Completely make wordpress private?

HOTN
(@hotn)

11 years, 5 months ago

Hi

I was wondering if it is possible to make my blog completely private (me and a few users only)? I’ve used the private plugin which I can set to private and not, but it seems people can still view my pages through google. Per example,
google webcache and google search like so, site:blablalba

I’ve also changed the settings in ‘privacy’ which hopefully the search engines will stop index my site.

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

Christine Rondeau
(@crondeau)

11 years, 5 months ago

I think that the private plugin is probably your best option. Perhaps Google was able to cache your pages prior you having installed it?

I don’t think that these pages will be viewable anymore though.

Pioneer Web Design
(@swansonphotos)

11 years, 5 months ago

There are many ways to keep a website private, please review with your web host for such options and if not possible consider one with millions of private sites.
Rachel Baker
(@rachelbaker)

11 years, 5 months ago
You can set your .htaccess file to require a password to access your site.

You would need to add something like this to your .htaccess file:
```
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Password Required"
AuthUserFile /full/path/to/.htpasswd
Require valid-user
```
…and then you will need to create a file called .htpasswd with a username and password.

Full instructions here:
http://davidwalsh.name/password-protect-directory-using-htaccess
Pioneer Web Design
(@swansonphotos)

11 years, 5 months ago

Since .htaccess seems to be a file maligned on site infiltration, again, discuss with a well used host about security and privacy…it ain’t free…

Rachel Baker
(@rachelbaker)

11 years, 5 months ago

Seacoast Web Design,

I think it is great that you spend time helping in the support forums.

I do agree that the OP should discuss the best approach with their website hosting provider. That is very good advice.

However, I do question the accuracy of this statement:

Since .htaccess seems to be a file maligned on site infiltration,

Pioneer Web Design
(@swansonphotos)

11 years, 5 months ago

If a site is attacked, it’s the first file to try to corrupt…any file name can be used with PHP

Thread Starter HOTN
(@hotn)

11 years, 5 months ago

Thanks everybody for your help.

I do think that .htaccess method will definitely work. I am going to try it out.

And I do hope that google stop publishing my pages soon since people can still access it now 🙁

Moderator Ipstenu (Mika Epstein)
(@ipstenu)

🏳️‍🌈 Advisor and Activist

11 years, 5 months ago

If a site is attacked, it’s the first file to try to corrupt…any file name can be used with PHP

Uh. Okay, I get what you’re saying, but the thing is, if someone can edit that file, they’re already in your server.

You’re arguing that we shouldn’t bother locking the barn door, since once the horses are out, they’re out. Meanwhile the horses are still inside.

Pioneer Web Design
(@swansonphotos)

11 years, 5 months ago

@mika – I am not arguing that at all, but there are other techniques that can be used at a server level other than .htaccess…I think more WP folks should be aware of that…could you list some other examples for us that are not so commonly known?