Spam in WordPress is not a minor problem limited to a few annoying messages in comments. It is a complex phenomenon that, without proper security measures, leads to system destabilization, a deterioration of the site’s image, and opening the way to malware attacks. The worst thing is that many people find out about it too late – when the site starts working slowly, Google imposes a filter, and contact forms stop working.
How to block WordPress spam?
Blocking spam in WordPress requires a multi-layered approach – one change in settings is not enough. Specific female database configurations, analysis of user behavior, and implementation of tools that automate protection are needed.
Take a look at the most effective methods.
Example of spam in WordPress.
Image 1. Example of spam in WordPress.
Manual comment moderation is a must
In the Settings Discussion tab you will find two functions that are the basis for managing comments, but remember that:
Comments must be approved manually – this option holds each comment in a buffer before it appears on the blog;
the commenter must automate for customer retention have previously approved the comment – then if the author is considered trusted, his or her subsequent entries will appear without moderation.
Stopping a spammer from making initial contact with the comment space protects the site from creating a trusted user profile that then attempts to post content containing links, malicious links, or fake data.
Reduce spam by restricting access
In the moderation section you can also configure additional criteria:
automatically stopping comments containing more than a certain number of links (e.g. more than 1);
blocking specific phrases in calling list content, email addresses and usernames;
blocking by IP address or username, which is especially useful in the case of repeated spam attempts from the same sources.
Technical protection using anti-spam plugins
Plugins are the backbone of effective spam protection. WordPress allows the integration of many tools that rely on machine learning, spam pattern matching, and IP reputation.
Most frequently used:
Akismet Anti-Spam
Akismet Anti Spam – Anti-spam plugin for WordPress.
Image 2. Akismet Anti Spam – spam plugin for WordPress.
Default plugin installed with WordPress. Analyzes comments and contact form submissions and classifies them based on the reputation of the source. Akismet uses a global database of spam – if an email, IP, or piece of content has been marked as spam on another site, the plugin will react immediately by blocking the comment or sending it for manual moderation.