CleanTalk's blog

Author: Alexander

A Beginner’s Guide: How to Install WordPress Step by Step
Welcome aboard the WordPress express! Today, we’re rolling up our sleeves to install WordPress from scratch. Don’t worry if tech stuff seems like a foreign language; I’ll guide you through each step with crystal clarity.

1. Pick Your Host

Selecting the right hosting provider sets the foundation for your website’s success. It’s akin to choosing the perfect spot for your dream home. Take into account crucial aspects like pricing plans, available storage, customer support responsiveness, and server uptime reliability.

With a plethora of hosting options out there, ranging from big names to smaller, niche providers, you’re spoiled for choice. Some offer user-friendly interfaces, while others prioritize lightning-fast servers or round-the-clock support. It’s like browsing through a buffet—each option has its unique flavors, catering to different preferences.

So, take your time to explore the offerings, read reviews, and consider your priorities. Once you’ve found the host that ticks all your boxes, it’s time to make it official. Sign up, secure your digital plot, and get ready to build your online empire with WordPress!

2. Launch One-Click Install

Once you’ve got hosting sorted, log into your hosting account. Look for the “WordPress Installer” or a similar tool. Click it, follow the instructions, and boom! WordPress is now installed on your hosting server.

3. Installing WordPress Without One-Click

If your hosting provider doesn’t offer a one-click WordPress installation option, fear not! You can still install WordPress manually, and it’s simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Download WordPress: Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress. It will be a zip file, so make sure to extract its contents to a folder on your computer.
- Create a Database: Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (usually accessed through a link provided by your hosting provider). Look for the “Database” section and create a new MySQL database. Note down the database name, username, and password—you’ll need these later.
- Upload WordPress Files: Using an FTP client like FileZilla, connect to your hosting account. Navigate to the directory where you want to install WordPress (usually the “public_html” folder) and upload all the extracted WordPress files.
- Configure wp-config.php: In the WordPress folder on your hosting account, you’ll find a file named “wp-config-sample.php.” Rename this file to “wp-config.php” and open it in a text editor. Enter your database details (database name, username, and password) where indicated, and save the file.
- Run the Installation Script: Now, open your web browser and navigate to your domain name (e.g., www.yourdomain.com). You should see the WordPress installation wizard. Select your language and click “Continue.” Enter your site details (title, username, password, email) and click “Install WordPress.”
- Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a success message. You can then log in to your WordPress dashboard using the username and password you set during installation.
4. Choose a Theme

It’s time to spruce up your site with a theme. Head to “Appearance” > “Themes” in the dashboard. Browse the free themes or consider purchasing a premium one for extra features. Click “Install” and “Activate” to apply your chosen theme.

5. Customize Your Site

Personalize your site’s appearance by tweaking settings in the WordPress Customizer. Change colors, fonts, and layouts to match your style. No coding is required—just click, preview, and save your changes.

6. Add Essential Plugins

Plugins are like apps for your website, adding extra functionality with a few clicks. From your dashboard, go to “Plugins” > “Add New.” Search for plugins like Yoast SEO for better search engine visibility or Contact Form 7 for creating forms. It’s a good idea to shield your website from spambots—they’ll know about it in the blink of an eye, and you’ll be attacked by virtual armies in no time. Also, you might want to exclude the possibility of your work being ruined by malware programs. For both of these problems, a good solution is Anti-Spam and Security plugins by CleanTalk.

Click “Install” and then “Activate” to start using them.

7. Start Creating Content

Time to unleash your creativity! Click on “Posts” or “Pages” in the dashboard to write articles or create new pages. Use the intuitive editor to format text, add images, and publish your content. Don’t worry about making it perfect—editing is your friend!

There you have seven straightforward steps to install WordPress and kickstart your online journey. No tech wizardry required, just a little patience and a willingness to explore. So go ahead, dive in, and start building your dream website!
May 24, 2024
CleanTalk SpamFireWall Sets New Record: Blocking 777 Million Bot Requests in April

In April, CleanTalk SpamFireWall achieved a significant milestone by blocking an impressive 777 million bot requests. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to enhancing digital security through cutting-edge technology and vigilant monitoring.

