP Block events
344	- Enhance: Log Unblocking event from Unlock Me option
345	- Fix: MaxMind key field appears empty on the Local Blocklist page if the MaxMind key is removed from the database
346	- Fix: No session logs appear when the Interim login screen is shown
347	- Fix: Scan can't detect modifications in the Debug Log Manager plugin
348	- Fix: Warning in PHP 8.4
349	- Fix: File existence and readability checks in Malware_Result and Plugin_Integrity classes
350
351	= 5.2.2 ( 2025-04-23 ) =
352
353	- Fix: Plugin_Cross_Sell class error
354
355	= 5.2.1 ( 2025-04-23 ) =
356
357	- Enhance: Add a new menu item to help you discover other free plugins by WPMU DEV and more
358
359	[Changelog for previous versions](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/#view-changelog).
360
361	== Upgrade Notice ==
362
363	== About Us ==
364	WPMU DEV is a premium supplier of quality WordPress plugins and themes. For premium support with any WordPress-related issues you can join us here:
365	[https://wpmudev.com/](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_link)
366
367	Don't forget to stay up to date on everything WordPress from the Internet's number one resource:
368	[WPMU DEV Blog](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_blog_link)
369
370	Hey, one more thing... we hope you [enjoy our free offerings](http://profiles.wordpress.org/WPMUDEV/) as much as we've loved making them for you!
371