defender-security / readme.txt

readme.txt in Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall 5.6.0, 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: 5.6.0
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: 6.8.3
10	Stable tag: 5.6.0
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	* Outdated & Removed Plugins – Scans for plugins removed from WordPress.org or not updated in 2+ years.
38	* AntiBot Global Firewall - Connect for free to WPMU DEV to block harmful IPs with data from over 500,000 sites.
39	* WordPress Security Firewall - Block or allowlist IPs, implement IP blocking, and Geo IP blocking, user agent banning and protect against brute force attacks.
40	* 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.
41	* Login Masking - Change the location of WordPress's default login area to improve login security.
42	* Login Lockout - Failed login attempts lockout for even more security assurance.
43	* User Agent Banning - Fortify security by blocking bad bots and user agents from accessing your site.
44	* Security Headers - Add an extra layer of defense security and protect against common attacks like: XSS, code injection, and more.
45	* 404 Detection Security - Automated block of bot IPs.
46	* Security Configs - Create your ideal Defender security plugin settings and export / import saved configs to any other site.
47	* Geolocation IP Lockout Security - Block users based on location and country (IP blocking).
48	* Disable Trackbacks And Pingbacks - Disable these notifications to enhance spam protection and site security.
49	* Core And Server Update Security Recommendations - Stay on top of your system security.
50	* Antivirus Scan - Scan for active security threats, viruses, and other malware.
51	* Disable File Editor - If they get in, they won't get far.
52	* Hide Error Reporting - Hide code errors on the frontend so hackers can’t exploit site security.
53	* Update Security Keys - Update old WordPress security keys to be more encrypted and provide better security.
54	* Prevent Information Disclosure - Improve server security and protect sensitive files by locking down specific file types.
55	* Prevent PHP Execution - Defender bolsters security by automatically preventing any PHP code from being executed.
56	* Bulk Apply Security Recommendations – Apply multiple recommended security improvements at once for quicker site hardening.
57	* Google reCAPTCHA Security - Easy to add, stop fraud and abuse - including BuddyPress and WooCommerce.
58	* Pwned Password Check - Increase security by protecting against compromised passwords.
59	* Force Password Reset - Force users with selected roles to reset passwords.
60	* Force Strong Passwords – Ensure users create secure credentials by enforcing robust password requirements.
61	* User Agent Blocklist Presets – Easily block unwanted bots and scripts using curated user agent presets.
62	* Known Vulnerability & Suspicious Code Scan (Pro Only) – Scan WordPress core, themes, and plugins for vulnerabilities and harmful code.
63	* Malicious Bot Detector (Pro Only) – Block malicious bots with layered defenses, including traps for bots that ignore robots.txt and checks for fake crawlers posing as search engines.
64	* Google Blocklist Monitoring (Pro Only) – Get instant alerts if your site is flagged by Google.
65	* Session Protection (Pro Only) – Stop session hijacking and prevent unauthorized account access.
66	* Safe Repair For Suspicious Files (Pro Only) – Restore or replace compromised files safely with a single click.
67	* Automated Reports (Pro Only) – Receive scheduled security reports straight to your inbox.
68
69	### Learn The Ropes With These Hands-On Defender Security Plugin Tutorials
70
71	* [How to Get the Most Out of Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-defender-security/)
72	* [How to Stop Hackers in Their Tracks with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/stop-hackers-with-defender-wordpress-security-plugin/)
73	* [Find Out if You're Hacked: How to Find and Delete Suspicious Code with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/delete-suspicious-code-defender/)
74	* [How to Create a Powerful and Secure Customized Firewall with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/defender-ip-address-lockout-firewall/)
75
76	### WordPress Security Scans
77	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.
78
79	### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Security
80
81	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.
82
83	### Login Protection
84
85	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.
86
87	### Firewall Security and IP Manager
88
89	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.
90
91	### User Agent Banning
92
93	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.
94
95	### Google reCAPTCHA Integration
96
97	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:
98
99	* BuddyPress reCAPTCHA
100	* WooCommerce reCAPTCHA
101
102	### Login Screen Masking
103
104	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.
105
106	### Force Password Reset
107
108	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.
109
110	### Security Headers
111
112	Protect your site against common attacks, such as: XSS, code injection, cross site scripting, and more. Enable the following security headers:
113
114	* X-Frame-Options
115	* X-XSS-Protection
116	* X-Content-Type-Options
117	* Strict Transport
118	* Referrer Policy
119	* Permissions-Policy
120
121	### 404 Limiter
122	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.
123
124	### Security Notifications and Reports
125	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.
126
127	### Reduce Security Setup Time With Saved Configs
128
129	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.
130
131	### Pwned Password Check
132
133	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.
