How I Keep My WordPress Sites Safer with One Simple Plugin

How I Keep My WordPress Sites Safer with One Simple Plugin

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, and while it's incredibly powerful and flexible, it also becomes a target for malicious actors. If you're managing a WordPress site, especially one with many plugins, themes, or client contributors, you need a plan to detect unauthorized file changes before they turn into real security problems.

That’s where the Recent File Scanner plugin has made a big difference for me.

*What is Recent File Scanner?
*
Recent File Scanner is a lightweight plugin I created (and now use on all my sites) that scans your WordPress installation for recently added files — specifically in the /wp-content/plugins/ and /wp-content/themes/ directories.

You can configure it to check files created in the last:

1 day

3 days

7 days

or any custom number of days!

This makes it easy to catch:

Unauthorized uploads

Hidden backdoors from malware

Unexplained file additions after a plugin update or migration

*Real-World Use Cases
*
Here are a few situations where this plugin saved the day:

🔍 1. Post-Hack Investigation
After a site was defaced, I used Recent File Scanner to quickly identify new PHP files in the theme folder that weren’t there the day before. I would’ve spent hours digging without it.

👥 2. Client Site Monitoring
One of my clients gave FTP access to a freelancer (without telling me). Suddenly, new files appeared in a premium plugin folder. Boom — plugin scan caught it immediately.

1. After Migrations or Plugin Updates Whether restoring a backup or installing a new plugin, I run a quick scan for anything unexpected. It’s peace of mind I didn’t know I needed.

*Other Tips to Keep Your WordPress Site Secure
*
While Recent File Scanner is a great tool, here are more must-do tips:

✅ Keep everything updated
Themes, plugins, core — outdated code is the #1 attack vector.

✅ Install a firewall plugin
Tools like Wordfence or Sucuri help block known attack patterns.

✅ Remove unused plugins/themes
If you're not using it, delete it. Unused code is risk without reward.

✅ Use strong passwords & 2FA
Simple but essential. Use a password manager + enable 2FA for your admin account.

✅ Regularly back up your site
Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup to create daily backups.

*📥 Get the Plugin
*
You can download Recent File Scanner for free here (soon available on the WordPress.org Plugin Directory).

Final Thoughts
I created this plugin because I wanted something simple, fast, and effective — and I’ve been surprised by how often it’s come in handy.

If you’re managing WordPress sites for clients or even just your own project, this is one of those "install and forget" tools that makes your security stack a little stronger.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions or want to share your own WordPress security tips!