How to Hide the WordPress Version

WordPress, by default, displays its version number in multiple locations on a website, including the HTML source code, RSS feeds, and HTTP headers. While this might seem insignificant, openly revealing the WordPress version poses a potential security risk. Attackers frequently monitor these version details to identify websites running outdated WordPress versions, which may have known security weaknesses. Once they know the version, attackers can specifically target it with tailored exploits.

Hiding the WordPress version is a crucial step to strengthen your site’s security. By removing version information, you make it harder for potential attackers to detect vulnerabilities based on your version. This reduces your site’s exposure to attacks, reinforcing its security and making it a less appealing target.

Why Hiding the WordPress Version Matters

1. Preventing Targeted Attacks: Many automated attacks exploit known vulnerabilities tied to specific WordPress versions. By hiding the version number, you reduce the chance that attackers will identify your WordPress version and launch version-specific attacks.
2. Enhancing Security Through Obscurity: Although hiding the version does not prevent attacks, it adds a layer of obscurity. Security through obscurity helps deter attackers by limiting their knowledge of your system.
3. Protecting Against Automated Scans: Many scanning tools and bots check websites for specific version tags to detect vulnerabilities. If your site’s WordPress version is visible, automated scanners can quickly determine if it is outdated and potentially vulnerable.
4. Maintaining a Cleaner Attack Surface: Without easy access to the WordPress version, attackers may find it more difficult to launch effective probes on your site. This added difficulty can make your site a less attractive target.

How to Hide the WordPress Version

Several approaches can hide the WordPress version from your website’s code and headers. Some methods are simpler and involve plugins, while others require code adjustments, offering flexibility based on your familiarity with WordPress.

Method 1: Using a Plugin to Hide the WordPress Version

If coding is not your area of comfort, you can use a plugin to hide the WordPress version. Here are a couple of plugins that offer this feature:

1. WP Hide & Security Enhancer: This plugin allows you to hide the WordPress version, along with other sensitive data, such as plugin and theme details. It also includes additional security options, such as hiding login paths.
   • How to Use:
     1. Install and activate the plugin from the WordPress repository.
     2. Go to WP Hide settings on your dashboard.
     3. Enable the option to hide the WordPress version under the “General Settings” section.
     4. Save your changes.
   • Benefits: This plugin hides WordPress version information in several places, such as the HTML source code, RSS feeds, and HTTP headers, making it a versatile tool.
2. iThemes Security: This popular security plugin also includes an option to hide the WordPress version. It offers further protection from brute force attacks and other common threats.
   • How to Use:
     1. Install and activate iThemes Security.
     2. Navigate to the Hide Backend settings.
     3. Enable the setting to hide the WordPress version.
     4. Save your settings.
   • Benefits: iThemes Security not only conceals the version number but also offers features like two-factor authentication and database backups for extra security.

Method 2: Manually Remove WordPress Version Information

For those comfortable with code, you can manually hide the WordPress version by modifying files such as functions.php or adding code to your server configuration. This method offers more control but requires some technical skill.

1. Remove Version from HTML Source Code
   WordPress includes a version tag in the HTML of every page. You can remove it by adding this line to your theme’s functions.php file coderemove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator'); This action removes the version tag from the HTML, making it less visible. This method will only last until yo update your WordPress version. Any update will overwrite your changes, so you will have to repeat this exercise each time you update WordPress.
2. Remove Version from RSS Feeds
   WordPress also displays its version in RSS feeds. To prevent this, add the following to your functions.php file remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator'); add_filter('the_generator', '__return_empty_string'); This code stops WordPress from including the version in the RSS feeds, further improving security.
3. Remove Version from HTTP Headers
   Another place where WordPress reveals its version is in HTTP headers. To remove it, add this to your .htaccess file (if using Apache) or to nginx.conf (if using Nginx):
   • For Apache:bashCopy codeHeader unset X-Powered-By
   • For Nginx:bashCopy codeserver { more_clear_headers 'X-Powered-By'; }
   This hides the WordPress version from HTTP headers, which can otherwise expose version details in server responses.

Method 3: Hiding WordPress Version on the Login Page

The WordPress login page may also reveal the version number. To prevent this, add the following code to your functions.php file:

phpremove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
add_filter('login_headerurl', 'my_custom_login_url');
add_filter('login_head', 'my_custom_login_head');

function my_custom_login_url() {
    return home_url(); // Redirects login page to your homepage.
}

function my_custom_login_head() {
    echo '<style type="text/css">#login { display: none; }</style>'; // Hides version details from the login page.

This hides WordPress version details from the login page, which attackers might otherwise exploit.

Additional Tips for Hiding the WordPress Version

While hiding the WordPress version helps deter attackers, it’s just one part of a robust security approach. Consider the following practices for comprehensive security:

1. Keep WordPress Updated: Hiding the version doesn’t replace the need to update WordPress. Always update WordPress core, plugins, and themes to benefit from the latest security patches.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Securing your login credentials is vital. Use long, complex passwords, and enable 2FA to add another layer of defence against unauthorised access.
3. Monitor Security Alerts and Logs: Even with the WordPress version hidden, regularly monitor security logs and alerts. Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri can notify you if someone attempts to exploit vulnerabilities on your site.
4. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can prevent exploit attempts targeting known vulnerabilities by blocking suspicious traffic. Plugins such as Wordfence and Sucuri include WAF options that you can configure to block harmful access.

Hiding the WordPress version is an easy but effective way to improve your website’s security. Concealing version details makes it harder for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities relative to that version of WordPress, especially those targeting outdated versions of WordPress. While this practice alone does not fully secure your site, it complements a layered security strategy. Combine hiding the WordPress version with strong passwords, regular updates, and security plugins to build a robust defence against cyber threats. This proactive approach helps secure your site, protect sensitive data, and maintain a safer online environment.