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XO Security

By ishitaka

Security & Privacy / Security Scanning & Malware Protection

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

XO Security Review - In-Depth Analysis

XO Security enhances login security with features like 2FA, login alerts, and Captcha.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.8/10

User Rating

5/5 (based on 11+ reviews)

Active Installations

30,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

XO Security is a plugin designed to enhance login-related security for your WordPress site. It provides various features to protect against unauthorized access and improve overall security.

This plugin does not write to the .htaccess file and is compatible with Apache, LiteSpeed, Nginx, and IIS. Key functionalities include recording login logs, limiting login attempts, adding Captcha to login and comment forms, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).

Additional features include login alerts, the ability to change the login page URL, disabling login by email or username, and customizing login error messages. It also offers options to disable XML-RPC, REST API, author archive pages, and more, ensuring comprehensive protection for your site.

Comparing to Alternatives

XO Security is a straightforward security plugin with no direct paid version, offering essential protection features. It competes with several well-known WordPress security plugins that provide a broader range of features and options.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and easy to use with clear settings
Provides essential security features covering basic needs
Lightweight and does not bloat the site
Highly rated with consistent 5-star reviews
Responsive development team providing quick support

Weaknesses

Fewer features compared to more comprehensive security plugins
No paid or pro version with advanced features
Has a known past vulnerability (XSS) fixed in version 1.5.3
May require pairing with other plugins for full security coverage

User Sentiment Analysis

With a perfect 5-star rating from all 11 reviewers, user feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting ease of use and effective protection. No negative reviews were recorded, indicating strong user satisfaction.

Positive highlights

'This plugin has become one of my favorite plugins, it protects my website from malicious users, and the development team provides support very quickly!' — ulafox
'Great useful and easy to use! I recommend for those looking for a simple and reliable security plugin.' — Anonymous User 20656096
'This one plugin completes my security measures. Thanks !!' — Katsushi Kawamori
'It includes all the security features I need.' — まーちゅう
'This plugin is lightweight and easy to use, so I recommend it.' — imawc

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Limited feature set compared to more comprehensive security plugins
No premium version with additional advanced features
Past medium severity XSS vulnerability fixed in version 1.5.3

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, straightforward security plugin that covers essential protections with minimal configuration and no cost.

Not ideal for

Users who require advanced security features, ongoing premium support, or comprehensive all-in-one security solutions may find this plugin insufficient on its own.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes essential security features that protect against common threats and is sufficient for users needing basic protection.

Final Verdict

XO Security stands out for its simplicity, ease of use, and effective basic protection, earning perfect user ratings and praise for responsive support. It is an excellent choice for users who want a no-fuss security plugin without additional costs or complexity.

However, it lacks advanced features and a premium version, which may limit its appeal for users needing comprehensive security solutions. The plugin had a past medium severity vulnerability that has been fixed, so users should ensure they run the latest version for safety.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free XO Security plugin.

two factor authentication

brute force protection

Screenshots

FAQ

Please initialize the settings.

In wp_options table, the value of the option_name field (column) is to remove the record of “xo_security_options”.
If you have set the login page, please delete the file.