Last updated: 10th July 2026 for CC Security Essentials Pro version 1.0

Introduction

Most websites can use CC Security Essentials and CC Security Essentials Pro without requiring any special configuration.

If you do encounter an unexpected problem, the guidance below should help you identify the cause and restore normal operation.

When investigating any issue, make changes gradually and test the website after each change.

Before You Begin

Before making changes, we recommend checking:

that WordPress is up to date;
that both plugins are up to date;
that any related feature has been enabled;
whether another security plugin provides similar functionality.

If several security plugins attempt to perform the same task, unexpected behaviour may occur.

Login Problems

I can’t sign in

If Login Protection is enabled, repeated failed login attempts may result in a temporary restriction.

Wait until the configured lockout period expires before trying again.

If you are unsure of your password, use the standard WordPress password reset process instead of continuing to guess.

Users are being temporarily restricted too often

Review the Login Protection settings.

In particular, consider:

maximum failed login attempts;
monitoring period;
lockout duration.

The default settings provide a sensible balance for most websites.

Password Problems

Users cannot save a new password

If Password Policies are enabled, confirm that the chosen password satisfies the required strength for the user’s WordPress role.

Using the built-in WordPress password generator is usually the easiest solution.

Users are unexpectedly asked to change their password

Check whether Password Change Enforcement has been enabled.

If so, review the configured password review period and the Password Age information for the affected account.

REST API Problems

A plugin has stopped working

Some plugins rely on publicly accessible REST API routes.

If REST API Protection or REST Rules have recently been enabled:

Test the affected functionality.
Review Security Events.
Use the Route Tester.
Add a narrowly targeted Allow Rule only if genuinely required.

Avoid creating broad Allow Rules unless absolutely necessary.

A REST Rule isn’t working

Check:

the route pattern;
wildcard placement;
rule order;
whether another rule matches first.

Remember that the first matching rule takes precedence.

Security Events

I can’t see any Security Events

Confirm that:

CC Security Essentials Pro is active;
Security Events are enabled;
security-related activity has occurred.

A quiet event log is often a sign that your website is operating normally.

Protection Score

My Protection Score changed

The Protection Score reflects your current configuration.

Changes to enabled features or security settings may increase or decrease the score.

Review any accompanying recommendations to understand why the score changed.

Security Health

A recommendation has appeared

Recommendations are intended to help you review your configuration.

They do not necessarily indicate that your website is insecure.

Read the accompanying explanation before deciding whether any action is appropriate.

Import and Export

My imported settings don’t look correct

Confirm that:

the import completed successfully;
the file was created by a compatible version;
no settings were modified afterwards.

If necessary, restore a recent backup before repeating the import.

Compatibility

Another security plugin provides similar features

Many security plugins include overlapping functionality.

Where practical, avoid enabling multiple plugins that perform the same task.

Review each product’s documentation before deciding which protection should remain active.

Still Need Help?

If you are unable to resolve a problem:

Review the relevant feature documentation.
Review Security Health.
Run available Verification checks.
Review recent Security Events.
Gather any relevant diagnostic information before requesting support.

Providing clear information about the problem makes it much easier to identify the cause.

Continue with:

Troubleshooting