This feat serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by automated bots in today’s interconnected world. SpamFireWall plays a crucial role in safeguarding online platforms from exploitation by swiftly identifying and neutralizing suspicious activities.

We owe this success to our team’s dedication and our customers’ support. Their invaluable feedback and collaboration have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable milestone.

You can find our latest spam stats here for those interested in more detailed statistics on bot activity and SpamFireWall’s performance.

SpamFireWall, an optional feature of the CleanTalk Anti-Spam Plugin, enhances website security by blocking access for spam-active IP addresses, effectively denying them entry (via blocking GET requests). By intercepting spambots before they reach the website, SpamFireWall prevents the loading of pages for these malicious bots. This action alleviates the burden on your web server, reducing the load on both the database and server resources.

Moving forward, SpamFireWall remains committed to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity. We will continue to innovate and adapt to emerging threats to ensure a safer digital landscape for all users.

This achievement in April reflects our unwavering resolve to combat cyber threats and uphold the highest standards of digital security. Together, we will continue to protect online ecosystems and instill confidence in users worldwide.

May 13, 2024
Strengthen Your WordPress Defense: The Ultimate Brute Force Protection
In the vast world of the internet, your WordPress site faces constant threats from brute force attacks. But worry not! Security & Malware Scan by CleanTalk is here to fortify your digital fortress and ensure it remains impervious to intrusion.

In WordPress security, the login form is both essential and vulnerable. Hackers target it with relentless brute force attacks, exploiting weaknesses in passwords and outdated software. Once inside, they wreak havoc, defacing sites or stealing sensitive data. However, with measures like two-factor authentication and regular updates, we can strengthen our defenses and keep our digital kingdoms safe from harm.

Enhance Your Security: Key Features
- Security Firewall: Guard Your Gates
“Build a sturdy wall around your website! CleanTalk’s Security Firewall filters out malicious IPs and halts DDoS attacks, safeguarding your WordPress site from harm.”
- Malware Scanner: Detect and Remove Threats
Hunt down hidden dangers! CleanTalk’s vigilant scanner identifies and eliminates malware, ensuring your WordPress files stay clean and your site stays secure.
- Brute Force Protection: Keep Intruders Out
“Block unwanted guests from your site! CleanTalk’s Brute Force Protection plugin limits login attempts and adds delays on failed logins, effectively thwarting brute force attacks.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Double Up on Security
Add an extra layer of protection! CleanTalk’s Two-Factor Authentication ensures that only authorized users gain access to your WordPress domain, boosting security for your peace of mind.
- Custom wp-login URL: Hide Your Entry Point
Keep your login page under wraps! CleanTalk lets you customize your login URL, confusing automated login attempts and safeguarding against unauthorized access.

Secure Your WordPress Stronghold

With over 20,000 active installations and nearly a perfect 5-star rating on WordPress.org, Security & Malware Scan by CleanTalk stands as a trusted guardian in the realm of WordPress security. Its widespread adoption and high user satisfaction attest to its effectiveness in fortifying websites against cyber threats. From thwarting brute force attacks to detecting and eliminating malware, Security & Malware Scan by CleanTalk offers a comprehensive suite of features to keep your WordPress site safe and secure.

Don’t overlook the critical need to fortify your digital defenses. Stay informed with CleanTalk Research, your indispensable source for real-time alerts on plugin vulnerabilities and PSC plugin security certificates. Subscribe to our Telegram channel and stay one step ahead of cyber threats. Learn more: Subscribe to CleanTalk Research

Choose Security & Malware scan by CleanTalk and protect your WordPress kingdom with ease and efficiency. Your digital fortress awaits its impenetrable shield!
May 13, 2024
Revealing Vulnerabilities: The All-in-One SEO Plugin Dilemma

In the expansive domain of WordPress, a critical security flaw has been unveiled within the widely-utilized All-in-One SEO plugin. Known by its identifier, CVE-2024-3368, this vulnerability exposes a concerning loophole that malicious actors can exploit through Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, jeopardizing the security of numerous websites. The trouble concerns all versions of All-in-One SEO older than 4.6.1.1.

