defender-security / readme.txt

readme.txt in Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall 6.2.1, 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: 6.2.1
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: 7.1
10	Stable tag: 6.2.1
11	Requires PHP: 8.0.0
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	Keep your sites safe from hackers, brute force attacks and malware with Defender, your easy-to-set-up, enterprise-level security plugin. With Defender, you can rely on the protection of a firewall, one-click hardening and 2FA, without having to be a cybersecurity expert.
19
20	As hackers continue to evolve, you know you need to stay on top of your site's security. But you don't have the time to learn to code, stay abreast of every emerging threat, or apply complicated technical settings.
21
22	Defender is here to give you the powerful security tools you need, without the technical headaches. Trusted by over 1 million WordPress users, this plugin works immediately with no confusing setup. Just activate Defender and let it handle the rest!
23
24	Trusted by 1+ Million Sites \| 4.8/5 Star Rating
25
26	= Defender makes it easy to: =
27
28	* Run on-demand malware scans to find suspicious files and code
29	* Block malicious IPs with a global firewall
30	* Enforce strong passwords, 2FA, and login limits
31	* Apply recommended hardening settings in one click
32	* Get clear reports that show what needs attention
33	* Protect against compromised passwords before they are used on your site
34
35	= Free Malware Scanner: Stop security threats before they harm your site =
36
37	If your site has been infected by malware, this malicious code can cause a lot of damage before you even realize it's there. Hackers use malware, often hidden in themes, extensions and plugins, to steal personal data, encrypt files for ransom, or spy on your activity.
38
39	Defender gives you a highly-effective yet easy-to-use malware scanner that runs deep diagnostics across your entire site, making sure no malware is lurking in the shadows.
40
41	Defender will scan your site for:
42
43	* Files that have changed unexpectedly: The scan will compare all core files and extensions against the official WordPress repository and flag any modifications or rogue additions instantly.
44	* Known vulnerabilities: Defender will check verified exploit registries to catch any security gaps in your active themes, plugins and core version, and help you fix them before they can be targeted.
45	* Suspicious code: By continually checking your server files, Defender will spot any potential code injections or backdoors, a common way bad actors try to gain access to your site.
46	* Outdated & removed plugins: Plugins that have been delisted from the repository or have not been updated in over two years become a significant risk to your site's integrity. Defender flags these weak spots before they can cause a problem.
47
48	= AntiBot Global Firewall: Block harmful IPs with data from over 750,000 sites =
49
50	Put the collective threat intelligence of a massive network to work for your site. Powered by real-time threat data from over 750,000+ sites, the free AntiBot Global Firewall automatically blocks harmful traffic and spam bots with a single click.
51
52	When any site on our network flags a threat, all other sites get protected too. It's like having a bouncer for your website. If an IP is on the blocklist (updated every 12 hours), they're not getting in!
53
54	The most important part is, you'll be in complete control.
55
56	* User-friendly setup: Defender Pro gives you AntiBot on every site you connect, regardless of where they're hosted. Just flip the switch and it'll start working so efficiently you won't even notice it's there.
57	* Choose your security level: Basic Mode offers balanced, everyday protection, while Strict Mode offers tighter security that blocks even the slightest suspicious activity.
58	* Manage IPs in The Hub: Manually block specific IPs, apply blocklists and allowlists across all sites, implement Geo IP blocking and configure everything from one central dashboard.
59
60	Want to see AntiBot in action? You can click [here](https://wpmudev.com/antibot-global-firewall-statistics/) to get a real-time look at the malicious IPs and suspicious requests it's detected and blocked in the last 24 hours.
61
62	= Firewall Security & IP Management: Take control over your site's traffic =
63
64	Defender's advanced Web Application Firewall (WAF) makes it easy to lock out hackers, scrapers, and malicious bots without touching a single line of code.
65
66	* Advanced IP Lockouts: Manually block specific IPs, import custom blocklists, or set automated timed and permanent lockouts for repeat offenders.
67	* Geo IP Blocking: Instantly ban traffic from specific countries or geographic locations with a single click.
68	* User Agent Banning: Instantly block spam and scrapers using built-in bad bot presets. We automatically allowlist major search engines to protect your SEO.
69	* Malicious Bot Detector: Deploy layered defenses to trap aggressive bots that ignore your robots.txt rules and catch fake crawlers impersonating legitimate search engines.
70
71	= Login Security & 2FA: Prevent unauthorized access =
72
73	Make sure the only users logging into your WordPress site are the ones you actually want. Defender can protect your sites from unauthorized access or brute force attacks with sophisticated login security features.
