Title: Defender Security &#8211; Malware Scanner, Login Security &amp; Firewall
Author: WPMU DEV - Your All-in-One WordPress Platform
Published: <strong>June 7, 2017</strong>
Last modified: March 3, 2026

---

Search plugins

![](https://ps.w.org/defender-security/assets/banner-772x250.png?rev=2625059)

![](https://ps.w.org/defender-security/assets/icon-256x256.gif?rev=3435930)

# Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall

 By [WPMU DEV – Your All-in-One WordPress Platform](https://profiles.wordpress.org/wpmudev/)

[Download](https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/defender-security.5.10.0.zip)

 * [Details](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/#description)
 * [Reviews](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/#reviews)
 *  [Installation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/#installation)
 * [Development](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/#developers)

 [Support](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/)

## Description

**Defender adds the best in WordPress plugin security to your website with just 
a few clicks, including malware scanner, firewall, password protection, and login
security features. Stop brute force login attacks, weak password usage, SQL injections,
cross-site scripting (XSS), and other WordPress security vulnerabilities and hacks
with Defender’s malware scanner, providing antivirus scans, IP blocking, firewall,
activity log, security log, and two-factor authentication (2FA) login security.**

No more complex security settings, Defender’s malware scanner, firewall, and login
security features add all the hardening and security you need.

Defender is brought to you by the WordPress speed specialists that created Smush
image optimization, now active on more than +1 million websites.

Plus, connect for free to WPMU DEV’s AntiBot Global Firewall to block harmful IPs
with data from over 750,000 sites.

**Enjoy complete site protection from malware, vulnerabilities, bot attacks, and
session hijacking from the start with [Defender Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme-above-the-fold&utm_content=wp_defender_pro).**

Level up security immediately with exclusive Pro features like scheduled malware
scanning, Safe Repair for suspicious files, and known WordPress vulnerability detection.
[Learn more about Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme-above-the-fold&utm_content=wp_defender_pro).

### Security Recommendations

Defender’s one-click security hardening recommendations instantly adds layers of
protection and security to your site.

### Enhance Security and Block Hackers At Every Level:

 * **Malware Scanner** – Scan WordPress core files for modifications and unexpected
   changes which may be caused by malware. Scan for malware and tighten up the security
   of your files.
 * **Outdated & Removed Plugins** – Scans for plugins removed from WordPress.org
   or not updated in 2+ years.
 * **AntiBot Global Firewall** – Connect for free to WPMU DEV to block harmful IPs
   with data from over 750,000 sites.
 * **WordPress Security Firewall** – Block or allowlist IPs, implement IP blocking,
   and Geo IP blocking, user agent banning and protect against brute force attacks.
 * **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)** – Easily set up better security with 2FA 
   to prevent most login attacks such as brute force, App verification, backup codes,
   lost device email, WooCommerce 2FA, and Web Authentication.
 * **Login Masking** – Change the location of WordPress’s default login area to 
   improve login security.
 * **Login Lockout** – Failed login attempts lockout for even more security assurance.
 * **User Agent Banning** – Fortify security by blocking bad bots and user agents
   from accessing your site.
 * **Security Headers** – Add an extra layer of defense security and protect against
   common attacks like: XSS, code injection, and more.
 * **404 Detection Security** – Automated block of bot IPs.
 * **Security Configs** – Create your ideal Defender security plugin settings and
   export / import saved configs to any other site.
 * **Geolocation IP Lockout Security** – Block users based on location and country(
   IP blocking).
 * **Disable Trackbacks And Pingbacks** – Disable these notifications to enhance
   spam protection and site security.
 * **Core And Server Update Security Recommendations** – Stay on top of your system
   security.
 * **Antivirus Scan** – Scan for active security threats, viruses, and other malware.
 * **Disable File Editor** – If they get in, they won’t get far.
 * **Hide Error Reporting** – Hide code errors on the frontend so hackers can’t 
   exploit site security.
 * **Update Security Keys** – Update old WordPress security keys to be more encrypted
   and provide better security.
 * **Prevent Information Disclosure** – Improve server security and protect sensitive
   files by locking down specific file types.
 * **Prevent PHP Execution** – Defender bolsters security by automatically preventing
   any PHP code from being executed.
 * **Bulk Apply Security Recommendations** – Apply multiple recommended security
   improvements at once for quicker site hardening.
 * **Google reCAPTCHA Security** – Easy to add, stop fraud and abuse – including
   BuddyPress and WooCommerce.
 * **Cloudflare Turnstile** – Captcha-free protection from spam and automated attacks,
   including BuddyPress and WooCommerce support.
 * **Pwned Password Check** – Increase security by protecting against compromised
   passwords.
 * **Force Password Reset** – Force users with selected roles to reset passwords.
 * **Force Strong Passwords** – Ensure users create secure credentials by enforcing
   robust password requirements.
 * **User Agent Blocklist Presets** – Easily block unwanted bots and scripts using
   curated user agent presets.
 * **Known Vulnerability & Suspicious Code Scan (Pro Only)** – Scan WordPress core,
   themes, and plugins for vulnerabilities and harmful code.
 * **Malicious Bot Detector (Pro Only)** – Block malicious bots with layered defenses,
   including traps for bots that ignore robots.txt and checks for fake crawlers 
   posing as search engines.
 * **Google Blocklist Monitoring (Pro Only)** – Get instant alerts if your site 
   is flagged by Google.
 * **Session Protection (Pro Only)** – Stop session hijacking and prevent unauthorized
   account access.
 * **Safe Repair For Suspicious Files (Pro Only)** – Restore or replace compromised
   files safely with a single click.
 * **Automated Reports (Pro Only)** – Receive scheduled security reports straight
   to your inbox.