This flaw was unearthed during routine security evaluations, shedding light on a troubling scenario where unauthorized individuals can inject harmful JavaScript code directly into WordPress posts. This unauthorized access allows for the manipulation of administrative privileges, potentially leading to serious repercussions such as website tampering and unauthorized data access.

In response to this alarming revelation, immediate action is crucial. WordPress website owners are strongly advised to promptly update their All-in-One SEO plugin to the latest version, fortified with patches to address this vulnerability. Furthermore, implementing stringent security measures, including regular audits and access controls, is essential to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Behind the scenes, CleanTalk remains dedicated to safeguarding the WordPress ecosystem. Through vigilant monitoring of plugins and the provision of timely alerts, CleanTalk aims to empower website owners with the necessary tools and knowledge to defend against cyber threats effectively and preserve the integrity of their digital platforms.

May 13, 2024
Preventing Stripe Fraudulent Payments

Fraudulent payments occur when the cardholder has not authorized the transaction. Most fraudulent payments are made using stolen credit card information. When the cardholder notices an unauthorized payment or reviews their card statement, they contact the card issuer to dispute it. It is crucial for businesses accepting online payments to be aware of different types of fraud.

Website owners mainly encounter two types of fraud: purchases made with stolen cards and card testing.

Stolen Cards:
This type of fraud involves using stolen credit card data to make purchases online. When the cardholder discovers fraudulent activity, they dispute the payment with the card issuer. If the dispute is resolved in favor of the cardholder, the business suffers losses equivalent to the payment amount and the value of goods or services provided. Additionally, the business may face dispute fees.

Card Testing:
Card testing is the practice of validating a card’s authenticity on one website before using it for fraudulent transactions on another site. Websites with an open payment form on the page can be subject to card testing.

To reduce the risk of fraud, businesses can take measures to block automated bots used by card testers.

CleanTalk Anti-Spam is a tool that can identify bots during order submission and block the form if it detects automated activity and this occurs before the payment for the order proceeds.. This helps safeguard against disputes and fraudulent purchases.

CleanTalk Anti-Spam is already being utilized by numerous WooCommerce sites and other online other online stores, donation forms and other payment forms, with positive feedback on its contribution to reducing fraud in online stores.
https://wordpress.org/support/topic/this-saves-lots-of-work-and-it-pays-for-itself/

Installation on WordPress only takes a few minutes, providing protection against fraud and spam.

To install the Anti-Spam plugin, go to your WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Add New.

Then enter «СleanTalk» in the search box and click the Install button for «Spam protection, Anti-Spam, FireWall by CleanTalk». After installing the plugin, click the «Activate»‎ button.

After it is done go to the plugin settings and click the «Get Access Key Automatically» button. Then just click the «Save Settings»‎ button.

Go to the checkout page in Incognito mode. Place your order and use the test email address *@cl*******.org. When you submit your order, it will be blocked for a reason:
*** Forbidden. Fraud prevention. Sender blacklisted. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. ***.

So, the CleanTalk Anti-Spam installation process is complete.

For users of Drupal and Joomla or other CMS, instructions for installation are also available.
https://cleantalk.org/help/install

Bot Detector – You can use this integration API method using our library without using plugins. You will need programming knowledge to create the integration.
https://github.com/alexandergull/cleantalk_api_check_bot

By being proactive in detecting and preventing fraud, businesses can safeguard themselves from financial losses and disputes.

We will be happy to respond to your comments.

