A major update is coming to the Better WP Security plugin. If you use this plugin, here’s what you need to know when you update.
When
iThemes only states that the update will be out soon. No specific date was given. However, later in that post they hinted that changes might be made as early as the week of March 24th.
Fix Update Error
The biggest change is to the name. It will now be called iThemes Security.
That name change will cause the plugin to
automatically deactivate on your site and show an error after you update.
To fix this error, all you have to do is reactive the plugin. You’ll find it in your list under the new name.
The best news is, all of your previous settings will be saved.
New Features
All of the core features of the plugin have been retained, and a few new ones added, including:
- There is a new jQuery scanner to tell you if your theme has outdated jQuery code.
- The username and nickname now must be different to prevent discovery.
- PHP execution in the uploads folder can now be turned off.
- Full integration with BackupBuddy and multiple emails can be added for backup notifications.
New Code
Every feature of this plugin has undergone a complete revamp of the code, which will streamline both the user settings and the core functions.
Paid Support Available on Free Plugin
The plugin is still free. And, there will be packages for paid support directly through iThemes. Those packages will also be included in the Plugin Suite and the iThemes Toolkit.
The iThemes folks are also teaming up with new partners to offer site hack removal and repair services.
Pro Version
A paid Pro version of the plugin is in development and it will have extra features. iThemes states that they have “no plans to discontinue the features you now see in the BWPS” version.
More on the Way
iThemes hired a dedicated developer for this plugin and plans to continue to maintain the free version while improving features and creating the Pro version.