74
75	These features keep your site safe from malicious logins, while still ensuring legitimate users can log in easily.
76
77	* Hide Login URL: Change the location of WordPress's default login area, making it harder for automated bots to find and more convenient for your users.
78	* Session Security: Protect your site from session hijacking, preventing attackers from stealing session tokens to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access to your website.
79	* Smart Password Rules: Enforce strong passwords for new registrations, automatically block compromised credentials using a public "pwned" passwords database, limit login attempts so hackers can't guess passwords, and force a site-wide password reset upon the next login if you suspect a security breach.
80	* Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection and security to your WordPress sites to prevent brute force attacks and login security vulnerabilities. Defender's two-factor authentication (2FA) features include plenty of ways to verify logins, from mobile app verification (Google Authenticator, Authy) to Biometric Authentication (fingerprint/facial recognition) to Hardware Key Authentication (USB security keys.) Plus, built-in backup code generation, lost device emails and WooCommerce 2FA.
81
82	= Security Hardening: Apply recommended settings with a single click =
83
84	WordPress security hardening is all about adding multiple layers of protection to your website, to reduce your risk of attacks and unauthorized access.
85
86	Defender makes it easy to do this, with 12 recommended hardening settings you can apply with one click.
87
88	For example, Defender's hardening settings include:
89
90	* Disabling the file editor to stop internal tampering
91	* Updating outdated security keys
92	* Hiding PHP error reporting on the frontend
93	* Adding advanced security headers (XSS protection, Strict Transport, etc.)
94	* Disabling trackbacks and pingbacks to prevent spam
95
96	= Automated Defenses: Protect your entire site, on autopilot =
97
98	You've got a lot to handle while running your business, wouldn't it be nice if security was something you could set and forget? [Learn more about 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).
99
100	With Defender, you can put your security on autopilot. It'll be working around the clock with hands-off, automated defenses that run seamlessly in the background to keep intruders out and your data safe.
101
102	Here's what Defender will be doing while you work on other things:
103
104	* Performing scheduled scans for issues: Set up regular scans that look for malicious code, suspicious code injections, vulnerabilities, abandoned plugins, and missing hardening recommendations.
105	* Creating automated security reports: Stay informed with health updates and immediate threat summaries delivered directly to your inbox.
106	* Keeping audit logs: Defender logs key site activity — logins, user changes, plugin and theme updates, content edits, and settings changes — so you can track what happened and when.
107
108	= Why choose Defender? =
109
110	There are plenty of WordPress security plugins out there, but many make it needlessly complicated to protect your site. Defender keeps the essentials simple.
111
112	You can scan for malware, block harmful traffic, strengthen login security, and harden your site from one plugin, without digging through confusing technical options.
113
114	It's built specifically for WordPress, trusted across the WPMU DEV ecosystem, and designed to help you protect your site without slowing down your work.
115
116	With Defender, you get:
117
118	* Security trusted by over 1 million WordPress users
119	* Protection built specifically for WordPress vulnerabilities
120	* Regular updates and threat intelligence improvements
121	* Malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security in one plugin
122	* Support from the award-winning WPMU DEV team
123
124	So you get serious WordPress security, without the overwhelming setup.
125
126	= Built for speed and security =
127
128	A security plugin should protect your site without getting in the way.
129
130	Defender is built to stop threats before they waste your server resources, with lightweight protection that runs quietly in the background.
131
132	With Defender, you can:
133
134	* Detect and limit 404 bots before they drain server resources
135	* Run malware scans without overloading your CPU
136	* Keep your site protected without adding performance drag
137
138	So you get the security your site needs, without making visitors wait for it.
139
140	= Works with your existing setup =
141
142	You shouldn't have to change your plugins, tools or workflow just to secure your site. Defender works smoothly with your current WordPress setup.
143
144	With Defender, you can:
145
146	* Protect WooCommerce, BuddyPress, and sites built with major page builders
147	* Apply saved security configs across multiple sites in a few clicks
148	* Enable and configure protection alongside your favorite plugins
149
150	So you get the security your site needs, without getting in the way of the plugins, tools, and workflows you already rely on.
151
152	= Get started in minutes =
153
154	Defender works as soon as you activate it.
155
156	Install the plugin, run your first malware scan, enable your firewall, strengthen login security, and apply recommended hardening settings in just a few clicks. Defender shows you what needs attention, so you can lock down your site without editing code or guessing which settings matter.
