where is server_tokens off in wordpress

Lemon

2 min read

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01-02-2025

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The setting server_tokens off isn't directly found within the WordPress administration panel. This is because it's not a WordPress-specific setting; it's a directive within the web server configuration (Apache or Nginx). WordPress runs on top of a web server, and this directive controls information revealed by the server itself, not the application running on it.

Therefore, locating and modifying server_tokens off requires accessing your server's configuration files, a task that depends heavily on your hosting environment. