Author: Alexander

  • Important Update: Changes to Our Frontend Malware Scanner

    Important Update: Changes to Our Frontend Malware Scanner

    We are always looking for ways to improve your experience with website security. As such, we will sunset the Frontend Malware Scanner within our plugin on December 1st, 2024.

    Why the change?

    • After evaluating the data we can certainly say that very few of you use the front-end malware scanner. While it is a nice feature, it has just not been that popular.
    • Also, this scanner is not as effective as we expect it to be.
    • So, we’re putting our energy into the stuff that counts. We will spend most of our time on the parts of the security tools that you use and love. This way, we can keep your website safe and sound without all that extra hassle.

    Where will this take us?

    We’re focusing our resources on making our Malware Web Scanner even more powerful! This robust tool scans and blocks threats in real time, ensuring your site stays protected from the latest online dangers. If you’ve been using our Frontend Malware Scanner, consider switching to the enhanced Malware Web Scanner to experience its full potential in safeguarding your site. To identify potential vulnerabilities and security risks, it will analyze websites for:

    • Malware external links
    • Public blacklists
    • Exposed repositories
    • Internal links
    • SSL certificates
    • CMS identification
    • Server information

    What does this mean for you?

    • Don’t sweat! All the other security features within the plugin will continue to work just fine.
    • Even more protection: We keep going further with the online scanner to make it even stronger in protecting your website.

    Questions?

    Our amazing support team is here for you. Just email them, and they will answer if anything crosses your mind. Thanks for your understanding! We look forward to serving you more with the best website security.

  • How to use Google Fonts WordPress plugin: A Simple Guide

    How to use Google Fonts WordPress plugin: A Simple Guide

    Want to give your WordPress website a professional and stylish look? Google Fonts is the perfect tool to elevate your site’s typography. By adding a wide range of free, high-quality fonts to your website, you can enhance its visual appeal and readability.

    How to Install the Google Fonts Plugin

    1. Navigate to “Plugins” and click “Add New”.
    1. Search for “Google Fonts”.
    2. Install and activate the plugin.

    How to Use the Google Fonts Plugin

    1. Go to “Fonts Plugin”
    1. Start the customization. For this, choose a certain menu.
    1. Select your desired fonts. You can search for specific fonts or browse through categories.
    1. Choose font weights and styles. Customize the appearance of your fonts.
    2. Assign fonts to different elements. Apply fonts to headings, body text, menus, buttons, and more.
    1. Save your changes.

    Best Practices for Using Google Fonts

    • Choose readable fonts. Prioritize font clarity and legibility.
    • Limit font choices. Keep your design clean and focused.
    • Consider font pairings. Combine fonts that complement each other.
    • Test on different devices. Ensure your fonts look good across various screen sizes.
    • Optimize performance. Minimize the number of font files to improve website speed.

    By following these steps and best practices, you can easily add Google Fonts to your WordPress website and significantly improve its overall design and user experience.

    Feel free to check our other beginner’s guides to make your WordPress start smooth:

    A Beginners’ Guide: Crafting Captivating Pages on Your WordPress Website

    A Beginner’s Guide: How to Install WordPress from Scratch

  • Improved Accuracy in Your Personal Area Widget

    Improved Accuracy in Your Personal Area Widget

    We’ve been busy bees making your personal area widget even more helpful. Now you’ll have a clearer picture of how we’re protecting your site from spam. And a special shout-out to those of you who shared your thoughts – your feedback is what helps us make these improvements!

    1. Clearer Spam Count: The “blocked spam” count now specifically reflects the number of spam requests blocked over the past year. This provides a more relevant overview of your spam protection activity.
    2. Comprehensive Data: The graph now includes data from both Anti-Spam and SpamFireWall, giving you a complete picture of all blocked requests. This helps you better understand the overall effectiveness of your security measures.
    1. Precise Terminology: We’ve updated the widget’s wording to be more accurate and avoid confusion.
      1. The widget title has also been updated to “7 days Anti-Spam and SpamFireWall stats”
      2. “Spam attacks” has been changed to “Requests were blocked by Anti-Spam and SpamFireWall” 
      3. “Spam blocked” in the legend is now “Requests blocked”

    We’re excited about these changes because it means you can relax knowing you’ve got a clear picture of your spam protection and any potential trouble brewing. And this is all thanks to your awesome feedback! We love working together to make things better.

    We’re on a mission to make your experience top-notch, and you’re a big part of that! Your feedback helps us steer the ship in the right direction. So if you ever have a suggestion or spot something that could be better, don’t hesitate to let our support team know. We’re a team, and we love working together to make things awesome!

