Security Ninja – WordPress Security & Firewall
by cleverplugins · Security
Also makes 2 other plugins · 14.8K+ installs across the portfolio →
WordPress security plugin: free 8G firewall/WAF, 50+ tests, vulnerability/core scanning, events logging, AI reports.
Try it live opens a temporary test site in your browser, which can take about 20 seconds to load. Plugins that rely on outside services or a full server may not work completely there.
M WP Mayor reviewed this plugin Security Ninja Review: Easy-to-Use WordPress Security Plugin Read review ↗Health
A 90/100
no flags
Active installs
7K+
≈7.5K estimated
Momentum
-9%
downloads vs prior 30d
Biggest opportunity: Swap “malware”, “vulnerability” and “security” for “ai security”, “exploit” and “security scan”. “malware” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #23. “ai security” sits at #5 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. “vulnerability” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #22. “exploit” sits at #6 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. “security” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #14. “security scan” sits at #8 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. All five slots are taken, so one has to go.
90 health vs 66 average across 1,776 Security plugins
Install conversion
How it's measured →0.8%
of downloads still active
At least 7K of 915K lifetime downloads are still running, below its category: the median Security plugin keeps 1.4%, across 1,059 plugins.
Downloads count every update, not just first installs, so older and more frequently released plugins read lower. Compare against other Security plugins, not across the directory. wp.org reports active installs as the bottom of a band, so the real rate is this or higher.
This plugin shipped 4 releases in the last 12 months, and every existing install that updated counted as another download. wp.org publishes no split between first installs and updates, so we show the raw rate rather than guess at one.
Details
Directory ranking optimization
How it's scored →How well this listing is tuned to rank in WordPress.org search, on the factors an owner controls. Not popularity, optimization.
Excellent listing optimization
Well tuned across the board
Updated 3 days ago
Tested up to WordPress 7.1.4, the current branch or newer
4.7★ over 101 reviews, smoothed to 4.50★
5 of 5 tags set · short description in place
3 of 3 support threads resolved in the last 2 months
Search visibility
How it's tracked →Directory searches this plugin turns up in, and which way each one is moving. WordPress.org publishes no history of search positions, so this starts the day we first tracked a keyword and never backfills.
58
Momentum
Gaining ground
+1.1
Velocity
places per keyword, 28d
59%
Breadth
of keywords climbing, 28d
+1.3
Acceleration
recent half vs earlier
wp.org is where the directory puts the plugin for that search. On merit is where it would sit if results were ranked on rating, support and updates, without the install boost. The last column is how far the wp.org position moved, from our first reading in the last 90 days to the latest.
| Keyword | wp.org | On merit | wp.org move, 90 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| ninja | #3 | #4 | 0 |
| ai security | #5 | #7 | up 1 |
| wordpress security | #9 | #12 | up 3 |
| waf your tag | #9 | #5 | 0 |
| exploit | #6 | #6 | up 4 |
| ninja forms | #7 | #7 | up 7 |
| firewall your tag | #13 | #17 | up 2 |
| security scan | #8 | #9 | 0 |
| security your tag | #14 | #12 | up 7 |
| web security | #9 | #9 | up 4 |
| security audit | #9 | #8 | up 2 |
| vulnerability scanner | #9 | #8 | up 2 |
| wordpress security plugin | #14 | #16 | up 2 |
| security check | #10 | #11 | down 1 |
| security scanner | #10 | #9 | up 3 |
| security plugin | #15 | #13 | up 3 |
| database security | #11 | #12 | up 1 |
| content security | #12 | #12 | up 4 |
| scanning | #17 | #14 | up 2 |
| block hackers | #12 | #12 | up 1 |
300 searches this plugin appeared in over the last 90 days, 20 listed. 242 left out as unrelated or noise (years, numbers, stray words).
What to do about it
- Swap “malware”, “vulnerability” and “security” for “ai security”, “exploit” and “security scan”. “malware” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #23. “ai security” sits at #5 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. “vulnerability” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #22. “exploit” sits at #6 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. “security” isn't earning its slot: it only gets you to #14. “security scan” sits at #8 untagged, close enough for a declared tag to move it up. All five slots are taken, so one has to go.
- One page off on “firewall”. #13 puts you just past the first ten results, where almost all the clicks stop. The gap to close is small.
- One page off on “security”. #14 puts you just past the first ten results, where almost all the clicks stop. The gap to close is small.
