How to Block IP Addresses in WordPress

Block IP addresses with a few keystrokes.

Every computer has a unique Internet protocol, or IP, address. This address is a numerical sequence used to identify the computer on a network. If your WordPress blog or website contains sensitive information, or if your site is attacked by harassing or hurtful commentary, you can block a certain computer from connecting to your WordPress site. With some special coding in your WordPress site's root directory, you can permanently block individual IP addresses.

Things You'll Need

• Text editor program
• FTP editing program

Instructions

1. Open your computer's text editor. Text editors are more simplistic than word processors, featuring limited formatting and font options. On a Windows computer, the default text editor is called Microsoft Notepad.

2. Type "Order allow, deny" on the first line of the text editor. Do not enter the quotation marks when typing this line or any line of the code sequence.

3. Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

4. Type "Deny from."

5. Press the space bar, and type in the IP address you want to block.

6. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 to block additional IP addresses.

7. Press the "Enter" key, and type "Allow from all."

8. Click "File" and "Save As," and save the text file as ".htaccess."

9. Open the FTP program you use for WordPress site or blog management.

10. Upload the ".htacess" file to the site's root directory. In many FTP editors, you simply drag the file into the root directory from the browser on the left-hand side of the screen.

11. Save your FTP settings and exit the program. Typically, you save the settings by clicking "File" and "Save." Your WordPress blog is now secure from unwanted visitors.

References

• "Internetworking with TCP/IP: Protocols, Principles, and Architecture"; Douglas E. Comer; 2005
• WordPress: Combating Comment Spam/Denying Access