157
158	Just install Defender, switch on the protections you need, and let it handle the rest.
159
160	== Frequently Asked Questions ==
161
162	= Why should I choose Defender over other security plugins? =
163
164	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.
165
166	= Is installing Defender the only step I need to take for better WordPress security? =
167
168	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.
169
170	= Does Defender security protect against harmful bots? =
171
172	Yes! Defender's Firewall gives you robust site protection and security by allowing you to block bad bot IPs and use geographical IP blocking
173
174	= Can I use Defender with other security plugins? =
175
176	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.
177
178	= Is Defender’s security compatible with WordPress Multisite? =
179
180	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.
181
182	= Does Defender offer spam protection and security? =
183
184	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.
185
186	= Will my site be protected from DDoS attacks and similar security threats? =
187
188	Yes. Defender's IP banning, IP lockout, and 404 detection security features can identify DDoS attacks and block bad IPs.
189
190	= I've locked myself out of my admin panel, what can I do? =
191
192	If you’re the administrator and you’ve been locked out due to multiple failed login attempts, Defender offers two options:
193
194	Option #1: Use the “Unlock Me” feature:
195
196	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.
197
198	Option #2: Use the manual method (if email doesn’t work):
199
200	Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file, located in the main directory of your active theme.
201	`
202	add_filter( 'ip_lockout_default_whitelist_ip', function ( $ips ) {
203	$ip = 'YOUR IP HERE';
204	$ips[] = $ip;
205	return $ips;
206	} );
207	`
208	Replace "YOUR IP HERE" with your actual IP address (you can use a tool like whatsmyip to find it.)
209
210	= Help! I was already hacked. What should I do? =
211
212	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.
213
214	= How can I report security issues or bugs? =
215
216	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).
217
218	= I have another question, where's the best place to get help with security? =
219
220	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!
221
222	== Screenshots ==
223
224	1. Easily configure optimal security settings in just a few clicks.
225	2. Monitor site security status, active threats, firewall, and scan recommendations at a glance.
226	3. Automatically block malicious IPs and safeguard your site against automated attacks.
227	4. One-click security tweaks like disabling XML-RPC and hiding login URLs to lock down your site.
228	5. Set up reCAPTCHA or Cloudflare Turnstile to prevent spam and brute-force logins.
229
230	== Installation ==
231
232	1. Upload the `wp-defender` plugin to your `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
233	2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
234	3. Configure and manage using the `defender` menu item in the WordPress dashboard.
235	4. Done!
236
237	== Changelog ==
238
239	= 6.2.1 ( 2026-08-20 ) =
240
241	- Fix: 2FA > Web Authentication method binds credential verification to the target user (props: Tai)
242
243	= 6.2.0 ( 2026-08-18 ) =
244
245	- New: Audit Log for Free Hub and WP.org users
246	- Enhancement: Compatibility with WordPress 7.1
247	- Enhancement: Replace PHP-DI third-party package with custom lightweight DI Container
248	- Enhancement: Display the Audit Log Storage retention setting
249	- Enhancement: Handle UI state when all scan types are disabled on the Settings page
250	- Enhancement: Update WPMU DEV domain in Audit service codebase
251	- Enhancement: Validate secret-key API response before writing to wp-config.php
252	- Enhancement: Improve toast message when attempting to disable the last enabled Malware Scan type
253	- Enhancement: Remove dash-notice submodule
254	- Enhancement: Ensure all scan status messages are displayed during scan progress
255	- Enhancement: Improving user communication while the site is connecting to the Hub
256	- Fix: Clicking on 'View Logs' link does not filter Firewall Logs after the redirect
257	- Fix: Security improvements on Hub-Connector (props: Jakub Herman)
258	- Fix: Prevent adding duplicate recipient email addresses in Reports and Alerts
259	- Fix: Changing the default report template should not affect existing recipient(s) preferences
260	- Fix: Fix responsive layout issues on Dashboard, Two-Factor Auth and Other Settings plugin pages
261	- Fix: Reverting to Defender 5 causes JavaScript errors on the Notifications page
262	- Fix: Recipients don't receive email for all types of 'Firewall Alert' when a firewall lockout is enabled and triggered for XSS, Fake Bot, or 'Non-installed plugin lockout'
