If you’ve noticed strange search queries or unusual behavior on your WordPress site, you’re not alone. WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a prime target for automated bots looking for vulnerabilities.
Recently, I logged into my WordPress dashboard and found odd search queries like /home/order/complete/id/1
and var_dump(md5(2333))
thanks to the help of Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin.
See below screenshot.
Now I know these aren’t normal user searches. And with the help of ChatGPT, I was able to confirm these are most likely automated probes trying to exploit vulnerabilities in plugins or other databases.
I no longer care about making typos with ChatGPT, it gets me.
Of course! But just like any other source, online or for real life, you should get a second opinion. For me, it’s good ole’ Google.
Bots are testing your site for:
/order
or /index
.
While these bots may not succeed immediately, they pose a real threat. If your site isn’t properly secured, it could lead to:
Now’s a great time for WordPress maintenance for your website.
Here’s how to safeguard your site from bot attacks:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
to your wp-config.php
..htaccess
or a firewall to block access to files like xmlrpc.php
and /wp-admin
.
Bots are persistent, but with the right security measures in place, you can stay ahead of potential threats. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to keeping your WordPress site safe.
Need help securing your WordPress site? Contact me for professional support!