5 Tips for Keeping Your WordPress Site Secure

5 Tips for Keeping Your WordPress Site Secure

With around 75 million websites powered by it, WordPress is an enticing target for hackers. And, despite the performance gains associated with the new PHP 7 implementation this year, there are still some security concerns that need to be ironed out for this scripting language. Fortunately, if you take the following steps, you are sure to decrease your site’s vulnerability to a cyber-attack:

1.       Optimize Folder and File Permissions

Any developer should explore WordPress’s default file permissions. It is crucial that you develop a brief understanding of the default permissions even though messing around with them generally isn’t advisable. Basically, they determine which users have access to open, modify, and read the content of relevant files. Permissions like 777 should be avoided since they allow users to read, write, and delete folders.

2.       Update WordPress Regularly

You are prompted to update your current version of WordPress whenever a new update is rolled out. Additionally, there are notifications for when an installed plugin or theme needs to be updated. There are usually good reasons for why notifications keep showing up. Updates are pretty straightforward. Though it is enticing to choose automatic updates, you should avoid it since it takes any incompatibilities out of your hands.

3.       Hide Default URLs

WordPress assigns you two default URLs – wp-login.php and wp-admin.php – at the time of installation. It is simple for hackers to get access to your website’s entry point since they are the same URLs for every WordPress site. You can effectively protect your WordPress site further against brute force attacks by hiding your backend URLs. Hiding your login page minimizes malicious login attempts by preventing widespread access.

4.       Secure Admin and Login Screens

Another way to ward off brute force attacks is by limiting the number of login attempts from a single source over a set period of time. An IP address’s access will be limited for a given amount of time after it unsuccessfully tries to login with different password and username combinations. Also, consider removing the option of notifying users what field they have made a mistake in.

5.       Keep Your Site Backed up

You should back up your site at least every week. Also, before you make any changes to your site’s core files, a backup is a good idea. This simple step will ensure your site is easy to restore if there is a hacking attempt or a faulty plugin.

When you follow these simple tips, you will make it harder for hackers to mess with your WordPress site. 

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Written By: Jocelyn Brown

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What does “Roguelike” mean ?

Roguelike –is a subgenre of role-playing video games characterized by a dungeon crawl through procedurally generated game levels, turn-based gameplay, tile-based graphics, and permanent death of the player-character. Most roguelikes are based on a high fantasy narrative, reflecting their influence from tabletop role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Though the roguelikes Beneath Apple Manor and Sword of Fargoal predate it, the 1980 game Rogue is considered the forerunner and the namesake of the genre, with derivative games mirroring Rogue‘s character- or sprite-based graphics. These games were popularized among college students and computer programmers of the 1980s and 1990s, leading to a large number of variants but adhering to these common gameplay elements, often titled the “Berlin Interpretation”. Some of the better-known variants include Hack, NetHack, Ancient Domains of Mystery, Moria, Angband, and Tales of Maj’Eyal. The Japanese series of Mystery Dungeon games by Chunsoft, inspired by Rogue, also fall within the concept of roguelike games.

More recently, with more powerful home computers and gaming systems, new variations of roguelikes incorporating other gameplay genres, thematic elements and graphical styles have become popular, typically retaining the notion of procedural generation and permanent death of the player-character. Indie games like Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space, Spelunky, The Binding of Isaac, FTL: Faster Than Light, and Rogue Legacy helped to establish the use of roguelike elements in other genres. These titles are sometimes labeled as “roguelike-like”, “rogue-lite”, or “procedural death labyrinths” to reflect the variation from titles which mimic the gameplay of traditional roguelikes more faithfully. Other games, like Diablo and UnReal World, key titles in the action role-playing and the survival game genres respectively, took inspiration from roguelikes.

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Source: Wikipedia

What is a “CBZ or CBR” File ?

A comic book archive or comic book reader file (also called sequential image file) is a type of archive file for the purpose of sequential viewing of images, commonly for comic books. The idea was made popular by the CDisplay sequential image viewer; since then, many viewers for different platforms have been created.

Comic book archive files mainly consist of a series of image files, typically PNG (lossless compression) or JPEG (lossy compression) files, stored as a single archive file. Occasionally GIF, BMP, and TIFF files are seen. Folders may be used to group images.

The file name extension indicates the archive type used:

• .cb7 → 7z
• .cba → ACE
• .cbr → RAR^[2]
• .cbt → TAR
• .cbz → ZIP^[3]

Comic book archive files are not a distinct file format; only the file name extension differs from a standard file of the given archive type.

