21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Wordpress - Constant New Users?

by Ben Holmes
18 replies
Yesterday and today, a wordpress blog I have - that normally gets anywhere from a dozen to 50 visitors a day is still getting those numbers (according to Clicky & verified by Google Analytics) - but I'm suddenly getting emails every 5 minutes from my website showing a New User registration notification.

All different names and email addresses, all look legitimate.

I've never seen this happen, and I suspect some bot of some sort - anyone ever see this before?
#constant #users #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author GarryO
    I think someone has setup a script to overload your Wordpress site. I would recommend you to find out the IP address using which the users are being created and if possible, ban it so that your Wordpress site cannot be accessed.
    Signature

    EUKhost hosting services - Web Hosting || Get 100% uptime guarantee on Dedicated Servers || Join eUKhost Affiliate Program For Free and Earn £300 Per Sale!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3194967].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sitecrawler
    Banned
    Try to insert a captcha in the registration form and also in the contact form and comments. I think Si Captcha Anti Spam would be a great tool to install on your blog.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3198302].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rrram2
    This would be bots, with the final intention of either spamming or getting some links through comments. A capthcha in the reg takes care of this as someone said, time to instal a few plugins.

    Originally Posted by Khadaji View Post

    Yesterday and today, a wordpress blog I have - that normally gets anywhere from a dozen to 50 visitors a day is still getting those numbers (according to Clicky & verified by Google Analytics) - but I'm suddenly getting emails every 5 minutes from my website showing a New User registration notification.

    All different names and email addresses, all look legitimate.

    I've never seen this happen, and I suspect some bot of some sort - anyone ever see this before?
    Signature
    http://elijahmarks.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3198323].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ben Holmes
    Originally Posted by mygold View Post

    I think anyone have access your wordpress blog. Please try to find them.
    Oh, I don't think so. I have a strong password, and I change many of the normal parameters. I've some fairly strong protection on my site. Plus, no comments are added until I approve them, so even registering isn't going to do anyone any good. I already have a captcha that is probably being solved via one of the paid services (after all, a bot isn't any good if it can't solve captchas!)

    I suspect that a previous poster was right, and I have some bot playing around. I'll have to check the IP's...
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3199435].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Do you require users to register and log in to leave a comment?

      If not, turn off "Anyone can register."
      Signature

      Dan's content is irregularly read by handfuls of people. Join the elite few by reading his blog: dcrBlogs.com, following him on Twitter: dcrTweets.com or reading his fiction: dcrWrites.com but NOT by Clicking Here!

      Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3199451].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author pollytoast
        I think I am getting the same problem, this is my first ever wordpress and I was really proud of getting so many positive comments until I started to notice the same comments appearing but from different people also I get about 40 a day but google analytics only showing between 5-10 visitors a day. The ip addresses seem to be different though. I bought links from a bookmarking service so could they be bots? The company seems to have a good rep though.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3199664].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Ben Holmes
        Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

        Do you require users to register and log in to leave a comment?

        If not, turn off "Anyone can register."
        Actually, I require people to register to get my more interesting posts... sort of a membership site - But I've not done anything with the list created, and probably won't. It's just a 'playground' type of blog for me.

        I use it to experiment ... my money sites are elsewhere.

        I decided that it's not worth the effort of trying to figure it out, I just shut off all new member registrations - and will leave it off for a few days or weeks. If someone really wants to become a member, they can always use my contact form.

        Still, it was rather interesting to see a new member joining every 5 minutes or so, with completely realistic names & email addresses. Wondering what sort of bot it is, and what it's up to...
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3201281].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
          Originally Posted by Khadaji View Post

          Wondering what sort of bot it is, and what it's up to...
          It could be someone trying to harvest accounts so they can then use them to post links later. I would be willing to bet thats why you were hit.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3201301].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author walterxu
            Same here, I am getting new register every month on my website drugfreesleep.org I do not know what to do now. I can not shut down my site. suggestions?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3213773].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author walterxu
    installed captcha, let's see what happens.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3213796].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author walterxu
      I am still getting 6 to 10 register per hour.
      It has not been stopped.
      Some one help?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3215556].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
        Originally Posted by walterxu View Post

        I am still getting 6 to 10 register per hour.
        It has not been stopped.
        Some one help?
        If you are still getting posts with a captcha, then they are using a buster. Either remove the ability to leave comments and they'll leave you alone. Or you can remove the "Website" field from the comment form. That'll make 'em run like hell.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3215572].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author walterxu
          Thanks for the reply, there is no post, just user register.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3215616].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author walterxu
            Animal captcha has taken care of the problem.
            Just a update.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3220591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gottahave
    Since I installed the WP-reCaptcha plugin, the instance of spam comments has dropped significantly. Also, configure your blog that all commenters must register.

    Neil
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3220632].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Owen Smith
    Originally Posted by mygold View Post

    I think anyone have access your wordpress blog. Please try to find them.
    If someone had access why would they be signing up to the website as a normal user?

    Wouldnt they just do it under the radar in the admin panel?

    No I guess it is a script, or you have a link froma very spammy site that many are following!
    Signature

    All the Hottest eBooks, Graphics, Software, Videos, Articles, and Templates you want with PLR and MRR. Join PLR Assassin Today!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3220661].message }}

Trending Topics