Jeff Starr

Julio Potier

wp-website-mastery

John H

Aldo Latino

<blockquote>
🔥 Install, activate, and done! 
 🔥 Powerful protection from WP’s fastest firewall plugin.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://perishablepress.com/block-bad-queries/" rel="nofollow ugc">BBQ Firewall</a> is a lightweight, blazing-fast firewall plugin that protects your site against a wide range of threats. BBQ checks all incoming traffic and quietly blocks bad requests containing nasty stuff like <code>eval(</code>, <code>base64_</code>, and excessively long request-strings. This is a simple yet solid solution for sites that are unable to use a <a href="https://perishablepress.com/8g-firewall/" rel="nofollow ugc">strong Apache/.htaccess firewall</a>.
<blockquote>
🔥 Adds a strong firewall to ANY WordPress site 
 🔥 Works with all WordPress plugins and themes
</blockquote>
Powerful Protection
BBQ protects your site against many threats:
<ul>
<li>SQL injection attacks</li>
<li>Executable file uploads</li>
<li>Directory traversal attacks</li>
<li>Unsafe character requests</li>
<li>Excessively long requests</li>
<li>PHP remote/file execution</li>
<li>XSS, XXE, and related attacks</li>
<li>Protects against bad bots</li>
<li>Protects against bad referrers</li>
<li>Protects against bad POST content</li>
<li>Protects against many other bad requests</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
🔥 Works great with <a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/blackhole-bad-bots/" rel="ugc">Blackhole for Bad Bots</a> and <a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/banhammer/" rel="ugc">Banhammer</a>
</blockquote>
Awesome Features
BBQ provides all the best firewall features:
<ul>
<li>Rated <a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/block-bad-queries/#reviews" rel="ugc">5 stars</a> at WordPress.org</li>
<li>100% plug-&-play, zero configuration</li>
<li>100% focused on security and performance</li>
<li>Blocks a wide range of malicious URL requests</li>
<li>Fastest Web Application Firewall (WAF) for WordPress</li>
<li>Based on the <a href="https://perishablepress.com/7g-firewall/" rel="nofollow ugc">7G</a>/<a href="https://perishablepress.com/8g-firewall/" rel="nofollow ugc">8G Firewall</a></li>
<li>Scans all incoming traffic and blocks bad requests</li>
<li>Scans all types of requests: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.</li>
<li>Protects against known bad bots and referrers</li>
<li>Works silently behind the scenes to protect your site</li>
<li>Hassle-free security plugin that’s easy to use</li>
<li>Thoroughly tested, error-free performance</li>
<li>Extremely low rate of false positives</li>
<li>Compatible with other security plugins</li>
<li>Regularly updated and “future proof”</li>
<li>Firewall < 10 kilobytes in size</li>
<li>Lightweight, fast and flexible</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
🔥 For advanced protection and features, check out <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">BBQ Pro »</a>
</blockquote>
Exclusive Pro Version Features
<ul>
<li>Customize firewall via plugin settings</li>
<li>Easily add or remove firewall patterns</li>
<li>Easily add Jeff Starr’s <a href="https://perishablepress.com/ultimate-ai-block-list/" rel="nofollow ugc">AI Block List</a></li>
<li>Send Email Alerts for blocked requests</li>
<li>Quickly enable/disable firewall rules</li>
<li>Disable firewall for logged-in users</li>
<li>Block excessively long URI requests</li>
<li>Protect against XML-RPC exploits</li>
<li>Block any individual IP address</li>
<li>Block entire ranges of IP addresses</li>
<li>Protect against user-ID phishing</li>
<li>Redirect all blocked requests</li>
<li>Display a custom “blocked” message</li>
<li>Set your own response status code</li>
<li>Complete inline documentation</li>
<li>Statistics for blocked requests</li>
<li>Tools to reset options and patterns</li>
<li>Import and Export firewall patterns</li>
<li>One-click pattern testing</li>
<li>Whitelist IP addresses</li>
</ul>
..plus everything the free version can do and more.
<blockquote>
🔥 Learn more and <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">get BBQ Pro »</a>
</blockquote>
Privacy
This plugin does not collect or store any user data. It does not set any cookies, and it does not connect to any third-party locations. Thus, this plugin does not affect user privacy in any way.
BBQ Firewall is developed and maintained by <a href="https://x.com/perishable" rel="nofollow ugc">Jeff Starr</a>, 15-year <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress developer</a> and <a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">book author</a>.
<blockquote>
🔥 BBQ = Block Bad Queries
</blockquote>
Support development
I develop and maintain this free plugin with love for the WordPress community. To show support, you can <a href="https://monzillamedia.com/donate.html" rel="nofollow ugc">make a donation</a> or purchase one of my books:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">The Tao of WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://digwp.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Digging into WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://htaccessbook.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">.htaccess made easy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/wordpress-themes-book/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress Themes In Depth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/downloads/wizards-collection-sql-recipes-wordpress/" rel="nofollow ugc">Wizard’s SQL Recipes for WordPress</a></li>
</ul>
And/or purchase one of my premium WordPress plugins:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">BBQ Pro</a> – Blazing fast WordPress firewall</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/blackhole-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Blackhole Pro</a> – Automatically block bad bots</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/banhammer-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Banhammer Pro</a> – Monitor traffic and ban the bad guys</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">GA Google Analytics Pro</a> – Connect WordPress to Google Analytics</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/head-meta-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Head Meta Pro</a> – Ultimate Meta Tags for WordPress</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/simple-ajax-chat-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Simple Ajax Chat Pro</a> – Unlimited chat rooms</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">USP Pro</a> – Unlimited front-end forms</li>
</ul>
Links, tweets and likes also appreciated. Thank you! 🙂

BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security


I have made a living as a WP developer for close to 20 years and have almost seen it all during that time.  I manage a lot of sites for myself and for clients.  This is one of the most useful plugins that I have come across in the security space.



I liked it so much, I sprung for the Pro version which adds a few extra features.



Certainly, you could get by with .htaccess rules (either yourself, or with what Jeff provides), but this makes it much easier to implement.  I really have made use of the adding custom patterns feature, and the tracking of blocked attempts shows that this is very effective.



It's a simple plugin, really, which is what I like most.  As a WP developer, I could have written my own, but for what Jeff charges for the Pro version, it makes more sense to just buy his.



For the clown who rated it 1 star - that guy didn't really have a clue what he was talking about, and appeared to be someone who thinks he knows what he's talking about but doesn't - that's the most dangerous kind of administrator.  Seriously, this is exactly what a WAF is and is supposed to be, and it works great for what it is.  



Yes, there are other means of intrusion, and this plugin doesn't address those - it's not a "end-all-be-all" which is what I like about it.  Those plugins that try to do it all usually end up being complex, bloated, intrusive, and an all-around a pain to work with.  Instead, Jeff has produced a plugin that does one thing and does it perfectly with clean code and very light overhead.


Great lightweight security


After discovering this plugin, I use it all the time for smaller projects and sometimes for larger projects - doesn't seem to add too much overhead but gives great piece of mind. 


Great plugin - very handy.


BBQ is a lightweight plugin, install it and forget it!


Great plugin and fast support

The fastest firewall plugin for WordPress. Protect against a wide range of threats with minimal performance impact.