The file names inside an archive are usually numbered in ascending order according to the original page number, including the use of preceding zeros for all positions (example: using 001 rather than 1) to force the proper display of images by viewers across all operating systems. Otherwise files can be displayed out of order (example: 1, 10-19, 100-199, 2, 20-29, 3, etc.) due to differences in how file name characters are handled by each operating system.

Comic book archive viewers typically offer various dedicated functions to read the content, like one page forward/backwards, go to first/last page, zoom or print. Some applications support additional tag information in the form of embedded XML files in the archive or use of the ZIP comment to store additional information. These files can include additional information like artists, story information, table of contents or even a separate text layer for comic book translations. Efforts, such as the Comic Metadata (CoMet) Format, have been made to define an open standard.

Source: Wikipedia

MegaMan Powered Up – PSP Game Review –

Gameplay: 7.5/10 -This game seems to have very tight controls and jumping and landing on edges can and is very frustrating to say the very least.

Learning Curve : Easy – Insane difficulty – You should have no real issue getting thought MegaMan’s powered up levels on easy with no real issue. But after that it can be a real ball buster.

Graphics: 9/10 – I was really impressed with the whole graphics experience way to go CAPCOM you did the PSP proud.

Lasting Appeal: 8/10 – There is tons to do is this game you can play as FlameMan , IceMan, and so on and each player add a new element to the game which is really great.

The Whole Package: 8/10 – I say it is a must have for PSP owners and with so much to do including 3 levels of difficulty and a few different other player other then MegaMan and the ability to create levels you won’t want to put this down anytime soon.

Overall rating 8/10 – This game is one of the cheaper PSP games even new and it is well worth the price. But my 2 main issues with it which are minor is that FlameMan is unbalanced next to the other characters and also the issues with super tight controls feeling you want to jump so high. But you can’t or want to stop on a dime and can’t.

Later Dayz,

Remy “Se7en”

Coded Arms – PSP Game Review

Genra: First Person Shooter (FPS)

About This Game: Coded Arms takes place in an abandoned virtual reality system inside a giant computer network. The VR system was originally created as a combat training simulator in the event of an alien invasion. However, during this program’s development, a major flaw was discovered and the project was scrapped. Though abandoned, the program kept evolving within the computer network and eventually turned into a vast and brutal VR world populated with virtual alien invaders, dangerous computer bugs, the VR system’s own security bots and huge boss enemies. Players take the role of a computer hacker who infiltrates the VR system. Gamers fight through five different game worlds with multiple gameplay levels. More than 30 different weapons are available to battle the horde of virtual creatures, including real world weapons such as sniper rifles, machine guns, grenades, and more fantastic armaments such as pulse rifles.

Gameplay: 7/10 – This game has some minor aiming issues

Learning Curve : Easy – Insane difficulty – There are control issues when looking up some elements take some getting use to like portal colours..and such and upgrade icons

Graphics/Sound: 8/10 – Looks great it pulls of the whole Metal Gear Solid VR sim experience and it is suppose to be a sim that has gotten infected by nasty Viruses so very well done.

Lasting Appeal: 8/10 – There are a lot of items and areas to unlock and there are always things you missed.

The Whole Package: 8.5/10 – Great game very easy to find and very affordable

Overall rating 8.5/10 – This game has really fast load times. Very Cool weapons and a difficulty level that increases after each zone

Till My Next PSP Game review,

Remy “Se7en”

Monster Hunter : Freedom – PSP Game Review –

Gameplay: 6/10 – Interesting game to say the least again I was expecting a Dungeon RPG game and that it is not the game is more like HARVEST MOON basically you are a hunter and you are trying to work you way up to get better jobs and you can fish fight kill and many other things and it works on real time mission take a real 50 min to complete in most cases and it has lots of load screens.

Learning Curve : Very Hard difficulty – it is the hardest PSP game I’ve played other then the other Monster Hunter

Graphics: 7.5/10 – a lot off load screens way to many for my liking it is a very dark environment with a lot of detail the monsters are breath taking and the blood is done real well A+

Lasting Appeal: 7/10 – There are a lot to do provided you don’t give up right away It is hard real hard if you like simulation games like harvest moon then you’ll love this game.

The Whole Package: 6.5/10 – Don’t get me wrong this game is very interesting and very good for what is it..but the level of difficulty of a newbie player..is crazy to say the least but if you hang ion there you’ll have many hours of PSP fun you can find it for a mere $9.99 used grab it if you can find it it’s going to be a hard game to find later on trust me on this…

Later Dayz,

Remy “Se7en”

Killzone : Liberation – PSP Game Review –

Gameplay: 6/10 – Not what I expected – it is a third person shooter – of course expecting the PS2 version on the portable and being first person shooter. Don’t be fooled but its worth it if you like Killzone and want to see the second part of the story.

