How to Enhance Comment Security on WordPress Using WPDiscuz and CAPTCHA

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding CAPTCHA to your WordPress comment section using WPDiscuz to enhance security:

Step 1: Install WPDiscuz Plugin

1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search box, type WPDiscuz.
4. Find the plugin and click Install Now.
5. Once installed, click Activate.

Step 2: Install Google reCAPTCHA Plugin

To add CAPTCHA functionality, you’ll need the Google reCAPTCHA plugin:

1. Go to Plugins > Add New.
2. In the search box, type Google Captcha (reCAPTCHA) by BestWebSoft or any similar CAPTCHA plugin.
3. Install and Activate the plugin.

Step 3: Configure Google reCAPTCHA Plugin

1. After activating the plugin, navigate to Google Captcha settings under the Settings menu.
2. Click on General Settings.
3. Register your website with Google reCAPTCHA to get your Site Key and Secret Key:

• Go to the Google reCAPTCHA website.
• Click on the Admin Console.
• Register your site, select the reCAPTCHA type (v2 or v3), and get your Site Key and Secret Key.

4. Copy the Site Key and Secret Key from Google and paste them into the Google Captcha Settings in WordPress.

Step 4: Enable reCAPTCHA in WPDiscuz

1. Navigate to WPDiscuz > Settings.
2. Click on the Anti-Spam tab.
3. In the reCAPTCHA section:

• Toggle the option to Enable reCAPTCHA.
• Choose the reCAPTCHA version (v2 or v3) based on what you registered.
• Paste the Site Key and Secret Key obtained from Google into their respective fields.

4. Configure additional settings such as CAPTCHA type, location, and error messages if necessary.

Step 5: Customize reCAPTCHA Display (Optional)

1. Go to Appearance > Customize.
2. Navigate to Additional CSS if you want to style the reCAPTCHA box.
3. Add custom CSS code to adjust the look and placement of the CAPTCHA.

Step 6: Test Your CAPTCHA

1. Log out or open a private/incognito window and visit your website.
2. Scroll down to the comment section and check if the CAPTCHA is displaying correctly.
3. Try submitting a comment to ensure the CAPTCHA is working as expected.

Step 7: Monitor CAPTCHA Efficiency

• Monitor the number of spam comments after enabling CAPTCHA by checking your Spam or Pending comment section under Comments.
• Adjust the reCAPTCHA settings if necessary, depending on your spam protection needs.

This method helps prevent spam bots from posting malicious content, ensuring that your WordPress comment section is protected against automated spam.