April 17, 2024
Advanced Bot Protection Solutions for Safeguarding Your Website

In Internet activity, up to 37.9% of global traffic is generated by bots, including both “good” and “bad” bots. Bots are automated software applications that interact with websites and databases. These bots can be divided into two main groups: good bots and bad bots.

Good bots, often known as web crawlers or spiders, play a vital role in indexing and archiving web content for search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo. They help make information on the Internet more accessible and searchable, contributing to the overall functionality of the Internet. For example, Googlebot, a search bot used by Google, systematically crawls web pages to update its index and provide users with relevant and up-to-date search results. These good bots are essential to ensure visibility and accessibility of online content.

Bad bots, on the other hand, engage in a wide range of harmful activities that put websites and their visitors at risk. Some bad bots specialize in constantly sending unwanted spam to websites, flooding inboxes and causing significant inconvenience to users. Others focus on identifying and exploiting website security vulnerabilities that pose a significant threat to the integrity and reliability of online platforms. In addition, malicious bots with the ability to scrape websites without authorization collect sensitive information from websites, including contact information and personal data, which can then be used for illegal purposes. Alarming statistics show that malicious bot activity accounts for a significant portion of overall internet traffic, reflecting the sheer volume and pervasive nature of their impact.

The impact of malicious bots can be far-reaching and severe, having a detrimental impact on a website’s performance, security, and usability. These bots consume valuable server resources, slow down websites, and disrupt regular operations, resulting in reduced responsiveness and functionality. Additionally, infiltration by malicious bots can lead to security breaches, data leaks, and reputational damage to affected websites. The consequences of such unauthorized actions can significantly impact the efficiency and reliability of online platforms, leading to a decrease in user trust and engagement.

To effectively combat the dangers posed by malicious bots, website owners and administrators need reliable and robust bot protection solutions. Such solutions must be able to thoroughly detect and prevent malicious activities orchestrated by malicious bots, ensuring the security and integrity of websites and their data. Cleantalk Anti-spam for WordPress is a comprehensive option for protecting websites from both spam and malicious bot activity. At the heart of this solution is the Anti-Crawler option, an advanced feature specifically designed to analyze incoming traffic and effectively detect and prevent malicious bot activity.

The Anti-Crawler option in Cleantalk Anti-spam works as “bot protection” and performs a scan when opening any page on the site. If the verification fails when you first open the page, the plugin enters the IP address into the database and limits access to the site for a time, thereby mitigating the potential impact of malicious bot actions. By using this proactive security mechanism, website owners can confidently protect their online projects, maintain the security and operational integrity of their websites, and provide a safe and secure browsing experience for their visitors.

In conclusion, the threat posed by malicious bots is a major concern for website owners. By developing a comprehensive understanding of the different types of bots and the risks they pose, and implementing robust bot protection such as Cleantalk Anti-Spam with Anti-Crawler option, website owners can strengthen their online assets and provide a safe browsing experience for users. their visitors. This proactive approach allows website owners to mitigate the potential risks posed by malicious bots and maintain the trust and security required for their online presence.

December 26, 2023
Discovering IP Address Information with IP Info Tools

When it comes to understanding the activity and location of an IP address, there are various tools available that provide valuable information. CleanTalk IP Tools allows users to gather details about an IP address, including its geographical location, DNS name, provider, and spam activity.

How IP address info works

By entering an IP address into the IP Info tool on cleantalk.org, users can gain insights into the geographic location of the IP address, including the country, region, city, and even the latitude and longitude coordinates. This information can be useful for tracking the origin of suspicious or malicious activity on a website or network.

In addition to geographical location, the IP Info tool also provides details about the DNS name associated with the IP address. This can be helpful for identifying the domain or organization to which the IP address is registered, providing valuable context for potential security threats or network management.

Furthermore, the IP Info tool on cleantalk.org offers information about the provider associated with the IP address, allowing users to understand the network infrastructure and ownership behind the address. This can be crucial for identifying and contacting the responsible party in the event of abuse or unauthorized access.

