Marc Armengou

Security Hardener is inspired by the official WordPress hardening guide (Advanced Administration / Security / Hardening). It uses the platform’s standard functions and does not override core. Applies a prudent set of defenses:
<ul>
<li>Security headers: <code>X-Frame-Options</code>, <code>X-Content-Type-Options</code>, <code>Referrer-Policy</code>, <code>Permissions-Policy</code>, <code>COOP/CORP</code>. </li>
<li>HSTS (optional; HTTPS only). </li>
<li>Basic nonce-based CSP (optional; requires testing). </li>
<li>Disable XML-RPC and pingbacks (optional; enabled by default). </li>
<li>Hide the WordPress version in the <code><head></code>. </li>
<li>Block user enumeration via <code>/?author=</code> by returning 404. </li>
<li>Generic login errors (prevents information leakage). </li>
<li>IP-based login rate limiting with transients (configurable threshold and window). </li>
<li>Restrict the REST API to authenticated users, with a minimal allowlist for oEmbed/index.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
⚠️ Important: The restrict REST API option and CSP can affect integrations and plugins. Test it in staging first.
</blockquote>
Privacy: the plugin does not send data to external services or create new tables. It only uses transients to count failed login attempts.

Security Hardener

Basic hardening: secure headers, enumeration blocking, generic login errors, IP-based rate limiting, and optional restriction of the REST API.

Rafal Gierlicki

NETSENSAI Shield offers a range of security features, including:
Changing the login URL to reduce brute force attack risks.
Disabling the REST API (WP API JSON) for non-logged-in users.
Disabling XML-RPC to prevent unauthorized access.
Disabling the WordPress file editor to avoid accidental or malicious changes.
Disabling Application Passwords to block unauthorized API access.
Applying advanced HTTP security headers (e.g., HSTS, X-Frame-Options, Content-Security-Policy).
Integration with W3 Total Cache:
Permanently disable .htaccess writes by W3TC
Runtime disabling of Page Cache UI
One-time full cache flush on first admin page load
Automatic cache flush on Secure Options save
Physical cleanup and permanent disable via the W3TC API
Suppression of Site Health REST API availability notices for non-logged-in users (removes false Site Health errors while maintaining full API blocking).
In addition, the plugin provides helpful user feedback:
Email notifications when the login URL changes – sends a localized HTML email (Polish or English) with your old and new login links, change date and the plugin logo, so you remember to update your bookmarks.
Admin popup when disabling the WP API JSON – displays a friendly modal warning that disabling the REST API may break plugins like WooCommerce or contact forms. The popup includes a purchase link to upgrade to the PRO version if you need this feature without losing functionality.
Scoped styling – the custom colour for the “Save changes” button is now limited to the Secure Options page, so other admin pages keep the default WordPress look.
Promotional banner assistant – notifies administrators of summer discount codes and NETSENSAI Shield PRO features.
The free version provides both core and advanced Level 3 security functionalities. A PRO version offers extended support, additional features, and automatic protection enhancements.

NETSENSAI Shield

Hardens and protects your site by locking down login, REST API, XML‑RPC, file editor, and applying HTTP security headers.

Security Hardener vs NETSENSAI Shield