### Learn The Ropes With These Hands-On Defender Security Plugin Tutorials

 * [How to Get the Most Out of Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-defender-security/)
 * [How to Stop Hackers in Their Tracks with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/stop-hackers-with-defender-wordpress-security-plugin/)
 * [Find Out if You’re Hacked: How to Find and Delete Suspicious Code with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/delete-suspicious-code-defender/)
 * [How to Create a Powerful and Secure Customized Firewall with Defender Security](https://wpmudev.com/blog/defender-ip-address-lockout-firewall/)

### WordPress Security Scans

Defender’s malware scanner security checks for suspicious code and malware. It also
compares your WordPress install with the WP directory master copy, and reports any
changes so you can restore the original file with a click.

### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Security

Easily add an extra layer of protection and security to your WordPress sites with
Defender’s two-factor authentication (2FA) features. Including: mobile app verification(
Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy), backup code generation, lost
device emails, WooCommerce 2FA, Biometric Authentication (fingerprint/facial recognition),
and Hardware Key Authentication (USB security keys). Easily prevent brute force 
attacks and login security vulnerabilities.

### Login Protection

Brute force attacks are no match for Defender’s login security. Limit login attempts
so hackers can’t guess passwords. Permanently ban IPs or trigger a timed lockout
after a set number of failed login attempts. Use Geo IP blocking to ban users from
specific countries or locations.

### Firewall Security and IP Manager

Improve your website security with Defender’s IP manager and firewall. Manually 
block specific IPs, import a list of banned IPs, and set automated timed and permanent
lockouts. Defender makes it easy to block and unblock specific locations quickly
thanks to its advanced firewall security(WAF) offering Geographical IP blocking.

### User Agent Banning

Add user agents to the block or allowlist and stop bad bots from spamming and scraping
your site. All major search engines and special network bots are allow-listed out
of the box. Easy to set up, Defender’s user agent banning tool now includes built-
in bot and script presets to help you quickly block malicious traffic. It does all
the security work for you—no editing of the .htaccess file required.

### Google reCAPTCHA Integration

Add reCAPTCHA security to your login / registration pages, lost password forms, 
and post comments in a couple of steps to up security and help protect from fraud
and abuse. Select reCAPTCHA type, language, location, and style to suit. As well
as Google, Defender also supports the following reCAPTCHA types:

 * BuddyPress reCAPTCHA
 * WooCommerce reCAPTCHA

### Login Screen Masking

Defender makes it easy to move your login screen to a custom URL. Not only does 
login screen masking improve security, but it also lets you white label your login
user experience and improves branding.

### Force Password Reset

Enhance site security by forcing all users with selected roles to reset their password
at any time. Especially helpful if you suspect a possible data breach on your site.

### Security Headers

Protect your site against common attacks, such as: XSS, code injection, cross site
scripting, and more. Enable the following security headers:

 * X-Frame-Options
 * X-XSS-Protection
 * X-Content-Type-Options
 * Strict Transport
 * Referrer Policy
 * Permissions-Policy

### 404 Limiter

Detect when bots are being used to scan your site for security vulnerabilities and
shut them down. The 404 limiter lets you stop the scan by detecting when a bot keeps
visiting pages that do not exist, which can also save you from a giant strain on
your site’s performance.