Learning Curve : Medium difficulty – It is a real Bit** learning how to use the analog numb and learning to use the map and how easily you will get you ass handed to you when you first start. Some people will not like this type of gameplay and just give up but if you do stick in there and unlock everything you’ll be in for a real treat with the Crossbow level 2 or the Gatling Gun Level 2.

Graphics: 6.5/10 – Not the best on the system and the cinematics their mouths don’t move which is stupid…also when there is to much action on the screen there is really bad LAG

Lasting Appeal: 7/10 – It has a free download able 5th chapter. That is if you can get past the boss in the end of the 4th chapter..plus there is rumour of more.

The Whole Package: 8/10 – If you want a game like metal gear solid but only with the stealth element..almost totally removed and you you want to see the second part of Killzone then it is a must have it is going for $9.99 MSRP used and probably cheaper on e-Bay

Overall rating 7/10 because of the control issues and when there is to much action on screen there is really bad LAG…

Later Dayz,

Remy “Se7en”

Unit 13 – Vita Game Review

Gameplay: 8/10 – Unit 13 has very tight and responsive control. This also includes the touch controls. Overall Unit 13 is very easy to pick up and play. But some gamer may find it easier to pick up. If they have played games like Metal Gear Solid, Resistance and or Syphon Filter.

The game mixes it up with 36 mission that vary between Direct Action, Covert, Elite and Deadline missions. There are also 9 HVT missions (AKA. High Value Target missions. That will be unlocked as you gain star ratings on the main 36 missions.)

Learning Curve: Very Easy – Extremely difficulty – Unit 13 is a mis-mash of levels with a wide variety of mission lengths and mission difficulty’s. Some missions you will find way to easy and other you will be swearing out loud at your Vita. Wishing there was an easier mode.

Unit 13 becomes dramatically easier as you get to learn the game over time. You’ll be failing missions with trail and error for the first little while. Then in no time flat you will be replaying the levels and getting 5 star ratings. and completing levels that were nearly impossible for you to beat during your first go at it.

Graphics: 8/10 – I was really impressed with the graphics. Even after I read all the other reviews. That said it was overly dark with the bulk of the game being dedicated to a very limited military colour palate.

Multiplayer: 4.5/10 – Unit 13’s online multiplayer component is very very limited.  Basically it is only there so you can earn some trophies. Yes, it is fun to play with friends or strangers. As the whole team work aspect can be quite fun.  Friends or strangers can also help you learn how to beat a level. But when playing co-op you will not earn any stars, nor will you be able to beat a mission. The only thing you can get in Co-op is XP and if meet certain conditions trophy.

Lasting Appeal: 7/10 – There is tons to do is this game. At least until you get all your trophies. There are the daily challenges. But even that has a very limited life span.

I found for me. That after beating all 36 missions and completing most of the HVT missions.  And playing about 30 missions via co-op. Not to mention getting most of the trophies. I have almost completely lost interest in the game.  I still do go back, but that is mainly because I only have 3 Vita games.

The Whole Package: 8/10 – I have to say that this is must own game for all PS Vita owners. Unless you have an aversion to 3rd person shooters. But if you are into shooters you’ll want this game for sure. Or at the very least Unit 13 will tide you over till more Vita games come out.

Overall rating for Unit 13 is a 8/10 – Unit 13 has a little bit of everything. With out turning off gamers with use of to many of the Vita features. In Unit 13 you will use the touch screen in a very limited, yet important manner. Such as reloading picking up weapons, using the map, disarming explosives or triggering an action (such as picking up Intel or sabotaging a device).

Unit 13 at launch had all sort of glitches some of them were very sever (such as stalling your Vita, sound dropping out, needing to hard reset your Vita, problems with Co-op. Now, I’m not going to say they are all fixed. But most of them have been fixed with the Vita firmware update (1.66).

I still have issues every once in a while with glitch-y AI behaviour and glitch-y AI models. Nothing that is what I would call “game breaking” or even problematic. Actually they are often funny at least when they are i your favour.

Till The Next Vita Game Review,

Remy “Se7en”

Geometry Wars – Nintendo DS Game Review

Gameplay: 8.5/10 – Geometry Wars has 2 main control schemes a touch screen shooting mechanic (Which I personally feel was just added to the DS because they could add it.)

