Stop Exposing User Data to the World

By default, WordPress exposes sensitive user information—usernames and user IDs—to anyone who accesses your REST API.

This is a privacy nightmare and security risk.

With API Security, you can make users anonymous in API responses, protecting your users’ personal information while maintaining full functionality for legitimate applications.

The Problem

WordPress Exposes User Data by Default

What Gets Exposed?

• Usernames: Every user’s login name is visible to anyone.
• User IDs: Internal user identifiers are exposed.
• Profile Information: Display names, bios, and other profile data.

Why is This Dangerous?

• Privacy Violations: Users’ personal information is visible to strangers.
• Targeted Attacks: Attackers can identify and target specific users.
• Data Harvesting: Scrapers collect user data for spam, phishing, or identity theft.
• GDPR/Privacy Law Violations: Exposing personal data without consent may violate privacy regulations.
• Social Engineering: Attackers use exposed data to craft convincing phishing attacks.

The Solution

Anonymous Users in API Responses

How API Security Protects User Privacy

• Hides usernames in API responses, replacing them with redacted identifiers.
• Protects user IDs from being exposed to unauthorized users.
• Maintains functionality for legitimate, authenticated applications.
• Works automatically — no configuration required.

What Stays Accessible?

• Authenticated requests: Logged-in users can still see their own data.
• Admin users: Site administrators retain full access to user data.
• Legitimate integrations: Apps with proper authentication work normally.
• User functionality: Users can still register, login, and use the site normally.

How Attackers Exploit Exposed User Data

1. Scrape user lists to build targeted attack databases.
2. Identify admin accounts for targeted brute force attacks.
3. Map user relationships to understand your site’s structure.
4. Social engineer attacks using exposed personal information.

With anonymous users, attackers can’t identify or target your users.

Real-World Benefits

• Protect User Privacy: Keep usernames and personal data private.
• Comply with Privacy Laws: Meet GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulation requirements.
• Reduce Attack Surface: Attackers can’t identify specific users to target.
• Prevent Data Harvesting: Stop scrapers from collecting your users’ information.
• Build User Trust: Show users you care about their privacy and security.

Who Needs This?

• E-commerce stores: Protect customer information and prevent targeted attacks.
• Membership sites: Keep member data private and secure.
• Community sites: Protect user privacy in user-generated content.
• Agencies & Developers: Secure client sites and protect their users’ data.
• Anyone who values user privacy and wants to comply with privacy regulations.

Get Privacy Protection in Seconds

1. Install & activate API Security.
2. User data is automatically protected — no setup required.
3. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your users’ privacy is secure.