263	- Fix: Logs are displayed without timezone on Audit and Firewall log pages
264	- Fix: Improve Malware Alert and Report flow for 'always_send' and 'error_send' params
265	- Fix: Email notifications title issue with apostrophes
266	- Fix: The scheduled time notice does not show after the Free upgrade
267	- Fix: Defender Welcome Modal is displayed in wrong version
268	- Fix: 3 strings were not imported for translation due to emoji
269	- Fix: Unable to access the Custom Rules page
270	- Fix: Force Authentication is not restricted to roles enabled under User Roles
271	- Fix: Settings page layout breaks at 1280px with horizontal scrollbar
272	- Fix: Incorrect 'Enable Bot Protection' modal on disabled reCAPTCHA toggles
273	- Fix: Pagination remains visible after ignoring all files and only disappears after clicking a page
274	- Fix: Defender Audit Logs creates incorrect and duplicate entries when updating General Settings
275	- Fix: Minor code improvements
276
277	= 6.1.0 ( 2026-07-22 ) =
278
279	- Enhancement: Improved compatibility of Central IP list status with Unlimited Hosting environments
280	- Enhancement: Extended Whitelabel support to cover Global Firewall branding
281	- Enhancement: User Agent lockout features reflected in the overall lockout count alongside 404 and Login lockouts
282	- Enhancement: Added tooltip for the "Security actions required" badge and confirmation notice after applying configuration presets
283	- Enhancement: Improved recipient name validation in Reports & Alerts and smarter alert scheduling for months with fewer than 31 days
284	- Enhancement: Users remain on the current page after connecting to the Hub
285	- Enhancement: Updated CVSS score handling for outdated plugin issues
286	- Enhancement: Updated Defender icon, configuration branding, dropdown design, and Hub Connector submodule
287	- Fix: Resolved multiple v5 to v6 upgrade issues where notification, 2FA, and Usage Tracking settings were incorrectly reset or disabled
288	- Fix: Fixed errors triggered by third-party plugin conflicts and Notification model properties
289	- Fix: Fixed WP-CLI command handling, including duplicate scan lines and missing subcommands
290	- Fix: Resolved AntiBot and Bot Protection state issues, including Unlock Me button and feature activation modal
291	- Fix: Fixed Firewall Logs status filter, IPv6 Blocklist lookup, and custom IP block/allow list sync
292	- Fix: Fixed UI issues including pagination, file details panel truncation, and config dialog behavior
293	- Fix: Minor code improvements, PHP warning fixes, and performance refinements
294
295	= 6.0.1 ( 2026-07-08 ) =
296
297	- Fix: Resolved a fatal error caused by legacy null date values
298
299	= 6.0.0 ( 2026-07-07 ) =
300
301	- New: Reimagined Defender interface for a seamless, clutter-free optimization experience
302	- New: Comprehensive Activity Log to track scans, optimizations, and configuration changes in real time
303	- Enhancement: Transitioned to real-time Auto-save for all settings to provide a frictionless workflow
304	- Fix: Minor code improvements and performance refinements
305
306	= 5.11.0 ( 2026-03-31 ) =
307
308	- Enhancement: Improvements to Audit Logging in both API and plugin
309	- Enhancement: Compatibility with WordPress 7.0
310	- Enhancement: Improve compliance with wp.org guidelines throughout the plugin
311	- Enhancement: Submit button activates without radio button selection on Deactivate modal
312	- Fix: Error when Uninstall plugin settings are set to Delete value
313	- Fix: Console error when saving User Agent Banning changes
314	- Fix: Deprecated function warnings on PHP 8.5.X
315
316	= 5.10.0 ( 2026-02-26 ) =
317
318	- Enhancement: Improve AntiBot Stats endpoint
319	- Enhancement: Improve handling of response data in the Audit API
320	- Enhancement: Update malware signatures
321	- Enhancement: Improve suspicious issue view on the Malware Scanning page
322	- Enhancement: Include selected presets in the User Agent blocklist during export
323	- Fix: Error when filtering the Firewall logs
324	- Fix: Error when switching languages with WPML while Bot Trap is enabled
325	- Fix: Strong Passwords do not work when Mask Login URL is enabled
326	- Fix: Colored elements appear on Defender admin pages when High Contrast Mode is enabled
327	- Fix: Exported Firewall logs do not follow the selected sort order
328
329	[Changelog for previous versions](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/#view-changelog).
330
331	== Upgrade Notice ==
332
333	== About Us ==
334	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:
335	[https://wpmudev.com/](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_link)
336
337	Don't forget to stay up to date on everything WordPress from the Internet's number one resource:
338	[WPMU DEV Blog](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_blog_link)
339
340	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!
341