  • Comprehensive Guide to WordPress Homepage Editing

    Comprehensive Guide to WordPress Homepage Editing

    Are you looking to customize your WordPress homepage? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need about WordPress main page editing, from understanding the default layout to using page builders. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a step-by-step WordPress homepage editing tutorial or an experienced user wanting advanced customization tips, we’ve got you covered.

    Understanding the Default WordPress Homepage

    The default WordPress homepage typically displays your latest blog posts, styled according to your chosen theme. While this setup is simple, there may be better options for your website’s specific needs. Before you start making changes, it’s important to understand the basic structure of a WordPress homepage.

    Critical Components of a Default Homepage

    • Header: This top section usually contains your site title, logo, and navigation menu. You can learn how to edit the WordPress homepage header using the methods described below.
    • Content Area: The central part of the page where your blog posts, excerpts, or other content elements are displayed. You’ll find ways to change WordPress homepage content and layout in this guide.
    • Sidebar: An optional area on either side of the content area, commonly used for widgets. Learn how to customize your sidebar and add widgets to your WordPress homepage.
    • Footer: The bottom section typically includes copyright information, contact details, and additional links.

    Methods for Editing Your WordPress Homepage

    There are several ways to edit your WordPress front page:

    • Theme Customizer: Most modern WordPress themes offer a visual customizer that allows you to make changes without writing any code. Access it by navigating to Appearance -> Customize in your WordPress dashboard. 

    Look for homepage-related options, such as:

    • Header image or logo
    • Color scheme
    • Site identity (such as logo, name, etc.)
    • Menus
    • Background image
    • Widgets
    • Other settings, like advanced CSS.
    • Theme Editor: For more advanced customizations, you can directly edit your theme’s code. However, proceed with caution, as errors can break your site. This method is generally not recommended for beginners. If you’re comfortable with code, go to Appearance -> Theme Editor. You’ll often find the homepage template files named index.php or front-page.php.
    • Page Builder Plugins: If you prefer a visual, drag-and-drop interface, consider using a page builder plugin like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder. These plugins offer pre-built templates and design options, making it easy to create a custom WordPress homepage without any coding knowledge. They are a great option for beginners looking for an easy way to design their WordPress homepage.

    Tailoring Your Homepage to Your Needs

    • Define Your Homepage’s Purpose: What do you want your homepage to achieve? Is it a product showcase, a blog, or a landing page for lead generation? Clearly outlining your goals will help you design a more effective homepage.
    • Create a Strong Visual Hierarchy: Guide visitors’ attention to key elements using size, color, and placement.
    • Optimize for Mobile Devices: Ensure your homepage is responsive and looks good on all devices.
    • Improve Loading Speed: Optimize images, reduce HTTP requests, and leverage browser caching to optimize your WordPress homepage for SEO.
    • Test Thoroughly: Preview your homepage on different devices and browsers to catch any issues.

    Example Homepage Structures

    • Business Website: Highlight key services, products, and a clear call to action (CTA).
    • Blog: Feature recent posts, popular categories, and author bios.
    • Portfolio Website: Showcase your best work with high-quality images and project descriptions.
    • E-commerce Store: Display best-selling products, featured categories, and customer testimonials.

    Remember, your homepage is the first impression visitors have of your website. Invest time in crafting a design that reflects your brand and engages your audience. By following the tips in this WordPress homepage design for beginners guide, you can create a homepage that is both beautiful and effective.

    Feel free to check our other beginner’s guides to make your WordPress start smooth:

    A Beginners’ Guide: Crafting Captivating Pages on Your WordPress Website

    A Beginner’s Guide: How to Install WordPress from Scratch

  • Bots and Your Website: How Much of Your Traffic is Fake?

    Bots and Your Website: How Much of Your Traffic is Fake?

    Not all your website traffic is genuine. Hidden within your analytics are bots – automated programs that can mimic human behavior. Think of them like little robots that visit your website and pretend to be people. While some bots are harmless (like the ones that help Google find your site), others can cause trouble. They can clog up your contact forms with spam, create fake accounts, and even place phony orders. Those fake traffic bots are like a bunch of party crashers at your online store who aren’t there to buy anything, just to cause a mess!

    Just how big is this problem?

    Well, studies show that up to 30% of all web traffic might actually be bots! That means almost one in three “visitors” to your site might not be a real person. And when it comes to contact forms, things get even worse. Experts say that up to 40% of all form submissions could be spam generated by bots. That’s a lot of wasted time and effort dealing with junk! Even registrations and orders can be affected, with estimates suggesting that 10% of new accounts and 5% of online orders could be fake.

    fake traffic bots stats

    Why should you care?

