Toolsnip

Wordpress: Limit Login Attempts

Enhance your WordPress site's security by limiting login attempts with this practical snippet, reducing the risk of brute force attacks.

Limiting login attempts in WordPress can significantly enhance site security by preventing brute force attacks. This snippet offers a method to restrict the number of login attempts a user can make.

Using the wp_login_failed hook, the function keeps track of the number of failed login attempts per user and temporarily blocks further attempts if the threshold is exceeded.

This is crucial for protecting user accounts from unauthorized access attempts and can be particularly important for sites that store sensitive information.

The snippet also provides recommendations on how to set appropriate thresholds for login attempts and the duration of the lockout period based on the site's user activity and security needs.

Instructions on how to inform users about the security policy regarding login attempts and advice on how to handle legitimate users who have been locked out are also included.

Snippet Code

Version Compatibility

Compatible with WordPress 3.0 and above, which provides a robust hook system for managing user authentication.

Required PHP Version

PHP 5.6 or higher

Wordpress Core Functions Used

Use Cases

  • security enhancements
  • user management
  • brute force protection