### Security Notifications and Reports

Defender runs surveillance and sends security notifications with information that
matters. All activity and notifications are recorded in the activity log to let 
you see at a glance the website security actions that have been taken by the Defender
security plugin.

### Reduce Security Setup Time With Saved Configs

Save your Defender security plugin configurations and reapply them to your other
sites in just a few clicks. You can create and save an unlimited number of security
configurations.

### Pwned Password Check

Entered passwords are checked against public database breach records to further 
boost security. If a password is identified as compromised, the user will be asked
to change it.

### Custom IP Block/Allowlist

Create your IP block/allow list once, then apply and automatically sync it to all
your other sites with just a single click. Save hours by not having to manually 
add IPs to each individual site. *Note: a [free WPMU DEV account] (https://wpmudev.
com/register) is required to access this feature.

### What Do People Say About Defender?

★★★★★
 “I found other pro security plugins a bit too fiddly for my taste…I’m delighted
with Defender” – [KeithADV](https://profiles.wordpress.org/keithadv)

★★★★★
 “Thank you for bringing back a free and easy to use 2-Factor Authentication
after Clef! Defender helps keep me aware of my site’s security.” – [awijasa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/awijasa/)

★★★★★
 “Defender’s interface is very intuitive with warnings that are very helpful”–
[djohns](https://wpmudev.com/profile/djohns)

★★★★★
 “Defender Recently blocked over 3000 attacks in one week without any noticeable
impact on the website. WPMUDEV knocking it out of the park on this one.” – [David Oswald](https://wpmudev.com/profile/davidoswald/)

### Secure Websites, More Trust, Better Profit

If you’re running a business website or eCommerce store, privacy, security, uptime
and trust are essential.

The Defender security plugin is here to help you: it’s a one of a kind WordPress
security plugin that makes web security easy for anyone, for free!

 * Malware scanner
 * Google two-factor authentication (2FA)
 * Web Authentication
 * Firewall setup and configuration
 * One-click site hardening and security tweaking
 * WordPress core file scanning and repair
 * Ongoing firewall security
 * Google reCAPTCHA
 * Security headers
 * One-click security configs
 * Login Screen Masking
 * Pwned Password Check
 * IP Blocklist manager and logging
 * Geo IP blocking
 * User agent banning
 * Unlimited file scans
 * Timed Lockout brute force login attack shield for login security
 * 404 limiter for blocking vulnerability scans
 * IP lockout notifications and security reports

All the above is free and will enhance WordPress security for you. If you need extra
security for your WordPress site, [you should get a WPMU DEV Membership](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=you_should_get_wpmudev_membership#trial).

Our Membership gives you access to Defender Pro – which security features include
automated scanning, scheduled malware scans for Core, themes, plugins and other 
files, audit logs, firewall protection, Safe Repair, Blocklist monitoring – alongside
Snapshot Pro cloud backups, the Hub with automated plugin, theme and core updates
and safe-upgrade scans, all our premium WordPress plugins, 24/7 WordPress support
and if your sites already been hacked our team of security experts will clean it
up at no additional cost.

[It’s an incredible deal, and you can find out more here](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=and_you_can_find_out_more_here#trial).

### About Us

WPMU DEV is a premium supplier of quality WordPress plugins and themes. For premium
support with any WordPress-related issues you can join us here:
 [https://wpmudev.com/](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_link)

Don’t forget to stay up to date on everything WordPress from the Internet’s number
one resource:
 [WPMU DEV Blog](https://wpmudev.com/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=wpmu_dev_blog_link)

Hey, one more thing… we hope you [enjoy our free offerings](https://profiles.wordpress.org/WPMUDEV/)
as much as we’ve loved making them for you!

## Screenshots

 * [[
 * Malware scans and one-click website security hardening recommendations.
 * [[
 * Layered security recommendations let you harden your site with a few clicks.
 * [[
 * Enable AntiBot & Local Firewall for smart, layered defense against bots and brute-
   force attacks.
 * [[
 * Keep your account safe with 2FA options including TOTP apps, backup codes, and
   secure fallback methods.
 * [[
 * Use built-in password rules to ensure only secure, uncompromised passwords are
   used.
 * [[
 * Never miss a threat—Defender emails you security updates on your schedule.