    These sneaky bots can cause a lot of headaches for businesses. They can:

    • Waste your time: Dealing with spam messages and fake accounts takes time and effort away from real customers.
    • Mess up your data: Bots can make your website statistics unreliable, making it harder to understand how real people are using your site.
    • Hurt your reputation: If your contact form is full of spam, it makes your business look unprofessional.
    • Cost you money: Fake orders can lead to financial losses and logistical nightmares.

    So, what can you do about it?

    Imagine having a super-smart bouncer for your website, someone who can spot fake traffic bots before they even get through the door. That’s what CleanTalk Anti-Spam and Security plugins do! They’re like a 24/7 security team dedicated to keeping your website safe and clean.

    Here’s how CleanTalk helps protect your forms and keeps spam away:

    • CleanTalk is a pro at protecting all kinds of forms on your website, from contact forms to registration forms and even order forms. It checks every submission to make sure it’s from a real person, not a spam bot trying to cause trouble.
    • CleanTalk can even help you get rid of spam that’s already on your website. It can scan your comments and other content to find and remove those spam links that bots leave behind.

    CleanTalk is like having a dedicated team of experts protecting your website, making sure your forms are safe, your content is clean, and those pesky bots are kept far, far away

  • Moving On: A Farewell to UNI/UniForce

    Moving On: A Farewell to UNI/UniForce

    Hey everyone,

    We’ve got some news about our UNI/UniForce product line, and while it might not be the easiest thing to share, we wanted to be upfront and personal with you all about it.

    Here’s the deal: we’ve decided to sunset UNI/UniForce. What does that mean exactly?

    • November 1st, 2024: This is the day we’re putting a pause on active development. 
    • November 1st, 2025: This is the official end-of-life date for UNI/UniForce. After this point, we won’t be able to provide technical support for it anymore.

    We know this might come as a surprise, and we truly appreciate you sticking with us and using UNI/UniForce. This wasn’t a decision we made lightly. Sometimes, in the tech world, we have to make choices about where to focus our energy to build the best possible future.

    What happens next?

    We understand that you might be looking for a replacement solution. Great news! CleanTalk offers a robust set of APIs that can be integrated into a wide variety of applications. You can find out more about CleanTalk’s API options and how they can help protect your projects here: https://cleantalk.org/help/api-cleantalk-all 

    CleanTalk also provides a powerful blacklist checking tool that allows you to instantly verify if an IP address, email address, subnet, or domain is listed on any major blacklists. This can be a valuable resource for maintaining your security and reputation. Give it a try here: https://cleantalk.org/blacklists 

    If you have any questions about this transition or need help exploring alternatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. They’re always happy to help!

    Thanks for being awesome!

  • Alerts vs Action: Update on the Malware Scanner by CleanTalk

    Alerts vs Action: Update on the Malware Scanner by CleanTalk

    We wanted to give you a heads-up about a small but important change regarding the differences between our Malware Scanner by CleanTalk trial and premium versions. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too big, but it is important. So, straight to business!

    Here’s the thing: the trial version of our scanner is like having a super vigilant friend keeping an eye on your website 24/7. You know, that one friend who always spots trouble from a mile away? It’s constantly on the lookout, scouring every nook and cranny of your site for any signs of malware.

    But, while our trial version is good at playing detective and searching for potential threats, it stays an alarm system. It will alert you to danger, but won’t chase it away.

    Now, this is where our premium plan comes in. Imagine upgrading from that vigilant friend to a cyber-security superhero. Now malware isn’t only bound to be detected — it’s bound to be cured! You’re not just getting alerts — you’re getting instant healing.

    So, while our trial version still shows its ability to keep an eye out for potential issues, your next-level problem-solving and peace of mind start with the paid plan.

    We appreciate you taking the time to read this, and we want you to know how much we value having you as part of the CleanTalk family. Your online safety is our top priority, and we’re always working on ways to keep your website happy, healthy, and malware-free!

    Questions? Concerns? Just a sudden urge to chat about web security? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here for you — and we love a good tech talk!

    Stay awesome!

    Update by September 6, 2024

    Check this guide to identify a malware on WordPress.

  • How to Detect VPN IPs with CleanTalk BlackLists Database

    How to Detect VPN IPs with CleanTalk BlackLists Database

    In today’s digital world, ensuring the security and integrity of your website is paramount. One crucial aspect of this is detecting and managing traffic from VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). VPNs can be used for legitimate purposes, but they are also frequently used by spammers and malicious actors to mask their identities. CleanTalk’s BlackLists Database offers a powerful tool for identifying and managing VPN traffic. This guide will walk you through the process of detecting VPN IPs using CleanTalk BlackLists Database.