Lastly, the IP Info tool also includes data about the presence of spam or hacking activity associated with the IP address. This can be a valuable indicator for website administrators and network security professionals when monitoring for malicious or unwanted traffic originating from a particular IP address.

In conclusion, the IP Info tools provided by cleantalk.org are valuable resources for gaining insights into the details of an IP address, including its geographical location, DNS name, provider, and spam activity. Whether for website administrators, network security professionals, or individual users, these tools offer important information for understanding and managing online activity and security risks.

Search the IP address in the CleanTalk IP database.

December 25, 2023
Fraud Prevention: How CleanTalk Can Help Identify and Prevent Fraud Attacks

Fraud attacks have become increasingly prevalent, posing a serious threat to businesses and individuals alike. These attacks involve the use of deceptive tactics to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or financial resources. Fraudsters often utilize various means such as phishing, identity theft, and credit card fraud to carry out their malicious activities. The consequences of falling victim to a fraud attack can be devastating, leading to financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal repercussions.

One of the key challenges in combating fraud is the ability to accurately identify and prevent such attacks in real time.
CleanTalk provides cloud security and anti-spam services for websites. By leveraging comprehensive data about IP and email addresses from our blacklists, CleanTalk enables businesses to effectively detect and block fraudulent activities.

Examples of Weekly TOP20 Blacklisted Spam IP & Email addresses.

The data from these blacklists contains valuable information about known malicious IPs and email addresses that have been associated with fraudulent behavior, spam or hacking attempts. This is an important indicator of malicious behavior, as spammers often engage in a wide range of fraudulent activities beyond just sending spam emails. By monitoring and analyzing these patterns, businesses can gain valuable intelligence that helps them avoid potential fraud attacks. By cross-referencing this data with the activities on their platforms, businesses can proactively identify and block potential fraudsters before they can cause harm.

CleanTalk offers multiple methods for businesses to integrate fraud prevention services into their platforms. The use of our API allows for real-time checks on IP and email addresses, ensuring that any suspicious activity is promptly flagged and addressed. Additionally, CleanTalk provides the option to regularly update and synchronize their blacklist data with a business’s internal systems through the export of data files, ensuring that the most current information is always available for fraud prevention efforts.

By harnessing the power of CleanTalk’s comprehensive data and cutting-edge technology, businesses can significantly enhance our ability to identify and prevent fraud attacks. This proactive approach not only safeguards businesses and individuals from potential financial losses but also contributes to building trust and confidence in online transactions. As fraud continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, the importance of robust fraud prevention measures cannot be overstated. CleanTalk stands out as a valuable ally in this ongoing battle against fraud, empowering businesses to stay one step ahead of fraudsters and protect their operations and customers from harm.

How to Get Access to the CleanTalk Blacklists Database

December 22, 2023
CleanTalk Security Plugin Tools for WordPress
1. Protection against brute-force attacks is essential to prevent unauthorized access to systems and accounts. Brute-force attack is a method where attackers sequentially try all possible combinations of account passwords and sometimes gain access to the system. The CleanTalk plugin has options such as:
  1.1. Number of unsuccessful authorizations before blocking occurs.
  1.2. Lockout time of the visitor which is the time period between login attempts.
  1.3. Time period the IP will be blocked for when the limit of unsuccessful authorizations is reached.
2. User Actions Log is designed to track user actions in the WordPress Dashboard and ensure security. It allows you to record and display user actions in real time, to see which pages of the website backend and at what time they were visited. This tool is useful for detecting and preventing hacking attempts, unauthorized access, and other suspicious activities on the website.
3. Security Firewall is designed to block access to the site under certain conditions:
  3.1. CleanTalk Database of Dangerous IP Addresses is being used to block access to the site for those IP addresses that have already participated in hacking attempts into other sites.
  3.2. Your Personal Lists of IP Addresses is being used to block access to the site.
  You can add custom IP addresses, networks, and countries on your CleanTalk Dashboard.
  Visitors that were blocked by the Security FireWall will not be able to pass it and get to your site.
4. Security Report provides a summary of how the plugin works on your websites. The report is being sent once a week to your email address and provides the following statistics:
  4.1. Blocked requests in Security FireWall
  4.2. Number of brute-force attempts
  4.3. Successful admin logins
  4.4. Malware scanner statistics
5. The option “Notifications of administrator users authorizations” sends you a notification by email every time you successfully log in with an administrator account. This allows you to quickly receive information about unauthorized users.
6. Real-Time Traffic Monitor feature provides you with real-time traffic information on your website. It helps you in tracking visitors activity and detect potentially malicious traffic — these can be password cracking attempts, SQL injections, DDOS attacks, and other threats.
  