But other then that fact. I think it is probably the worst possible option in the game overall. The other option is using the the face buttons to control in which direction you are firing your weapon (It looks just like a bunch of dots. Being fired off in rapid bursts.)

This game is as basic as you can get a game. Without going in a time machine and picking back up the old Atari.

You control a very basic C or V shaped space craft (Depending how you look at it). Your goal is to kill everything in site and not get killed your self by other space ships and other oddly shaped geometrical shapes. I guess that is why they called it Geometry Wars.

There are upgrades you can level up and buy and there are levels to unlock with your “GEOMS” or currency in the game.

Your weapons and upgrades also work on an XP based system. So while playing a mission you get a certain amount of XP. Based on how well you do. And at the end of the level you will see a screen displaying how well you did XP wise. After receiving  a certain amount of XP . Whatever weapon or advantage you choose at the the start of your mission. Will gain a level. And if you keep on using the same one you can easily max 1 or 2 quite quickly. If you so desire.

Learning Curve: Very Easy – Insanely difficulty – Geometry Wars is not the most balanced game I have played. There are indeed planets that you can unlock quite awhile into the game that are WAY easier then. Some of the first few planets you unlock.

This is both a positive and negative aspect to me. The main reason is I would expect easier level in the first few planets you play. Not the very last few planets. So your gonna run into a mis-mash of easy to insanely difficult missions. Even within the main planet sub-sets. Just because you are  playing say the 3rd planet. Does not mean your gonna get gold on your first goal. Heck you may not ever get that gold.

It will all depend on the number of lives you have and the number of bombs you are giving. There is for sure some need of skill and learning in this game. If you have a level where you need protection you the defend advantage. If you need to be on the offensive or want more points. You may want to use the Attack advantage.

It all comes down to how you want to play it.

Graphics: 5/10 – It is very bland and there are only a few very basic colours. But that is not a knock against Geometry Wars. That is sort of the point of the whole retro feel. So this is by no means the best looking DS game.

Multiplayer: N/A – There is a multiplayer option. But I don’t have anyone to play with nor do I have a Wii.

Lasting Appeal: 8.5/10 – This game is best played in short bursts. But there will be times were you will want to play a level or complete a planet or score a gold medal. And you will keep on playing till your fingers bleed or your eyes pop out.

The Whole Package: 8.5/10 – I have to say Geometry Wars  surprised the heck out of me. I thought it was just a lame gag. But it really has a lot to it. There are so many layers you can get into. Weather you go for medals or you you want to amass a lot of “GEOMS”  to unlock all the planets and all the upgrades. Or you can always beat your last score or try to get gold on all the levels.

I would say there are limitless possibilities but that woudl be a lie. But what Geometry Wars  has is plenty of gaming hours and plenty of bang for your buck.

Overall rating for Geometry Wars is a 8/10 – If you like your games super simple. But with a lot of layers that you can control yourself. This game will have you hooked quick. Then it is only a few mission till you will decide what direction you want to go and how you will want to play it.

Are you the type of person always after a better score ?

Are you the type of person who wants to unlock everything ?

Do you like simply multiplayer games ?

Are you the type of person who wants to brag about getting all the gold medals ?

Or are you the person who is just happy with playing till you get stuck ? or do you want to buy your way to the next planet or level ?

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Well this game has all the above choices and they are indeed yours to make.

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Till My Next DS Game Review,

Remy “Se7en”

Dante’s Inferno: Trials of St. Lucia – PS3 DLC Review

Main Game: Dante’s Inferno

DLC Name: Trials of St. Lucia

DLC Cost: $4.99 USD/CAD

Completion Time: Potentially endless

DLC Content: Dante’s Inferno: Trials of St. Lucia is a major update for the hit action game Dante’s Inferno. Play solo or online co-op with St. Lucia (a new playable character!) or Dante to defeat combat Trials for medals and leaderboard scores. Create new custom battles that you can share online with the Editor!

Overall Rating : 6/10 – Now this DLC I admit is interesting idea becuase you get a new playable character St. Lucia. Which would of been way better if she was playable in the main game. But instead she is trapped in a PVP battles arena.  Which is fine if you are into that. But I am not.

This DLC adds a more vamped up version of Gates Of Hell Mode. But that is pretty much it. I have to admit I was very into it for ohh maybe 3 days. Then I lost interest becuase it gets so repetitive and there is only so much juice you can squeezes out of this very limited DLC.

So I feel even hardcore fans like myself. Should take pause and really think . Do I want to spend $9.99 on a non-game related extension that will on really be interesting if you are into the whole leader boards and competitions and cred that comes with winning the harder trials.

Till My Next Review,

Remy “Se7en”