WordPress is a prevalent content management system that is used by millions of people all over the world. It is an excellent platform for creating websites, but it is also a popular hacker target. One of the files that are often targeted is the xmlrpc.php file. This file allows remote updates to WordPress from other applications, and it can be easily compromised if it is not adequately secured. This blog post will show you how to secure the xmlrpc.php file on your WordPress website using WP Defender and Cloudflare.
The WordPress XMLRPC file can be used to post WordPress content remotely. It is helpful for applications that need to communicate with WordPress, and it allows you to run multiple WordPress sites from one location. But, it also opens up your WordPress website to attacks if the xmlrpc.php file isn’t correctly secured and restricted access only when necessary (e.g. when you are using it to post content remotely).
To secure the xmlrpc.php file on your WordPress website, we recommend using WP Defender and Cloudflare. WP Defender is a WordPress security plugin that helps to protect your WordPress website from attacks. It does this by blocking bad requests, preventing unauthorized access to your WordPress website, and securing WordPress files. Cloudflare is a DNS service that helps protect your WordPress website from attacks by routing traffic through its network of servers located worldwide. This makes it harder for hackers to target specific IP addresses and servers because their requests come from different locations worldwide.
What is WP Defender?
WP Defender is a WordPress security plugin that helps to protect your website from potential attacks. It does this by monitoring your website for any malicious activity and blocking any threats that it finds.
What is Cloudflare?
Cloudflare is a website security and performance company. They offer a range of services to help protect your website from attack and improve its performance. One of these services is their security feature, which helps to protect your website from DDoS attacks and other malicious activity.
How do WP Defender and Cloudflare work together?
WP Defender and Cloudflare work together by using WordPress’ built-in XMLRPC functionality to communicate with each other. When WP Defender detects an attack on your WordPress website, it will notify Cloudflare. Cloudflare will then block the traffic from that source and protect your website from further damage.
We recommend using WP Defender and Cloudflare together to secure the xmlrpc.php file on your WordPress website.
Adding WP Defender To Your WordPress Website & Protecting The XMLRPC.PHP File.
To add WP Defender to your WordPress website, you need to install and activate the WP Defender plugin on your WordPress website. You can do this by going to the WordPress plugins page and searching for “WP Defender”. Once you have found it, click on the ‘Install Now’ button and activate the plugin.
One of the automatic recommendations will be to block access to the xmlrpc.php file. While we always activate this setting on our WordPress websites, sometimes the xmlrpc file has remained accessible. This has led to us protecting this file further using Cloudflare.
Adding Cloudflare To Your WordPress Website and protecting the XMLRPC.PHP File.
You can sign up for a free account via Cloudflare.com and follow the instructions to protect your domain name and website with Cloudflare.
- To protect the xmlrpc file, navigate the’ Firewall rules’ option in the left-hand menu once you have successfully added your domain name to your Cloudflare account.
- Create a new firewall rule.
- Name the rule, choose URI Path for field name, ‘contains’ should be selected for the Operator field, and xmlrpc.php should be entered into the field.
- The action chosen should be ‘block.’
Conclusion
When the xmlrpc file of your WordPress website is actively being targeted, you will notice that the website’s speed begins to slow. You also run the risk of your website becoming vulnerable and potentially hacked. Integrating both WP Defender and Cloudflare will significantly improve the performance and security of your WordPress website.
