Do you want to protect your WordPress site from malicious attacks? One of the most effective ways to do this is to disable the WordPress REST API. If used improperly, the REST API can become an entrance for hackers to access your site and wreak havoc. In this article, you will learn how to disable the WordPress REST API in a few simple steps, so you can stay safe and secure. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Understanding the Basics of the WordPress REST API
The WordPress REST API enables developers to interact with WordPress from a variety of platforms, languages and frameworks. With this powerful tool, you can use the WordPress backend to access and manipulate data, create custom content, and create unique web experiences for your users. Here are a few of the basics of the WordPress REST API.
Features
- Restful Websites – WordPress REST API allows you to create interactive, restful websites that are secure, performance optimized, and easy-to-maintain.
- Data Manipulation – Through the WordPress REST API, you can manipulate data stored in your WordPress database in various ways.
- API Integration – The WordPress REST API is easily integrated with other APIs and is designed to scale.
With the WordPress REST API, you can create complex and powerful websites that are accessible from anywhere in the world. Moreover, you can use the API to expand the functionality of WordPress, and build custom extensions, themes, and plugins.
2. Reasons to Disable the WordPress REST API
Performance – Enabling the REST API can add a considerable amount of additional load to your server. The API calls are treated separately from the regular page requests, and can add strain to an already taxed server. If you’re seeing a significant performance loss due to the API being enabled, it’s probably a good idea to disable it.
Security – The WordPress REST API is a powerful tool for developers to build upon, but at the same time, it’s quite complex. Without properly securing your API with authentication, you’re at a significantly higher risk of leaving your site vulnerable. If ordinary API safety isn’t enough to protect your site, you should consider disabling the API altogether.
- Utilize IP whitelisting & user authentication
- Set up proper encryption protocols
- Use logging to track API usage & errors
3. Taking the Steps to Disable the WordPress REST API
WordPress REST API is a great tool for increasing the core functionality of website applications, but, if left enabled, it can be a security risk. To mitigate any potential security issues, it is recommended to disable the WordPress REST API. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to ensure your website is secure.
- Disable Permalinks – Access your WordPress Dashboard and go to the Settings section. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Permalinks. Set the Permalinks Structure to “Plain,” and then save the page. This will effectively disable the permalinks, and any of the URLs created from them.
- Modify HTACCESS File – A file named .htaccess should be created in the root WordPress folder. Open the file, delete all of the content, and paste the following code:
# Block The WordPress REST API
Deny from allSave the file, and the WordPress REST API will be disabled
That’s all you need to do to ensure that WordPress REST API remains disabled. Following these steps will ensure that your website is as secure as possible.
4. Verifying the WordPress REST API is Disabled
After securing your WordPress website, it’s also important to verify that the WordPress REST API is disabled.
- To check that the API disabled, connect to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
- Navigate to the Settings section, Basic Settings, and locate the WordPress API subsection.
- Verify that both ‘Allow XML-RPC interface’ and ‘Enable the WordPress REST API’ are turned off and remain unchecked.
In conclusion,If either of these is enabled or checked, disable or uncheck them immediately. As a safety precaution, it’s best to change the XML-RPC interface URL or password protect it to keep the account secure. By disabling the WordPress REST API and changing the URL or password protecting your XML-RPC, you can prevent unauthorized access to your website and maintain the integrity of your site. Although there may be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to disabling the WordPress REST API, it is possible to make the changes necessary to keep your site safe in this digital age.
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