  The feature also allows you to see bots activity on your site. Bots can have different intentions, but it’s important to be able to distinguish real users from automated bots. You can view the list of bots and take action to block unwanted activity.
  You can see data such as IP address, location, country, and other information that will help determine if a visitor is a suspicious or unwanted bot. It will also help you make the appropriate security settings.
  
  The feature works In real time, meaning you can see the activity immediately without a delay. You can view the current users on the site, as well as which pages or sections of the site are currently being viewed.
7. Malware Scanner is one of the features of the CleanTalk Security Plugin for WordPress that is designed to detect and remove malicious code on your website.
  Daily automatic site scanning. The plugin scans your site once a day and you will receive up-to-date information about your site cleanness. You can choose the time period for the automatic site scanning — every 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, or every 30 days.
  
  The Malware Scanner feature analyzes all files on your site, including the WordPress core files, themes and plugins. It looks for vulnerabilities, malicious scripts, and other suspicious elements that may be related to malicious code.
  
  When Malware Scanner detects malware or suspicious files, it alerts you instantly via email. You will receive a detailed report of the found threats, including the file names. This will help you quickly respond and take necessary actions to remove malware.
  
  Automatic Malicious Code Removal: The CleanTalk Security Plugin for WordPress provides this feature to automatically remove malicious code. If there is a known signature for the detected malicious code, the file will be disinfected automatically.
8. The option “Collect and send PHP log” allows you to automate the process of checking your PHP logs for errors that occur while your site is running. Errors could appear for a short period of time and only when one specific function is running, they can’t be spotted in other circumstances so sometimes it’s hard to catch them. The CleanTalk Scanner will check your website backend once per hour. Statistics of errors are available in your CleanTalk Dashboard.
9. 2FA: WordPress Two-Factor Authentication is a tool to provide an additional level of security for the website administrator account.
  The main purpose of 2FA is to protect user accounts from unauthorized access, even if an attacker knows the user’s password.
  When a user enters their password to log into their WordPress account, 2FA requires them to provide a second authentication code. The code is being sent to the WordPress account email address.
  
  The CleanTalk Security plugin allows administrators to set up 2FA for various user roles. So they can grant 2FA to certain groups of users.
  The option “Custom WP-Login URL” in the CleanTalk Security Plugin for WordPress allows you to change the default login URL of your WordPress Dashboard (wp-login.php). This is useful for several reasons:
  
  • Protection against brute-force attacks: Changing the login URL of the admin panel makes it less predictable and harder for attackers to determine. Most brute-force scripts and bots look for the standard URL, so using a custom URL improves security.
  • Hiding the fact that WordPress is being used: Many hackers and attackers specifically look for sites built on WordPress in order to gain access to them. Changing the login URL makes your site less vulnerable for attacks that are being made by the principle “Default WordPress Login URL Search” .
  • If you use a custom login URL, this may be more memorable and convenient for you. You can choose an URL that is easy to remember or related to your brand.
  • Prevent spam and DDoS attacks: Changing your login URL can help you prevent spam bots and DDoS attacks that often target a standard URL. This can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted activity and improve the performance of your site.
10. The option “Prevent collecting of authors’ logins” in the CleanTalk Security Plugin for WordPress is an additional tool to protect your site from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
  
  One of the most common ways of attacking websites is by attempting to hijack the accounts of the administrator or content authors. A hacker can use various methods to gain access to usernames and passwords and use them for malicious purposes such as injecting malicious code, modifying website content, and even stealing user data.
  
