During routine plugin testing, we discovered a critical security vulnerability in the Shortcodes Ultimate plugin for WordPress which has 600,000+ installations. This plugin, widely used for adding powerful shortcodes to enhance website functionality, is currently vulnerable to a severe security flaw that could potentially allow attackers to exploit and gain unauthorized access to your WordPress site.
The exploit allows contributors to embed malware JavaScript code into new posts via shortcode, subsequently facilitating admin account creation. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can gain unauthorized access and wreak havoc on websites.
Don’t rush to delete the plugin. To mitigate the risk you should just update your Shortcodes Ultimate plugin to the latest version. Additionally, implementing robust security measures, such as regular vulnerability assessments and user role restrictions, can fortify defenses against XSS attacks.
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 Hackers target it with relentless brute force attacks, exploiting weaknesses in passwords and outdated software.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!
Many online comments and reviews are helpful, but some might not be written by real users. A special verification badge could indicate if a comment/review is confirmed to be written by a real person. This might help you decide which reviews to trust more when reading/discussing online.
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.
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.
Introducing File System Watcher, a new feature of our Security protection. It helps to track changes in your site files to detect suspicious ones in time. File System Watcher has already been added to all plans and is enabled by default.
How the feature works
The feature takes a snapshot of the file system during a selected period and allows you to monitor which files on your site have been modified between selected dates. The snapshots are stored for 7 days.
You can control the frequency of snapshots in the plugin settings. Alternatively, you can run the snapshot immediately by clicking the Create File System snapshot button and refreshing the page.
How to use the feature and see results
1. Go to your WordPress site dashboard and go to Settings → Security by CleanTalk → File System Watcher.
2. Select the dates you want to compare and click the Compare button.
3. Click the View link and you will see the code for the modified version of the specified file.
To use this feature you have to have a Security & Malware scan plugin installed to your WordPress. Feel free to download it in WordPress catalog.
CleanTalk added spam protection for Divi Builder email opt-in subscription form using direct form integration. So in case, you prefer using Divi subscription form be sure to use the most effective Anti-Spam plugin. Read the guide below and learn 4 steps to protect your Divi subscription form from spam.
Once the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin is installed it starts to protect all of the existing forms on your WordPress website. It may not only be Newsletters subscription forms but also many others.
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.
That’s it! From now you How to completely protect your Divi Builder email opt-in subscription form from spam.
How to check spam protection for Divi Builder email opt-in
You can test the work of Anti-Spam protection for your СonvertKit Forms by using a test email s @ cleantalk.org (without spaces). First, open the form in an Incognito browser tab. Fill in all the required form fields and send a form. After submitting the form, you will see a block message about the block on the form submission.
If you have any questions, add a comment and we will be happy to help you.
Create your CleanTalk account – Register now and protect your Divi Builder email opt-in from spam in 5 minutes
Update
The protection works only for website visitors, not for website admins. Be sure to test the form protection using Incognito mode.
Additional features
CleanTalk protects all forms at once: comments, registrations, feedbacks, contacts, and reviews.
Installation takes about 1-2 minutes.
Smart 99% protection against spambots.
Always online – 24/7 technical support.
Logs, SpamFireWall, personal lists, country filters, stop-words, and many others.
Discover the complete list of CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin features here.
CleanTalk added spam protection for Tribulant Newsletters using direct form integration. So in case, you prefer using Tribulant Newsletters be sure to use the most effective Anti-Spam plugin. Read the guide below and learn 4 steps to protect your Newsletters from spam.
Once the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin is installed it starts to protect all of the existing forms on your WordPress website. It may not only be Newsletters subscription forms but also many others.
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.
That’s it! From now you How to completely protect your Tribulant Newsletters from spam.
How to check spam protection for Tribulant Newsletters
You can test the work of Anti-Spam protection for your СonvertKit Forms by using a test email s @ cleantalk.org (without spaces). First, open the form in an Incognito browser tab. Fill in all the required form fields and send a form. After submitting the form, you will see a block message about the block on the form submission.
If you have any questions, add a comment and we will be happy to help you.
Create your CleanTalk account – Register now and protect your Tribulant Newsletters from spam in 5 minutes
Update
The protection works only for website visitors, not for website admins. Be sure to test the form protection using Incognito mode.
Additional features
CleanTalk protects all forms at once: comments, registrations, feedbacks, contacts, reviews.
Installation takes about 1-2 minutes.
Smart 99% protection against spambots.
Always online – 24/7 technical support.