Adam W. Warner

SiteLock

tlow

Logan Kipp

Your website deserves protection that’s simple, fast and built for WordPress. SiteLock WordPress Security focuses on the everyday controls that matter most and helps you establish a secure baseline in minutes — WordPress-specific hardening, login protection and a clear Site Health dashboard that keeps you in control without slowing your site down. 
It’s lightweight, action-first protection that complements your host defenses: essential safeguards run inside WordPress while deeper checks happen securely in the SiteLock cloud. Skip heavy on-server scans and alert fatigue — run on-demand checks when you need extra assurance, so you can ship updates with confidence.
<h4>Security that grows with you</h4>
Our goal is straightforward: maintain a strong baseline with minimal overhead while giving you clear visibility and room to grow as your needs evolve. 
And because security is never static, this plugin keeps pace. Next up: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to strengthen login security (coming soon).
<h4>Commercial plugin</h4>
This plugin is free but offers additional paid commercial upgrades or support.
<h3>What’s included</h3>
<h4>WordPress Hardening: Cut common attack paths in just a few clicks.</h4>
<ul>
<li>Disable directory listing.</li>
<li>Restrict PHP execution in upload folders.</li>
<li>Limit unsafe script types.</li>
<li>Force strong configuration defaults to close risky gaps.</li>
</ul>
All options are toggle-based and reversible — safe to enable, easy to test and lightweight on performance
<h4>Login Security: Protect what matters most — your access</h4>
<ul>
<li>Brute-force defense: Blocks repeated failed logins and temporarily locks abusive IPs.</li>
<li>Password policy prompts: Encourage stronger credentials without breaking workflows.</li>
<li>Session timeouts: Automatically end idle sessions to prevent account hijacks.</li>
<li>Activity awareness: View recent logins and admin changes in the Activity Log.</li>
</ul>
Heads-up: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — a second layer of verification for even greater login protection. It’s already in development and will arrive as part of the next plugin milestone.
<h4>Site Health & Cloud Checks: Clarity without noise.</h4>
<ul>
<li>Site Health Dashboard: Surface key signals in one view — WordPress hardening status, last scan timestamp and actionable indicators</li>
<li>Cloud Checks: Connect your free SiteLock account to enable recurring off-server checks (Webpage Scan, SSL Verification, Email Reputation and more)</li>
<li>Scan Now: Run on-demand checks after updates or changes for instant assurance -no heavy, always-on local scanners</li>
<li>Activity Log: Track what’s happening across your WordPress admin. See admin/login events at a glance making it easy to spot anomalies early and keep accountability clear.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Why Choose SiteLock WordPress Security?</h4>
<ul>
<li>Lightweight by design: All high-impact protections, no unnecessary load</li>
<li>Real visibility: Know your security posture in seconds with Site Health</li>
<li>Cloud-powered assurance: Checks run off-server, protecting performance</li>
<li>Flexible setup: Use standalone or connect a SiteLock account for added layers</li>
<li>Future-ready: Two-Factor Authentication and enhanced security features are already on the horizon</li>
<li>Trusted heritage: From the global leader in SMB website security backed by continuous innovation and research</li>
<li>Aligned to WordPress: Designed to stay out of your way and keep performance priorities intact</li>
</ul>
<h4>Who It’s For</h4>
<ul>
<li>Small businesses & startups</li>
<li>Portfolio & personal brand sites</li>
<li>WooCommerce shops & small e-commerce</li>
<li>Agencies & website maintenance services</li>
<li>Freelance developers & web designers</li>
<li>Bloggers, creators & publishers</li>
<li>Community & membership sites</li>
<li>Nonprofits & educational sites</li>
</ul>
If you manage a WordPress website, SiteLock gives you confidence and control whether you run one site or hundreds.
<h4>Can I Fix an Already-Infected Site with This Plugin?</h4>
The plugin focuses on prevention, posture and visibility — not full malware removal. It isn’t designed to fully clean up sites that were infected before it was active. 
If your site is already compromised, act quickly, we recommend:
<ul>
<li>Restoring from a clean backup if available</li>
<li>Remove malicious files manually or with professional help</li>
<li>For urgent assistance, consider <a href="https://www.sitelock.com/products/fix-hacked-site/" rel="nofollow ugc">SiteLock 911 – Emergency Malware Removal</a> for rapid cleanup</li>
<li>For ongoing defense, consider <a href="https://www.sitelock.com/pricing/" rel="nofollow ugc">choosing a comprehensive SiteLock plan</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Don’t Know Where To Start? Try This</h4>
Here are common first moves teams take with SiteLock. Order isn’t enforced — choose what fits your site and workflow:
<ul>
<li>Enable WordPress hardening that matches your hosting and theme setup</li>
<li>Turn on Login Security controls: brute-force lockouts, session timeouts, and password-hygiene prompts</li>
<li>Connect a free SiteLock account, then use Scan Now to run an on-demand check after plugin/theme updates</li>
<li>Review the Activity Log after major changes to spot unexpected admin/login events quickly 
Make one change at a time, validate and roll back any toggle that conflicts with your stack.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Need Help with Setup or Fixes?</h4>
<ul>
<li>Visit <a href="https://www.sitelock.com/help-center/" rel="nofollow ugc">Help Center – WordPress</a> for plugin specific help</li>
<li>For broader topics explore the <a href="https://www.sitelock.com/help-center/" rel="nofollow ugc">SiteLock Help Center</a></li>
</ul>

SiteLock Security – WP Hardening, Login Security & Malware Scans

Free, lightweight WordPress security. WP Hardening, login protection and Site Health & on‑demand checks without slowing your site. Setup in minutes.

BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security vs SiteLock Security – WP Hardening, Login Security & Malware Scans