134
135	### Custom IP Block/Allowlist
136
137	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.
138
139	### What Do People Say About Defender?
140
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147	"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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155	"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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163	"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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170
171	"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>
172
173	### Secure Websites, More Trust, Better Profit
174	If you're running a business website or eCommerce store, privacy, security, uptime and trust are essential.
175
176	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!
177
178	* Malware scanner
179	* Google two-factor authentication (2FA)
180	* Web Authentication
181	* Firewall setup and configuration
182	* One-click site hardening and security tweaking
183	* WordPress core file scanning and repair
184	* Ongoing firewall security
185	* Google reCAPTCHA
186	* Security headers
187	* One-click security configs
188	* Login Screen Masking
189	* Pwned Password Check
190	* IP Blocklist manager and logging
191	* Geo IP blocking
192	* User agent banning
193	* Unlimited file scans
194	* Timed Lockout brute force login attack shield for login security
195	* 404 limiter for blocking vulnerability scans
196	* IP lockout notifications and security reports
197
198	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).
199
200	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.
201
202	[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).
203
204	== Frequently Asked Questions ==
205
206	= Why should I choose Defender over other security plugins? =
207
208	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.
209
210	= Is installing Defender the only step I need to take for better WordPress security? =
211
212	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.
213
214	= Does Defender security protect against harmful bots? =
215
216	Yes! Defender's Firewall gives you robust site protection and security by allowing you to block bad bot IPs and use geographical IP blocking
217
218	= Can I use Defender with other security plugins? =
219
220	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.
221
222	= Is Defender’s security compatible with WordPress Multisite? =
223
224	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.
225
226	= Does Defender offer spam protection and security? =
227
228	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.
229
230	= Will my site be protected from DDoS attacks and similar security threats? =
231
232	Yes. Defender's IP banning, IP lockout, and 404 detection security features can identify DDoS attacks and block bad IPs.
233
234	= I've locked myself out of my admin panel, what can I do? =
235
236	If you’re the administrator and you’ve been locked out due to multiple failed login attempts, Defender offers two options:
237
238	Option #1: Use the “Unlock Me” feature:
239
240	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.
241
242	Option #2: Use the manual method (if email doesn’t work):
243
244	Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file, located in the main directory of your active theme.
245	`
246	add_filter( 'ip_lockout_default_whitelist_ip', function ( $ips ) {
247	$ip = 'YOUR IP HERE';
248	$ips[] = $ip;
249	return $ips;
250	} );
251	`
252	Replace "YOUR IP HERE" with your actual IP address (you can use a tool like whatsmyip to find it.)
253
254	= Help! I was already hacked. What should I do? =
255
256	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.
257
258	= How can I report security issues or bugs? =
259
260	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).
261
262	= I have another question, where's the best place to get help with security? =
263
264	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!
265
266	== Screenshots ==
267
268	1. Malware scans and one-click website security hardening recommendations.
269	2. Layered security recommendations let you harden your site with a few clicks.
270	3. Enable AntiBot & Local Firewall for smart, layered defense against bots and brute-force attacks.
271	4. Keep your account safe with 2FA options including TOTP apps, backup codes, and secure fallback methods.
272	5. Use built-in password rules to ensure only secure, uncompromised passwords are used.
273	6. Never miss a threat—Defender emails you security updates on your schedule.
274
275	== Installation ==
276
277	1. Upload the `wp-defender` plugin to your `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
278	2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
279	3. Configure and manage using the `defender` menu item in the WordPress dashboard.
280	4. Done!