  The option in the CleanTalk Security Plugin can greatly reduce the risk of such attacks. This feature allows you to hide the names of your authors (logins) from public view on the site, storing them in the database for administrative access only.
  
  Firstly, it will prevent attackers from accessing authors’ data, which will significantly complicate the hacking process. Secondly, the site will look more secure and inaccessible to hackers. Thirdly, using this option reduces the likelihood of data leakage and privacy violations.
11. The option “Disable XML-RPC” in the CleanTalk Security Plugin is an important step to increase security and prevent potential attacks on your site.
  
  XML-RPC is a protocol that allows you to remotely interact with your WordPress site. It was created to facilitate data transfer and information exchange with other platforms. However, due to several vulnerabilities, XML-RPC can become an entry point for hackers.
  
  One of the main reasons for disabling XML-RPC is the possibility of an attack called brute-force. This attack involves attempts to forcefully input different random passwords for administrative accounts in a rapid succession. XML-RPC, by its very nature, allows attackers to carry out such attacks because it allows iterative validation of multiple passwords without restrictions. Disabling XML-RPC greatly reduces the risk of such attacks and prevents unauthorized access to your site.
  
  In addition, XML-RPC can also be used to carry out DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. Attackers can use XML-RPC to send a large number of requests to your site at the same time, which can lead to server overload and temporary site denial of service. Disabling XML-RPC protects your site from such attacks and helps keep it running for your visitors.
  
  Disabling XML-RPC in WordPress is quite simple. You can do this with the CleanTalk Security Plugin and enable the option “Disable XML-RPC”. It is recommended to disable XML-RPC unless you are using it to communicate with other platforms or services.
12. The option “Disable REST API for non-authenticated users”. The REST API is a set of programming interfaces that allow you to interact with your WordPress site and access data and functionality. However, access to the REST API can become a vulnerability for attackers if the option “Disable REST API for non-authenticated users” is not enabled. Examples: getting a list of all posts, creating a new post or updating an existing one, deleting a post, getting/creating users and comments.
  
  Disabling the REST API for unauthenticated users has several benefits. First, it reduces the risk of an attack on your site. If an attacker gains access to the REST API, they can use this opportunity to obtain sensitive data, change site content, or perform other unwanted actions. Disabling the REST API for unauthenticated users helps in preventing these potential attacks.
  
  Second, disabling the REST API for unauthenticated users helps improve the performance of your site. The REST API can put a load on the server, especially when trying to process many requests from unauthenticated users. Disabling this feature for these users reduces the server load and speeds up your site response.
  
  Enabling the option “Disable REST API for non-authenticated users” in the CleanTalk Security Plugin is very simple. Just activate this option in the plugin settings and save the changes. It is important to note that this option will not affect authenticated users, and they will be able to continue using the REST API without any issues. If you only use the WordPress Dashboard to work with the site and want to increase the security level of your resource, then it is recommended to disable the WP REST API.
13. The option “Forbid to show your website in <iframe> tags on third-party websites” in CleanTalk Security prevents your site from being embedded in an <iframe> on other websites. An <iframe> is an HTML element that allows you to embed one web page inside another. Technically speaking, <iframe> can be used to display your site on other third-party sites while still maintaining visual and functional content. However, this can also lead to security risks and undesirable consequences.
  
  This has several advantages. First, it protects your site from potential fraudulent activities. Some attackers may create embedded iframe-copies of your website to fraudulently collect personal information from your visitors or malicious targets. Disabling <iframe> prevents this possibility and protects your users.
  