Logs, SpamFireWall, personal lists, country filters, stop-words, and many others.
Discover the complete list of CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin features here.
Building a WordPress website can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to showcase your creativity, share your passion, or promote your business online. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a WordPress website.
Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose and Goals
Before diving into the technical aspects of building a WordPress website, it’s essential to define your website’s purpose and goals. Consider what you aim to achieve with your website, whether it’s to sell products, share information, showcase your portfolio, or attract clients. Understanding your goals will help shape the design and content of your site.
Step 2: Choose a Domain Name and Web Hosting
The next step is to choose a domain name that reflects your brand or business and is easy to remember. You can register a domain name through domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost. Additionally, select a reliable web hosting provider that offers good uptime, speed, security, and customer support. Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.
Step 3: Install WordPress
To install WordPress on your website, you can follow these steps:
Log in to Your Hosting Account. First, log in to your web hosting account. This is where you’ll manage your website files and settings.
Access the Control Panel (cPanel) Most hosting providers use cPanel as the control panel. Look for an option like “cPanel” or “My Account” in your hosting account dashboard.
Find the WordPress Installer In cPanel, look for an icon or section labeled “WordPress” or “Softaculous Apps Installer.” Click on it to access the WordPress installation tool.
Configure Your WordPress Installation Next, you need to configure your WordPress installation by entering details like the site name, description, admin username, password, and email address. You can also choose a language and select any plugins or themes you want to install.
Start the Installation Process Inside the WordPress installer, click on the “Install Now” button. You will be prompted to choose the domain where you want to install WordPress.
Complete the Installation Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, click on the “Install” button. The installer will create the necessary database and install WordPress on your domain.
Access Your WordPress Dashboard After the installation is complete, you will receive a confirmation message with a link to access your WordPress dashboard. This is where you can customize your website, add content, and manage settings.
That’s it! You have successfully installed WordPress on your website. You can now start building your website by choosing a theme, adding pages and posts, installing plugins, and customizing the design. If you encounter any issues during the installation process, reach out to your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.
Step 4: Choose a Theme and Customize Your Website
WordPress offers thousands of free and premium themes that determine the design and layout of your website. Browse the WordPress theme directory or third-party marketplaces like ThemeForest to find a theme that aligns with your brand and goals. Once you’ve selected a theme, customize your website by adding your logo, changing colors and fonts, and creating custom menus.
Step 5: Create Essential Pages and Posts
Now it’s time to add content to your website. Create essential pages such as Home, About Us, Services, and Contact. Write engaging copy, add images or videos, and optimize your content for search engines using relevant keywords. Additionally, publish blog posts regularly to keep your audience engaged and drive traffic to your site.
Step 6: Set Up SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving your website’s visibility in search engine results. Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to optimize your pages and posts for target keywords, meta descriptions, and structured data. Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines like Google for indexing.
Step 7: Install Essential Plugins
WordPress plugins extend the functionality of your website by adding different features. We recommend that you install the ones that will be useful for the first step and for the whole time you use WordPress:
SEO Plugins to improve website’s visibility in Search engine results: Yoast SEO / All in One SEO / Rank Math SEO – one of them will be enough. Additionaly, using Google Site Kit is our strong recommendation.
E-commerce Plugins in case you sell products or services: WooCommerce / Easy Digital Downloads / Shopify – research and choose one that fits you most.
Contact Form Plugins to allow your visitors contact you: Contact Form 7, WPForms, or Gravity Forms. Regardless of the form you choose make sure you protect it from spam and spambots with anti-spam protection like Anti-Spam.
Security Plugin to protect the site from threats like malware or hacking attempts: Security & Malware scan – it’s a 18-in-1 plugin that will be sufficient for you.
Performance Optimization Plugins: you might want to use WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, and Smush Image Compression and Optimization to get started.
Step 8: Test Your Website and Launch
Before launching your website, test it on different devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions correctly. Check for broken links, slow loading times, and mobile responsiveness. Once you are satisfied with the results, launch your website by promoting it on social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels.
Step 9: Maintain and Update Your Website
After launching your website, it’s crucial to maintain it regularly by updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Monitor website performance using tools like Google Search Console and GTmetrix. Create fresh content, engage with your audience, and make necessary adjustments to improve user experience and achieve your goals.
Step 10: Monitor Analytics and Optimize
Monitor your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics to track visitor behavior, traffic sources, and conversions. Analyze the data to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to optimize your website further. Continuously refine your content strategy
SEO efforts, and user experience based on analytics insights.
