CleanTalk's blog

Author: Alexander

Attention CleanTalk Anti-Spam Users! Important Update Regarding Public Widget
We’re writing to inform you that the public widget for CleanTalk Anti-Spam will be removed from the plugin and no longer be supported after August 1, 2024.

What does this mean for you?

The public widget, which is typically displayed on public pages and demonstrates the number of spam attacks, is no longer considered compatible with modern WordPress development practices and has seen low user demand. As a result, we’re removing it from the plugin to ensure optimal performance, streamline the user experience, and focus on core functionalities. This removal also helps us stay aligned with future WordPress versions.

What action should you take?

While the public widget will no longer be available after August 1, 2024, CleanTalk Anti-Spam’s core functionality remains unchanged and will continue to provide robust spam protection for your WordPress site.

Here’s what you can do:
1. No action required: If you don’t utilize the public widget, you don’t need to take any further action. CleanTalk Anti-Spam will continue to operate seamlessly.
2. Review alternative widget usage: If you’ve been using the public widget, we recommend exploring alternative methods for interacting with CleanTalk Anti-Spam’s features. These may include accessing settings pages or utilizing shortcodes.
Affiliate Program Guidance

If you’ve been using the public widget to promote the CleanTalk AntiSpam Affiliate program, we recommend transitioning to using Affiliate links along with our banner. This method provides a more streamlined and effective way to promote the program.

To get started with Affiliate links:
1. Access your CleanTalk Affiliate Dashboard: Log in to your CleanTalk account and navigate to the Affiliate program section.
2. Generate your Affiliate link: Your unique Affiliate link is provided within the dashboard. Copy this link for use in your promotional materials.
3. Utilize our Affiliate banner: We offer a visually appealing banner that you can include alongside your Affiliate link. Download the banner from the Affiliate dashboard.
4. Promote your Affiliate link and banner: Share your Affiliate link and banner on your website, social media channels, or other relevant platforms. When a visitor clicks on your link and signs up for CleanTalk AntiSpam, you’ll earn a commission.
By transitioning to Affiliate links and our banner, you can continue to effectively promote the CleanTalk AntiSpam Affiliate program while aligning with the updated public widget removal.

We understand that change can be challenging, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance the CleanTalk Anti-Spam experience.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team.

Thank you for being a valued CleanTalk Anti-Spam user!
June 27, 2024
Critical Vulnerability Discovered in Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks Plugin
Our team at CleanTalk prioritizes the safety and security of the WordPress ecosystem. Through routine security testing, we’ve identified a critical vulnerability in the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks plugin. This flaw poses a serious threat to WordPress websites, as it allows attackers to inject malicious code and potentially gain complete control.

Understanding the Threat (CVE-2024-4057)

This vulnerability, classified as Stored XSS (Cross-Site Scripting), enables attackers to embed malicious scripts directly into your website’s content. Unlike some vulnerabilities, Stored XSS doesn’t require user interaction to be triggered. This means anyone visiting your site, not just administrators, could be exposed.

Potential Consequences of an Exploit
- Complete Site Takeover: Attackers could create new admin accounts and seize full control of your website.
- Data Theft: Sensitive information like user credentials, financial records, and even your website’s content could be stolen.
- Website Defacement: Attackers could alter the appearance of your site, inject further malicious code, or display unauthorized content.
- Persistent Backdoors: Malicious actors might install backdoors to ensure continued access even after the initial vulnerability is patched.
Taking Action to Secure Your Website

The most critical step is to update the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks plugin to the latest version immediately. This update addresses the vulnerability and safeguards your website.

CleanTalk’s Commitment to WordPress Security

At CleanTalk, we are relentless in our pursuit of discovering and disclosing vulnerabilities to protect the WordPress community. We strongly encourage all website owners to prioritize regular security updates and implement additional security measures like:
- Regular Vulnerability Scans: Proactive scanning helps identify and address potential threats before they are exploited.
- Least Privilege Principle: Grant users only the permissions necessary for their roles to minimize damage in case of a compromise.
- Security Plugins: Consider using security plugins that offer features like malware scanning, firewalls, and real-time threat monitoring.
By working together, we can create a safer and more secure WordPress ecosystem for everyone.

Stay vigilant. Stay secure.
June 24, 2024
Mitigating WordPress.com API Vulnerability
Attention WordPress website owners! We’re excited to announce that the CleanTalk Security Plugin now effectively addresses a well-known vulnerability involving the WordPress.com API.

This vulnerability, previously discussed here, allowed unauthorized actors to potentially trace administrator usernames through a public API endpoint. While disabling the REST API entirely would be ideal, it wasn’t always a viable option for many websites.

The CleanTalk Team Steps Up

We understand the critical nature of this vulnerability and the potential security risks it poses. Our development team has been working diligently to implement a comprehensive solution within the CleanTalk Security Plugin.

This update delivers:
- Enhanced User Data Protection: CleanTalk can now effectively block attempts to exploit the exposed API endpoint, safeguarding your administrator username and other sensitive user data.
- Improved Overall Security: This fix is just one piece of the puzzle. CleanTalk Security offers a robust suite of security measures to keep your website safe from a wide range of threats.
What You Can Do
1. Update Your Plugin: Ensure you’re running the latest version of the CleanTalk Security Plugin to benefit from this critical fix and ongoing protection.
2. Review Your Security Practices: Consider implementing additional security measures like strong password policies and user access restrictions for an extra layer of defense.
CleanTalk: Committed to Your Security

We at CleanTalk are dedicated to providing the best possible security for your WordPress website. We continuously refine our plugin to address both emerging and long-standing vulnerabilities.

For further information on CleanTalk Security and its capabilities, please refer to the plugin’s documentation.

This revised announcement emphasizes the team’s effort in resolving a known issue and highlights the broader security benefits of the CleanTalk Security Plugin.
June 13, 2024
Strengthen Your WordPress Security with Built-in Vulnerability Checks by CleanTalk
The CleanTalk Security plugin now offers built-in plugin vulnerability checks, empowering you to safeguard your WordPress website proactively. Just a friendly reminder if you haven’t try it till now: feel free to pick up the plugin and install it according to these instructions.

While plugins add valuable functionality, they can also introduce security risks if vulnerabilities exist. To address this, CleanTalk regularly scans popular plugins and integrates the findings directly into the Security plugin.

Here’s how it benefits you:
- Real-time Vulnerability Insights: Get notified within the plugin itself whenever potential vulnerabilities are detected in your active plugins.
- Proactive Security Measures: Take immediate action to address vulnerabilities and minimize the risk of attacks.
- Simplified Security Management: No need to visit external platforms for vulnerability information; it’s all accessible within the plugin.
This integration strengthens your WordPress security by informing you about potential threats and allowing you to take immediate action.

Stay Updated, Stay Secure!

The CleanTalk Security plugin continues to evolve, offering comprehensive security solutions for your WordPress site. Remember to update the plugin to benefit from the latest features and vulnerability checks.
May 27, 2024
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 *@*******lk.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

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