## Installation

 1. Upload the `wp-defender` plugin to your `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
 2. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress.
 3. Configure and manage using the `defender` menu item in the WordPress dashboard.
 4. Done!

## FAQ

### Why should I choose Defender over other security plugins?

Defender is built to add all the best hardening and website security recommendations
used by the pros without having to become a security expert. This means you get 
all the most effective and proven protection methods other services provide with
fewer settings, one-click hardening and faster setup.

### Is installing Defender the only step I need to take for better WordPress security?

Hackers and bot attacks are not the only security threats to your site. No matter
what security plugin or service you use, always be prepared with a secure backup
stored in a safe location away from your live site. Security does not protect from
hosting outages, server errors and accidentally lost or damaged data. We recommend
[Snapshot](https://wpmudev.com/project/snapshot/?utm_source=wordpress.org&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=defender-readme&utm_content=snapshot#trial).
Defender with scheduled managed backups is the best way to keep your site safe.

### Does Defender security protect against harmful bots?

Yes! Defender’s Firewall gives you robust site protection and security by allowing
you to block bad bot IPs and use geographical IP blocking

### Can I use Defender with other security plugins?

You can. Just make sure not to enable the same security features in the third-party
plugin that you also have enabled in Defender, as this might cause conflicts, such
as malware scanners, firewall, and login security features.

### Is Defender’s security compatible with WordPress Multisite?

Yes! All of Defender’s security features are fully compatible with a multisite installation.
It can be network enabled and managed from the network admin.

### Does Defender offer spam protection and security?

Yes, Defender provides multiple layers of spam protection and security. A large 
percentage of Trackbacks and Pingbacks are spam, and Defender allows you to easily
disable both to reduce spam and improve site security. Additionally, Defender includes
the AntiBot Global Firewall, which blocks known malicious IPs and bots before they
even reach your site, offering proactive protection against common attacks and spam
bots.

### Will my site be protected from DDoS attacks and similar security threats?

Yes. Defender’s IP banning, IP lockout, and 404 detection security features can 
identify DDoS attacks and block bad IPs.

### I’ve locked myself out of my admin panel, what can I do?

If you’re the administrator and you’ve been locked out due to multiple failed login
attempts, Defender offers two options:

Option #1: Use the “Unlock Me” feature:

Click the Unlock Me button on the login page and enter your username or the email
address linked to your site. You’ll receive an email with a secure link to unlock
your account and regain access — no technical steps needed.

Option #2: Use the manual method (if email doesn’t work):

Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file, located in the main directory
of your active theme.

    ```
    add_filter( 'ip_lockout_default_whitelist_ip', function ( $ips ) {
      $ip    = 'YOUR IP HERE';
      $ips[] = $ip;
      return $ips;
    } );
    ```

Replace “YOUR IP HERE” with your actual IP address (you can use a tool like whatsmyip
to find it.)

### Help! I was already hacked. What should I do?

WPMU DEV’s expert support can advise you on how to clean up your site if it’s been
hacked. Create a new thread in our [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/),
or [Defender Pro](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/) gives you access to 
24/7 live support.

### How can I report security issues or bugs?

We take plugin security incredibly seriously; if you have a bug or vulnerability
to report, you can do so through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program.
It’s fast, easy, and you will be notified when the issue is fixed. [Report a vulnerability](https://patchstack.com/database/vdp/defender-security).

### I have another question, where’s the best place to get help with security?

Please open a new thread in Defender’s [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/).
Our support team is always happy to help!

## Reviews

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3410ee603eda86a9feda08f96841213dfb65a2ed17270d444620d3965c4e827e?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Excellent app](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/excellent-app-105/)󠁿

 [ivanhomecom](https://profiles.wordpress.org/ivanhomecom/) March 18, 2026 1 reply

Excellent app I recoment

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/422fe1aa292d26511156675241f18e0e71bde34cf1f0cd815bc4ffcca503ee36?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Defender 5.10.0](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/defender-5-10-0/)󠁿

 [Mykola Kolos](https://profiles.wordpress.org/kolosmykola/) March 14, 2026 1 reply

After updating to version 5.10.0, it conflicts with Elementor Pro version 3.35.7It
causes it to switch to safe mode.Disabling the plugin resolved the issue.The plugin
handles security tasks well.

