I'd like to propose a how-to guide focused on a critical aspect of WordPress security: file integrity monitoring. The article will explain why it's important, the common pitfalls of manual checks, and provide a practical, automated solution using a lightweight, open-source tool.
- Introduction: The Silent Threat to Your Website
Briefly explain the problem: Hackers and malware often work by silently modifying core files, theme files, or plugin files to inject backdoors, SEO spam, or redirect users.
Emphasize that many site owners don't realize they've been compromised until it's too late.
State the goal of the article: To show how to set up an automated "early warning system" that alerts you the moment a file is changed.
- Why File Integrity Monitoring is Essential
Explain that it's a fundamental security practice, acting like a motion detector for your server.
Quickly mention what types of changes are suspicious (e.g., a modified wp-config.php, a new .php file in wp-content/uploads, or changes to an inactive theme).
Contrast this with other security measures like firewalls (which prevent entry) vs. monitoring (which detects if entry has already happened).
- The Challenge with Manual Checks
Explain why manually checking files via FTP or File Manager is impractical.
It's time-consuming, error-prone, and most importantly, it's not real-time. You might only check once a week, which gives an attacker plenty of time.
- Automating the Process: A Practical Solution
Introduce the concept of using an automated tool that runs on a schedule (e.g., via WP-Cron).
Explain the core logic: The tool should scan the WordPress directory and identify files that have a "last modified" timestamp newer than the last scan.
The crucial next step: Notification. Finding the change is only half the battle; you need to be told about it immediately.
- implementing a Real-Time Alert System with Telegram
Explain why Telegram is a great channel for these alerts (it's free, fast, mobile-first, and has a simple Bot API).
Introduce the open-source plugin as a ready-made solution that implements this exact logic: File Change Scanner with Telegram Notification.
Mention that it's a lightweight, focused tool available on wordpress File Change Scanner plugin
Provide a step-by-step guide on how to set it up. This section will be the core "how-to" part of the article:
Installation: How to install the plugin from the zip file.
Getting Telegram Credentials (The Easy Way):
Creating a bot with @ BotFather to get the Bot Token.
Finding your Chat ID using a helper bot like @ userinfobot.
Configuration: Showing where to paste these credentials in the plugin settings and how to use the "Send Test Message" button to verify it works.
Scheduling: Setting the scan frequency (Hourly, Twice Daily, or Daily).
- What to Do When You Get an Alert
Provide brief, actionable advice for the reader.
Don't panic.
Check the filename and path in the alert.
Did you or another admin recently update a plugin or theme? If so, the change is likely legitimate.
If the change was unexpected, investigate immediately. Check the file contents, revert it from a clean backup, and consider further security scans.
- Conclusion
Summarize the main point: Proactive monitoring is far better than reactive cleanup.
Reiterate that setting up a simple, automated system like this provides immense peace of mind for any WordPress site administrator.
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