    Why is it Important to Detect VPN Traffic?

    Detecting VPN traffic is essential for several reasons:

    Enhanced Security: VPNs can be used by malicious actors to hide their true IP addresses, making it harder to track their activities. By identifying and managing VPN traffic, you can better protect your website from potential threats.
    Spam and Hacking Prevention: Spammers often use VPNs to bypass IP-based spam filters. Detecting VPN traffic helps in reducing spam submissions and maintaining the quality of user interactions on your site.
    Accurate Analytics: VPNs can skew your website analytics by masking the true geographic locations of visitors. Identifying VPN traffic helps in maintaining more accurate visitor data.
    CleanTalk BlackLists Database for VPN and Malicious Traffic Detection
    CleanTalk’s BlackLists Database provides a comprehensive resource for identifying VPNs, hosting services, and other potentially harmful network types. The database includes information on the type of network, spam frequency, and whether the IP has been involved in spam or malicious activities.

    Here’s an example of a response from the CleanTalk API:

    {
      "data": {
        "IP_ADDRESS": {
          "domains_count": 0,
          "domains_list": null,
          "in_antispam_previous": 0,
          "spam_frequency_24h": 0,
          "spam_rate": 1,
          "in_security": 1,
          "country": "US",
          "in_antispam": 1,
          "frequency": 33,
          "in_antispam_updated": "2024-07-28 05:40:40",
          "updated": "2024-07-28 16:40:43",
          "appears": 1,
          "network_type": "hosting",
          "submitted": "2022-08-22 00:15:40",
          "sha256": "69b4bf5e24594462df40c591636ed9ad3438e8f2d6284069d0c71e8c0ee8a9ad"
        }
      }
    }

    In this response, the network_type is “hosting,” which often overlaps with VPN. For TOR networks, network_type will be ”tor”. For more accurate detection of traffic from VPN addresses, we recommend using the parameter in our API “network_type”. For networks belonging to VPN services, it will have the value “network_type”: “paid_vpn”. However, we also recommend using the “hosting” network type for more accurate traffic detection.

    Some examples of IP types:
    https://cleantalk.org/blacklists/85.192.161.161 IP type is not indefined
    https://cleantalk.org/blacklists/67.223.118.81 IP is belongs to the hosting network type
    https://cleantalk.org/blacklists/109.70.100.1 IP is belongs to the network TOR type
    https://cleantalk.org/blacklists/66.249.64.25 IP is belongs to the network type good_bots (this is Google search bot).

    Accessing CleanTalk BlackLists Database

    You can access the CleanTalk BlackLists DataBase in two ways:

    1. API Access: The API provides real-time updates and allows you to query IP addresses on demand. This is ideal for applications requiring the most up-to-date information.
    2. Database Files: You can also download database files, which are updated hourly. This method is suitable for offline processing or bulk operations.

    For detailed pricing information and access levels, visit CleanTalk’s pricing page.

    Integration Capabilities

    Example Code for Checking VPN IPs Using CleanTalk API
    This example demonstrates how to use the CleanTalk API to check IP addresses and block traffic based on specific conditions.

    Logic of the Check:
    1. If the network type is neither “hosting” nor “good_bots”, block the IP address if the data was updated within the last 7 days and the spam frequency is greater than 5.
    2. Block IP addresses if the network type is “hosting”, “paid_vpn” or “tor”.
    3. Allow IP addresses if the network type is “good_bots”.

    import requests
    import datetime
    
    API_KEY = 'your_api_key'
    IP_ADDRESS = 'IP_ADDRESS'
    
    response = requests.get(f'https://api.cleantalk.org/?method_name=spam_check&auth_key={API_KEY}&ip={IP_ADDRESS}')
    data = response.json()
    
    ip_info = data['data'][IP_ADDRESS]
    network_type = ip_info['network_type']
    updated_date = datetime.datetime.strptime(ip_info['updated'], '%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')
    frequency = ip_info['frequency']
    
    # Check logic
    if network_type in ['hosting', 'tor', 'paid_vpn']:
        print("Block this IP address")
    elif network_type == 'good_bots':
        print("Allow this IP address")
    elif (network_type != 'hosting' and network_type != 'good_bots' and 
          (datetime.datetime.now() - updated_date).days <= 7 and frequency > 5):
        print("Block this IP address")
    else:
        print("Allow this IP address")
    

    Description of the Logic Fetching Data from CleanTalk API:
    1. A request is sent to the CleanTalk API to get information about the IP address.
    2. The JSON response is parsed to extract information about the IP address.