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45f836aeb51a92fe9afad417678fc1e20ec12a1889eb195b36dccc3759e1c1de?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Very good and secure!](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/very-good-and-secure/)󠁿

 [lwloingo](https://profiles.wordpress.org/lwloingo/) March 3, 2026 1 reply

Many attacks have been repelled, and you are well informed about the measures necessary
to maintain protection.

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6909d6594c024025a630b75a29963f696cca526613bb7a3a3a76c6f1417d1cce?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Best Malware help and comprehensive support – love it](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/best-malware-help-and-comprehensive-support-love-it/)󠁿

 [rohitsinghvi2006](https://profiles.wordpress.org/rohitsinghvi2006/) February 27,
2026 1 reply

If defender is with you you dont need to worry about your website.

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8ed9ca18c96ded9eaab6d69eadd35851deec38b8c5db782436290ec0111f6f5f?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Awesome Plugin](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/awesome-plugin-7475/)󠁿

 [shaileshbhardwaj](https://profiles.wordpress.org/shaileshbhardwaj/) January 24,
2026 1 reply

Awesome Plugin

![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1a441930e837272ec80fd08d77a4418d286eaeb907844804f5266838cf71e046?
s=60&d=retro&r=g)

### 󠀁[Seguridad](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/seguridad-5/)󠁿

 [raulebarrios](https://profiles.wordpress.org/raulebarrios/) January 15, 2026 1
reply

Excelente plugin de seguridad.

 [ Read all 330 reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/)

## Contributors & Developers

“Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” is open source 
software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.

Contributors

 *   [ WPMU DEV – Your All-in-One WordPress Platform ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/wpmudev/)

“Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” has been translated
into 15 locales. Thank you to [the translators](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/defender-security/contributors)
for their contributions.

[Translate “Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall” into your language.](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/defender-security)

### Interested in development?

[Browse the code](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/defender-security/),
check out the [SVN repository](https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/defender-security/),
or subscribe to the [development log](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/defender-security/)
by [RSS](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/defender-security/?limit=100&mode=stop_on_copy&format=rss).

## Changelog

#### 5.10.0 ( 2026-02-26 )

 * Enhancement: Improve AntiBot Stats endpoint
 * Enhancement: Improve handling of response data in the Audit API
 * Enhancement: Update malware signatures
 * Enhancement: Improve suspicious issue view on the Malware Scanning page
 * Enhancement: Include selected presets in the User Agent blocklist during export
 * Fix: Error when filtering the Firewall logs
 * Fix: Error when switching languages with WPML while Bot Trap is enabled
 * Fix: Strong Passwords do not work when Mask Login URL is enabled
 * Fix: Colored elements appear on Defender admin pages when High Contrast Mode 
   is enabled
 * Fix: Exported Firewall logs do not follow the selected sort order

#### 5.9.0 ( 2026-01-27 )

 * New: WooCommerce and BuddyPress integrations in Cloudflare Turnstile
 * Enhancement: Compatibility with PHP 8.4
 * Enhancement: Update malware signatures
 * Enhancement: Update ALTCHA functionality
 * Enhancement: Improve plugin code style using PHPStan
 * Enhancement: Refactor CAPTCHA file structure
 * Enhancement: Add Thinkbot user agent to Blocklist Presets
 * Enhancement: Display the readme file on the Malware Scanning page after it is
   renamed
 * Enhancement: Add new “Outdated and closed plugin” key to the config structure
 * Fix: Prevent audit logs from being created when updating a user profile without
   changes
 * Fix: Backslash character in salt generator can break the site
 * Fix: Update copy for Mask URL block page
 * Fix: Hide Settings > General > “More info” link when Whitelabel is enabled
 * Fix: Inconsistent validation in CAPTCHA when the Preview test is not passed
 * Fix: IP address and event type filters not working in the audit log export file
 * Fix: Masked Login URL slug validation after activation