  Second, opting out of showing your site in an <iframe> on third-party websites helps you control content and prevent copyright loss. If your site is embedded in another website’s <iframe> without your consent, this may result in improper display and control of your content. Disabling <iframe> allows you to retain full control over how and where your site is displayed.
  
  Enabling the option “Forbid to show your website in <iframe> tags on third-party websites”in the CleanTalk Security Plugin is very simple. It is enough to activate this option in the plugin settings, and your site will be protected from embedding in <iframe> tags on third-party websites.
14. The option “Add these headers to the HTTP responses on the public pages: X-Content-Type-Options, X-XSS-Protection” in CleanTalk Security allows you to add the X-Content-Type-Options and X-XSS-Protection security headers to the HTTP responses on your site’s public pages. These headers tell browsers how to process the content of the page and prevent possible XSS-based attacks and malware downloads.
  
  XSS (cross-site scripting) and drive-by download attacks are among the most common and dangerous threats in the online environment. XSS attacks can allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code on your site, while drive-by download attacks attempt to download and install malicious software without the admin’s knowledge.
  
  The X-Content-Type-Options header tells the browser that page content should only be processed according to the specified MIME type (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions). This helps prevent possible attacks based on the content type and provides an additional layer of protection.
  
  The X-XSS-Protection header is designed to protect against XSS (cross-site scripting) attacks. It includes built-in protection mechanisms in the browser that allow you to detect and block attempts to execute malicious scripts in a timely manner.
  Enabling the option “Add these headers to the HTTP responses on the public pages: X-Content-Type-Options, X-XSS-Protection” in the CleanTalk Security Plugin is very simple. Just enable this option in the plugin settings and headers will be automatically added to the HTTP responses on public pages of your site.
  
  In this article we have tried to tell you about the main and most useful options of the CleanTalk Security Plugin for WordPress. You can install the plugin from the official WordPress directory here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/security-malware-firewall
  
  If you have any questions about the CleanTalk Security Plugin functions, feel free to ask them in the comments and we will be happy to assist you.
July 31, 2023
Importance of Using the CleanTalk Email Checker Service to Validate Email Addresses for Existence

Email Checker is an important tool that helps to verify the legitimacy of email addresses. Email Checker is a software tool that checks the validity of an email address in real-time. This ensures that emails are not only sent but also delivered to the intended recipients. Email addresses validation, on the other hand, is a process of verifying the email address using several methods, such as syntax checks, MX record checks, and email filtering. These checks help in reducing the likelihood of invalid email addresses being added to your mailing lists, further reducing the number of bounced emails and the potential of spam complaints.

A very large number of websites use subscription forms for updates, user registrations or order/checkout forms. Website owners use the email addresses of their clients for newsletter mailing lists. The same forms are also often being used by spam bots in spam purposes, so if the form is not protected, then spam email addresses will be added to the mailing list.

CleanTalk Anti-Spam Service provides tools for checking email addresses for existence. If you are using any of the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugins, email address checking is being done automatically and non-existent email addresses will be blocked. How to install the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin on a website can be found on our help pages, here are our detailed guides for popular CMS: https://cleantalk.org/help/install

CleanTalk also provides access to the Online Email Checker Service: https://cleantalk.org/email-checker . You can go to the verification page and enter the email address you want to check and get the result whether this address exists or not.

Email communication has become one of the most critical ways of exchanging information in today’s digital world. Whether for business purposes or personal communication, sending emails has become a necessary part of our daily life. However, sending emails to invalid email addresses can be counterproductive.

How to reduce the risk of sending emails to fake addresses

Sending emails to invalid or fake email addresses can be counterproductive. It can lead to a high bounce rate, reducing email engagement, impact sender reputation and even result in email accounts being marked as spam. Email servers may consider emails that were sent to fake email addresses as spam and report it as such. This can lead to the email account being marked as spam, which can have negative consequences for the sender.

The use of the CleanTalk Email Checker and Email Validation tools can help with reducing the likelihood of these issues and ensure that emails are delivered to the appropriate recipients.

June 26, 2023