Daily downloads
Since 5 Oct 2022 · 1,488 days · wp.org + Plugin Pulse archive
30-day downloads
Rolling 30-day volume · peak 49.1K · peaks are release surges
Directory rank vs rivals
wp.org popularity rank over time · higher is better · when a rival's line climbs above yours, they've overtaken you
Rating trend
Star average over time · dips mark rough releases
Health trend
Composite health score, snapshotted daily
Update activity
How busy the existing users are, measured as downloads in the last 30 days for every 1,000 active sites. A spike means a new release everyone's pulling; a long, slow decline means an aging user base that updates less.
Release cadence
Actively maintainedHow often this plugin actually ships. A steady rhythm is the maintenance signal a single "last updated" date can't show.
4
releases in the last 12 months
3d ago
latest release · v5.307 · 28 Oct 2026
4
tagged releases on record
Recent releases
What its installed base runs
via wordpress.orgShare of active installs on each version of this plugin. Green is the current release; a big slice on older versions is a user base that has stopped updating.
Estimated active installs
The public count shows “7K+”. Our estimate pins where the real number sits.
Crossed into this band 9 months ago; a band this size takes about a year or more to cross, which places it about 50% of the way through.
Install history since 24 Dec 2016
Recent reviews
All reviews on wp.org ↗- ★★★★★ joshuarbeal9mo ago
Thank you, Security Ninja! Your plugin is easy to use, provides clear reports of activity, and includes built-in tools that make security a lightweight task. I look forward to incorporating this into future websites.
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ nadeistos1.2y ago
Pas le choix que de payer… et très cher pour ce que ca apporte ! tant pis, ca sera sans moi
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ josflachs1.3y ago
I like security ninja, and use it on all my sites to check security. It’s really great! The nice thing about this plugin is that it gives you a report of all security settings that need to be improved, and (this is where it stands out) gives you a detailed explanation how to do that.I rate it one star because of the irritating nag screens. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs. This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by josflachs.
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ traqbar1.4y ago
I have been using it for a while to occasionally check out security. But then the latest update is forcing you to bgo through a licensing system. Totally not what is expected with WordPress plugins – it is expected you have a choice to upgrade to premium through an external website. Now they interrupt the plugin updating system. It has already been annoying with the licensing system they use, but just about bearable. Now it is too far down the plughole and will be removed, it is hyper-aggressive and very uncomfortable to have around. This topic was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by traqbar. This topic was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by traqbar. This topic was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by traqbar.
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ Skylabb2.2y ago
The only thing you can run is “Test your website security” which tells you where the vulnerabilities are. My site is hacked and want to find where the malware is,
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ Vassos Hadjivassiliou2.5y ago
If you’re in the WordPress game, WP Security Ninja is a total game-changer. Seriously, it’s like a secret weapon for developers. It’s so user-friendly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t snag it sooner. And let me tell you, I grabbed the Pro version, and man, no regrets whatsoever. It’s worth every single penny.
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ Bastbra2.7y ago
Hi, I’ve been using Security Ninja, and I am happy, but it’s getting on my nerves that the plugin asks for acceptance on every dashboard reload to use my data for “freemius.com”. If I click “No, thanks” or “x” it will reappear again and again and again. Is this the way to get users to accept it after 10 times? Edit: Now the new update even crashed the site down and only by luck it was possible to track the problem down (Security Ninja) and gain access again. This topic was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Bastbra.
Read on wp.org ↗ - ★★★★★ earthwormhenry3.0y ago
No problems after one year works perfectly.
Read on wp.org ↗
Latest updates
via wp.org changelogRecent releases and news for this plugin
- — Version 5.289 2026-06-18 FIX: Cloud Firewall (Pro) – Visitor log retention (“Keep visitor logs for”) is now enforced by a daily scheduled cleanup task. NEW: Tools (Pro) – “Clear visitor log” button to delete all firewall visitor log e 5.289
- — Version 5.288 2026-06-09 FIX: Tools – “Reset 2FA” no longer fails with “The link you followed has expired.”; a success notice is shown after reset; confirmation dialog added before resetting all users. Thank you Jason. 5.288
- — Version 5.287 2026-06-02 FIX: Change Login URL (Pro) – Works when Cloud Firewall is disabled; only “Change login URL” and the slug need to be enabled under Login Protection. FIX: Change Login URL (Pro) – /your-slug/ login URLs work ev 5.287
- — Version 5.286 2026-06-01 NEW: MainWP integration – child sites accept allowlisted Security Ninja settings updates from the Security Ninja for MainWP extension ( update_settings remote action; changed keys only). IMPROVED: MainWP setti 5.286
- — Version 5.285 2026-05-26 FIX: Upgrading from the free plugin to Pro no longer causes a site error when both versions are present during install or activation. Pro skips loading Composer again if the free copy already loaded it, then F 5.285
- — Version 5.284 2026-05-23 FIX: Change Login URL (Pro) – Checkout and other frontend flows that use WordPress admin-post.php (for example FluentCart account creation during checkout) no longer show “Access Denied” for visitors. Legitima 5.284
Security history
via Wordfence IntelligenceAll 4 disclosed vulnerabilities are patched in the current version (5.307). Sites still on an older version should update.
