Eric Mann

Rather than sending usernames and passwords in plain text with every request, we’re going to use a set of public/secret keys to hash data and authenticate instead.
On your WordPress profile, you will see a new “Remote Publishing Permissions” section listing out the applications that have permission to publish, along with their public and secret keys.
New applications can be added whenever you want. You can also change the names of applications, or revoke publishing permission by deleting them.
<h3>Additional Information</h3>
Lock graphic designed by Scott Lewis from the thenounproject.com

Secure XML-RPC

More secure wrapper for the WordPress XML-RPC interface.

Mark-k

With WordPress version 3.5 remote publishing via XML-RPC became permanently active. This plugin simulates the functionality in versions 3.4 and before. Once active, XML-RPC functioning is disabled, and it can be enabled or disabled again in the “Settings” >> “Writing” admin page.

Control XML-RPC publishing

Control remote publishing with XML-RPC from the writing settings page.

Secure XML-RPC vs Control XML-RPC publishing