Change Logout Path with WP Ghost

WP Ghost is a powerful WordPress hack-prevention security plugin that protects your website from threats and attacks. One of its valuable features is the ability to change the WordPress logout path.

While not mandatory, customizing the logout path can be beneficial, especially if you have a customized dashboard for customers or use plugins like WooCommerce on your account page.

What is the logout URL in WordPress?

By default, the WordPress logout path follows a standard URL pattern: wp-login.php?action=logout. This means that the logout page can be accessed by appending wp-login.php?action=logout it to the base URL of a WordPress website.

For example, if a WordPress site’s base URL is https://domain.com, the default logout path would be https://domain.com/wp-login.php?action=logout.

When a user clicks the logout link or accesses the logout path, WordPress will clear their login credentials, effectively terminating the current session and returning them to the WordPress login page.

It’s important to note that the default logout path is similar to the default login path (e.g., wp-login.php), is well-known to both legitimate users and potential attackers. This could potentially expose WordPress websites to security risks, such as session hijacking or unauthorized access to a logged-out user’s account.

Why is it essential to secure the Logout Path?

Securing the WordPress logout path is crucial for several important reasons:

• Preventing session hijacking: The default logout path in WordPress is predictable and widely known, typically found at wp-login.php?action=logout. This familiarity makes it easier for potential attackers to target the logout functionality. By customizing the logout path, you can add an extra layer of protection against session hijacking attempts, which occur when attackers try to take over an active user’s session after they have logged out.
• Ensuring user privacy: When users log out of their accounts, they expect their sessions to be securely terminated. A customized logout process helps guarantee that the logout is not vulnerable to manipulation or unauthorized access, thereby protecting the privacy of users’ accounts and sensitive information.
• Stop Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Attacks: CSRF attacks involve tricking authenticated users into unknowingly executing unwanted actions on a website. By customizing the logout path, you can minimize the risk of CSRF attacks, as attackers won’t be able to predict the URL where the logout action takes place.
• Preventing Brute-Force attacks on logouts: In some cases, attackers may attempt brute-force attacks on the logout path to identify valid logout URLs. Customizing the logout path adds an extra layer of obscurity, making it harder for attackers to determine the correct URL for logout attempts.

To enhance security and protect against such risks, it is advisable to customize and secure the logout path using hack prevention plugins like WP Ghost.

By doing so, you can hide the path and add an extra layer of protection to your WordPress website, making it more challenging for potential attackers to target your logout functionality.

How to Secure Logout Path with WP Ghost

Activate Safe Mode or Ghost Mode

Before changing the logout path, it’s essential to activate either Safe Mode or Ghost Mode.

1. Access your WordPress dashboard after installing and activating the WP Ghost plugin.
2. Go to WP Ghost > Change Paths > Level of Security.
3. Select Safe Mode or Ghost Mode. Safe Mode provides basic protection, while Ghost Mode offers more advanced security features.

Change Logout Path

Once you have activated Safe Mode or Ghost Mode, you can proceed to change the logout path.

1. Go to WP Ghost > Change Paths > Login Security.
2. Next to the Custom Logout Path, you’ll see the predefined custom name for the wp-login.php?action=logout path.
3. Enter a different name for the logout path like “my-secure-logout” or keep the predefined custom name.
4. Click the Save button to apply the changes.

Run a Security Check

After saving the new settings, it is essential to run a security check to ensure that the logout path has been successfully changed.

Follow these steps to perform a security check:

1. Go to WP Ghost > Security Check.
2. Click the Run Full Security Check button to initiate a new security scan.
3. The plugin will verify that the logout path has been successfully changed.
4. If the logout path is hidden as intended, the security task will be marked as complete.

Note: If any issues or warnings are detected during the security check, review the plugin’s documentation or seek support for further assistance in resolving the identified issues.

Conclusion

The “change logout path” feature, enabled by WP Ghost, significantly enhances the security of your WordPress site. Customizing the logout path can strengthen your website’s defenses against potential security threats, protect user privacy, and uphold a strong commitment to cybersecurity.

Troubleshooting

I Can't Log Out From my WordPress Dashboard After Changing the Logout Path