- Patched Medium · 6.1 Freemius <= 2.10.1 - Reflected DOM-Based Cross-Site Scripting via url Parameter ↗2026-04-30 CVE-2024-13362 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation Affects <= 5.222 Patched in 5.225
- 2023-07-18 CVE-2023-33999 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation Affects 5.50 - 5.158 Patched in 5.159
Vulnerability records provided by Wordfence Intelligence. Copyright 2012-2026 Defiant Inc. License and terms.
CVE records: Copyright 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation. CVE terms of use.
Behavioral tests
via WP HiveAutomated install-time checks, tested on PHP 8.1.12 · WP 6.8.2
Languages
via translate.wordpress.orgTranslated into 15 languages, 0 at 90% or more
AI assistants
How it's measured →Whether ChatGPT and Claude name this plugin when asked the category question, and whether the readme gives them something to quote.
Share of voice
How often each assistant names Security Ninja when asked about this topic, where it comes in the answer, and how that compares with its wp.org search position. Latest run 25 Oct 2026.
- Assistants
- ChatGPT, Claude
- Topics tracked
- Security
Readme readiness
6 of 8 pass · checked 31 Oct 2026Can an assistant quote this readme? Eight deterministic checks over the wp.org listing, no model involved.
- ! Says what it does Short description names no action; say what the plugin does for the site.
- ✓ Has a FAQ 7 questions in the FAQ.
- ✓ FAQ asks real questions 7 of 7 read like questions a user would type.
- ! Names who it is for Never says who the plugin is for or what they use it for.
- ✓ Names what it works with Mentions Divi, Slack, Discord, WP Rocket.
- ✓ Headings and lists 2 headings and 14 lists.
- ✓ Enough to quote 12,301 characters of description.
- ✓ Tags match the text All 5 tags appear in the text.
Growth timeline
Install-tier crossings we have observed, and how long each tier took to outgrow
- 2026-02-02 8K+ → 7K+ down after 1 days in tier
- 2026-02-01 7K+ → 8K+ up after 7 days in tier
- 2026-01-25 8K+ → 7K+ down after 5 days in tier
- 2026-01-20 7K+ → 8K+ up after 2 days in tier
- 2026-01-18 8K+ → 7K+ down after 1 days in tier
- 2026-01-17 7K+ → 8K+ up after 1 days in tier
- 2026-01-16 8K+ → 7K+ down after 6 days in tier
- 2026-01-10 7K+ → 8K+ up after 1 days in tier
Competes with
The plugins that solve the same job, ranked by shared tags then reach, closest match first. The letter on the right is each plugin's health grade (A best, F worst).
-
Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security 5M+ installs · 4.7★ · 3 shared tags A -
Sucuri Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening 600K+ installs · 4.2★ · 3 shared tags A -
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) – Advanced Security Plugin and Firewall 100K+ installs · 4.8★ · 3 shared tags A -
Patchstack – WordPress & Plugins Security 100K+ installs · 4.7★ · 3 shared tags A -
Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall 80K+ installs · 4.8★ · 3 shared tags A -
Security Plugin, Firewall & Malware Scanner with Auto Removal 40K+ installs · 4.7★ · 3 shared tags A
Embed this report card
Drop a live Pulse card for Security Ninja – WordPress Security & Firewall into a readme, a review or a deck. It updates itself.
<iframe src="https://plugins.wpmayor.com/embed/security-ninja" width="480" height="300" style="border:0" loading="lazy" title="Security Ninja – WordPress Security & Firewall — Plugin Pulse"></iframe> Security Ninja – WordPress Security & Firewall: 7K+ active installs, 4.7★ (101 reviews). Plugin Pulse (WP Mayor), as of 2026-10-31. https://plugins.wpmayor.com/plugin/security-ninja
Spotted a number that looks wrong? Report a data issue and we'll check it against the source.