281
282	== Changelog ==
283
284	= 5.6.0 ( 2025-10-07 ) =
285
286	- New: Malicious Bot Detector
287	- New: WooCommerce integration with Defender > Strong Password
288	- Enhance: Migrate Audit multisite events to the centralized Cron Manager system
289	- Enhance: Migrate Firewall multisite events to the centralized Cron Manager system
290	- Enhance: Improve plugin detection logic to exclude plugins not from wp.org
291	- Enhance: Remove AntiBot IP list after site disconnection
292	- Enhance: Add rel="nofollow" to Bot Trap URL
293	- Enhance: Hide Blocklist Checker and AntiBot Stats button when Whitelabel is enabled
294	- Enhance: Sync with the Custom IP Block/Allow list across different hosting memberships
295	- Enhance: Add parameter to WP-CLI Scan command for outdated and closed plugins
296	- Enhance: Add audit logging event to detect Hub SSO login
297	- Enhance: Improve plugin code style using PHPStan and ESLint rules
298	- Fix: Web Authentication improvements
299	- Fix: Security Recommendations > Security key value not saved
300	- Fix: Defender not adding noindex tag to secret link of Bot Trap
301	- Fix: Notification hints not displaying properly
302	- Fix: Issue on Firewall Logs page when logging in with an expired session using the default WordPress login modal
303	- Fix: Defender country blocklist not working for EU region and UK
304
305	= 5.5.1 ( 2025-09-04 ) =
306
307	- Enhance: Change Outdated Plugin threshold to 2 Years
308	- Enhance: Create hook to customize Outdated Plugin threshold
309
310	= 5.5.0 ( 2025-09-02 ) =
311
312	- New: Detection of outdated and removed plugins in scans
313	- New: Scan process runs in the background
314	- Enhance: Display User Agent name in Bot Trap logs
315	- Enhance: Improve Blocklist Lockout with updates for the move_uploaded_file function
316	- Enhance: Update YARA rules for better Malware detection
317	- Enhance: Tab improvements in Security Headers
318	- Enhance: Improve WooCommerce compatibility with Force Strong and Pwned Password features
319	- Enhance: Enable "Unlock Me" option by default on AntiBot activation
320	- Enhance: Migrate "audit_clean_up_logs" multisite event to the centralized Cron Manager system
321	- Enhance: Rename "File Change Detection" to "Issue Type" on the Malware Scanning page
322	- Enhance: Remove "In progress" upsell during onboarding
323	- Enhance: Improve flow for expired members
324	- Enhance: Improve code style in Defender core
325	- Fix: Defender Bot Trap causing invalid robots.txt
326	- Fix: Blank Defender > Get Started page when WPMU DEV branding is enabled
327	- Fix: Error on WooCommerce > Login page when logging in using a weak password and Strong Passwords option is enabled
328	- Fix: Improve Vulnerability Scan for free and premium plugins using the same slug
329	- Fix: Default login pages return error 500 instead of 403 when Mask Login area is active and configured
330
331	= 5.4.1 ( 2025-08-05 ) =
332
333	- Enhance: Add a button to direct the users to the AntiBot Statistics page
334	- Enhance: Improve Bot Trap flow
335	- Fix: UI Improvements
336
337	= 5.4.0 ( 2025-07-22 ) =
338
339	- New: User Agent Blocklist Presets
340	- New: Bot Trap to block spam User Agent IPs
341	- Enhance: Update Vue.js and Axios versions and related packages
342	- Enhance: Remove Tutorials menu and widget
343	- Enhance: Remove widget on Dashboard page to discover other free plugins by WPMU DEV
344	- Enhance: Remove recommended-plugins-notice submodule for Free version
345	- Enhance: Update Malware Signatures to detect suspicious code
346	- Enhance: Remove "Add Spam User Agents" button
347	- Enhance: Create new wd_404_attempt hook to extend 404 Detection flow
348	- Enhance: Add Session key to config structure
349	- Enhance: Add Force Strong Password key to config structure
350	- Fix: Defender forcibly logs out users for inactivity
351	- Fix: Unable to save secure password when Strong Passwords and Password Reset are both enabled
352	- Fix: Documentation buttons are missing aria-hidden tag
353	- Fix: Error when creating multisite and running Malware Scan
354
355	= 5.3.1 ( 2025-06-12 ) =
356
357	- Fix: Sync malicious IP count displayed in Defender and the Hub
358
359	= 5.3.0 ( 2025-06-11 ) =
360
361	- New: AntiBot Mode
362	- Enhance: Improve Session Protection when loading an image
363	- Enhance: Add session widget on the Dashboard page
364	- Enhance: Rename slug for Expert Services
365	- Enhance: Update wp.org screenshots
366	- Enhance: Update Session Protection Tracking event
367	- Enhance: Change "Central IP List" label to "Custom IP List"
368	- Enhance: Change OTP page styling to match the default WordPress login
369	- Enhance: Generate strong passwords that meet all verification requirements
370	- Enhance: Update malware signatures to detect additional infected files
371	- Enhance: Log custom IP Block events
372	- Enhance: Log Unblocking event from Unlock Me option
373	- Fix: MaxMind key field appears empty on the Local Blocklist page if the MaxMind key is removed from the database
374	- Fix: No session logs appear when the Interim login screen is shown
375	- Fix: Scan can't detect modifications in the Debug Log Manager plugin
376	- Fix: Warning in PHP 8.4
377	- Fix: File existence and readability checks in Malware_Result and Plugin_Integrity classes
378
379	[Changelog for previous versions](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/#view-changelog).
380
381	== Upgrade Notice ==
382
383	== About Us ==
384	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:
385	[https://wpmudev.com/](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_link)
386
387	Don't forget to stay up to date on everything WordPress from the Internet's number one resource:
388	[WPMU DEV Blog](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_blog_link)
389
390	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!
391