    Checking Network Type:
    1. If network_type is “hosting”, “paid_vpn” or “tor”, the IP address is blocked.
    2. If network_type is “good_bots”, the IP address is allowed.

    Additional Check:
    1. If the network type is neither “hosting” nor “good_bots”, the updated_date and frequency are checked.
    2. If the data was updated within the last 7 days and the spam frequency is greater than 5, the IP address is blocked.
    3. Otherwise, the IP address is allowed.
    This code allows you to configure traffic filtering based on the network type and other parameters provided by the CleanTalk API, ensuring the security of your site and preventing unwanted traffic. You can learn more about using the spam_check API here https://cleantalk.org/help/api-spam-check.

    Benefits of Using CleanTalk for VPN Detection

    Using CleanTalk for VPN detection offers several advantages:

    1. Comprehensive Coverage: CleanTalk’s database covers a wide range of IP addresses, including those used by VPNs, hosting services, and other potentially harmful networks.
    2. Real-Time Data: The API provides real-time data, ensuring you always have the most current information.
    3. Easy Integration: CleanTalk’s solutions are easy to integrate into your existing systems, offering flexibility and customization based on your specific needs.
    4. Enhanced Security: By effectively identifying and managing VPN traffic, you can better protect your website from spam, fraud, and other malicious activities.

    For more information about CleanTalk BlackLists Database, visit CleanTalk BlackLists.

    Detecting VPN IPs is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. CleanTalk’s BlackLists Database provides a robust solution for identifying and managing VPN traffic. With real-time API access and comprehensive database files, you can ensure your site remains secure and spam-free. Explore CleanTalk’s pricing options to find the right plan for your needs and start protecting your site today.

  • Payment Issue Alert: Important Information and Our Actions to Resolve It

    Payment Issue Alert: Important Information and Our Actions to Resolve It

    We’ve found a glitch in our payment system that messed up PayPal payments for about 300 of you who paid between May 1 and July 18. Some debit and credit cards didn’t get charged right. We understand fully that the problem is on our side. The team is working hard to fix things and make it right for everyone affected.

    We’ve sent emails to people whose payments were wrong. You can also check your payment history to see if anything’s missing. We’ve marked the payments that didn’t go through.

    1

    What We Did

    1. We’ve made sure you can continue using your account without interruption.
    2. To thank you for your patience, we’re adding 3 extra months of service starting July 29th.
    3. We kindly request that you process the payment for the original license period again.

    Important Points to Note

    • You’ll only be charged once, even if you pay again.
    • The extra 3 months are our gift to you.
    • You have until October 29, 2024, to finish paying.

    Next Steps

    1. Please verify your bank or PayPal statement to confirm whether the affected payment was charged.
    2. Visit your payment history page to complete the payment. You can select a suitable package.
    3. Click the “Renew” button to process the failed payment. This action will maintain your active license and initiate the bonus period.

    Need Help?

    We understand this may be frustrating. Sorry for the inconvenience it caused. Our support team is here to lend a hand, as always. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

  • Say Goodbye to Checkout Spam with CleanTalk for Opencart 4!

    Say Goodbye to Checkout Spam with CleanTalk for Opencart 4!

    Hey there, Opencart store owners! Are spammers giving you a headache? Let us put a smile on your face. CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin for Opencart 4 is your new best friend in the fight against online nuisances!

    Imagine a world where your Opencart checkout form is protected from spam and fraudulent orders. Well, guess what? That world is here! Our clever little plugin works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your store safe and your customers happy.

    Here’s why you’ll love CleanTalk:

    1. Spam-Be-Gone: Watch those annoying spam attempts bounce right off your checkout form. It’s like having a bouncer for your online store!
    2. Fraud Fighter: Say “not today” to those sneaky fraud orders. CleanTalk’s got your back, 24/7.
    3. Easy-Peasy Integration: No tech wizardry required! CleanTalk plays nice with Opencart 4, making setup a breeze.
    4. Happy Customers, Happy You: With a smooth, spam-free checkout, your real customers will love shopping with you even more.
    5. Time-Saver Extraordinaire: Less time cleaning up spam means more time growing your business. Who doesn’t want that?

    But don’t just take our word for it! Give CleanTalk a spin and see the difference for yourself. Your Opencart store deserves the best protection from checkout form spam and fraud orders, and that’s exactly what we deliver.

    Ready to kick spam to the curb and give your store the shield it deserves? Hop on board with CleanTalk today – because a happy checkout is a protected checkout!