#### 5.8.1 ( 2026-01-12 )

 * Enhancement: Miscellaneous improvements

#### 5.8.0 ( 2025-12-24 )

 * New: Detect suspicious code in JavaScript files during Malware Scanning
 * Enhancement: Prevent false lockouts when requests contain mixed Facebook/Twitterbot
   user agents
 * Enhancement: Update Axios and form-data package versions
 * Enhancement: Update malware signatures
 * Enhancement: Split Bulk checkboxes between tabs on Malware Scanning page
 * Enhancement: Display Disconnect Site button on Defender’s general settings screen
 * Enhancement: Improve plugin code style using PHPStan
 * Enhancement: Improve UI for background Malware Scanning
 * Enhancement: Restore reCAPTCHA class alias for backward compatibility
 * Enhancement: Add new audit logging events
 * Enhancement: Migrate notification events to the centralized Cron Manager
 * Enhancement: Migrate common plugin events to the centralized Cron Manager
 * Fix: Update .htaccess rules for LiteSpeed servers
 * Fix: Duplicate user agent records in robots.txt
 * Fix: Extra space and hidden Google reCAPTCHA field shown on multisite registration
   page
 * Fix: Duplicates of Ignored Scan issues
 * Fix: Deprecation warnings from the thecodingmachine/safe package in PHP 8.4
 * Fix: Quarantine activation link does not work in the free version
 * Fix: Incorrect “Configure” button flow in the Firewall widget on the Dashboard
 * Fix: UI improvements

#### 5.7.2 ( 2025-12-15 )

 * Enhancement: Miscellaneous improvements

#### 5.7.1 ( 2025-11-24 )

 * Fix: Improve 404 detection flow

#### 5.7.0 ( 2025-11-18 )

 * New: Cloudflare Turnstile integration
 * Enhancement: Compatibility with WordPress 6.9
 * Enhancement: Redesigned CAPTCHA menu
 * Enhancement: Optimize database performance on multisite
 * Enhancement: Add additional widget IDs on Defender’s Dashboard page
 * Enhancement: Add new hooks to simplify Audit testing and Firewall logs deletion
 * Enhancement: Update minimum supported PHP version to 8.0
 * Enhancement: Disable New Scan button until the background scan is complete
 * Enhancement: Migrate Security Recommendations multisite events to the centralized
   Cron Manager system
 * Enhancement: Migrate Malware Scanning multisite events to the centralized Cron
   Manager system
 * Enhancement: Tracking improvements
 * Fix: Masking URL displays a notice when using a slug already assigned to another
   page
 * Fix: Defender not detecting some outdated plugins
 * Fix: Recommended PHP version appears as NULL on WP Engine hosting
 * Fix: Default Security Config name and description not saving properly
 * Fix: UI improvements

#### 5.6.2 ( 2025-11-20 )

 * Enhancement: Miscellaneous improvements

[Changelog for previous versions](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/#view-changelog).

## Commercial plugin

This plugin is free but offers additional paid commercial upgrades or support. [View support](https://wpmudev.com/project/wp-defender/)

## Meta

 *  Version **5.10.0**
 *  Last updated **1 month ago**
 *  Active installations **90,000+**
 *  WordPress version ** 6.4 or higher **
 *  Tested up to **6.9.4**
 *  PHP version ** 8.0.0 or higher **
 *  Languages
 * [Bengali (Bangladesh)](https://bn.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), 
   [Catalan](https://ca.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [Chinese (China)](https://cn.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Chinese (Hong Kong)](https://zh-hk.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Dutch](https://nl.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [English (US)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Greek](https://el.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [Malayalam](https://ml.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Polish](https://pl.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [Portuguese (Brazil)](https://br.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Portuguese (Portugal)](https://pt.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Russian](https://ru.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [Spanish (Argentina)](https://es-ar.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   [Turkish](https://tr.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/), [Ukrainian](https://uk.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/),
   and [Vietnamese](https://vi.wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/).
 *  [Translate into your language](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/defender-security)
 * Tags
 * [firewall](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/firewall/)[login security](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/login-security/)
   [malware](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/malware/)[malware scanner](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/malware-scanner/)
   [security](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/security/)
 *  [Advanced View](https://wordpress.org/plugins/defender-security/advanced/)

## Ratings

 4.8 out of 5 stars.

 *  [  301 5-star reviews     ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/?filter=5)
 *  [  11 4-star reviews     ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/?filter=4)
 *  [  5 3-star reviews     ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/?filter=3)
 *  [  5 2-star reviews     ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/?filter=2)
 *  [  8 1-star reviews     ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/?filter=1)

[Add my review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/#new-post)

[See all reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/reviews/)

## Contributors

 *   [ WPMU DEV – Your All-in-One WordPress Platform ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/wpmudev/)

## Support

Issues resolved in last two months:

     5 out of 5

 [View support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/defender-security/)