In conclusion, building a WordPress website involves planning, creativity, and technical know-how. By following this comprehensive guide and investing time in creating quality content, optimizing for search engines, and engaging with your audience, you can build a successful online presence with WordPress. Remember that building a website is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and improvements to stay relevant and effective in achieving your goals.
A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that adds specific functionality to a WordPress website. You can also call in an add-on or extension that enhances the core features of the WordPress platform. Plugins are designed to be easily installed, activated, and configured by users without the need for any coding knowledge.
WordPress plugins are typically written in PHP, the programming language used in WordPress development. They can include various types of files such as PHP scripts, CSS stylesheets, JavaScript code, and images. Plugins can be created by individual developers, companies, or the WordPress community at large.
How Do WordPress Plugins Work?
WordPress plugins work by hooking into the core functionality of the WordPress platform. When you activate a plugin, it can modify or extend various aspects of a WordPress site, such as adding new features, customizing existing ones, or improving performance.
Plugins can interact with different parts of a WordPress site through hooks and filters. Hooks are predefined points in the WordPress code where plugins can insert their own code to modify the behavior of the site. Filters allow plugins to modify data before it is displayed on the site.
WordPress plugins can also include settings pages where users can configure the plugin’s behavior and options. These settings pages are typically accessible from the WordPress admin dashboard and provide users with a way to customize how the plugin functions.
Types of WordPress Plugins
There are thousands of WordPress plugins available for a wide range of purposes. Some of the most common types of plugins include:
SEO Plugins These plugins help optimize a website for search engines by providing tools for keyword research, metatag optimization, XML sitemap generation, and more.
E-commerce Plugins E-commerce plugins enable users to create online stores and sell products or services directly from their WordPress sites. Popular e-commerce plugins include WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and Shopify.
Contact Form Plugins Contact form plugins allow users to create custom contact forms for their websites to collect visitor information and inquiries. Examples include Contact Form 7, WPForms, and Gravity Forms. Most of contact forms still need an anti-spam protection, so, feel free to use Anti-Spam plugins like Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
Security Plugins Security plugins help protect WordPress sites from security threats such as malware, hacking attempts, and spam.
Performance Optimization Plugins These plugins help improve the speed and performance of a WordPress site by optimizing images, caching content, and minimizing code. Examples include WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, and Smush Image Compression and Optimization.
How to Install a WordPress Plugin
Installing a WordPress plugin is a straightforward process that you can do in just a few simple steps. Let’s say, you want to install the Contact Form 7 plugin to your website. That’s how you do it:
Search for the Plugin: In the WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New. Use the search bar to find the plugin you want to install.
Install the Plugin: Click the “Install Now” button next to the plugin you want to install. Once the installation is complete, click the “Activate” button to activate the plugin.
Use the Plugin: Once you installed and activate it, you can start using its features on your WordPress site. Depending on the type of plugin, you may need to add widgets, shortcodes, or configure settings to make use of its functionality.
5 Tips to Use WordPress Plugins Like a Pro
While WordPress plugins offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to use them wisely to avoid potential issues such as conflicts, security vulnerabilities, and performance problems. Here are some tips for using WordPress plugins:
Tip 1: Choose Quality Plugins
Select plugins from reputable sources such as the official WordPress Plugin Directory or trusted third-party developers. Check user reviews, ratings, and update frequency before installing a plugin.
Tip 2: Keep Plugins Updated
Regularly update your plugins to ensure they are compatible with the latest version of WordPress and have any security vulnerabilities patched. Most plugins provide automatic updates for added convenience.
Tip 3: Limit Plugin Usage
Avoid installing too many plugins on your site as this can slow down performance and increase the risk of conflicts. Only install plugins that are necessary for your site’s functionality.
Tip 4: Test Plugins Before Installation
Before installing a new plugin on your live site, test it on a staging environment or local installation to ensure it works as expected and doesn’t cause any issues with existing functionality.
Tip 5: Monitor Plugin Performance
Keep an eye on your site’s performance metrics after installing new plugins to identify any changes in loading times or server resources. Remove or replace plugins that negatively impact performance.
CleanTalk added spam protection for HivePress plugin using direct form integration. So in case, if you prefer using HivePress be sure to use the most effective Anti-Spam plugin. Read the guide below and learn 4 steps to protect your HivePress from spam.
Once the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin is installed it starts to protect all of the existing forms on your WordPress website. It may not only be HivePress but also many others.
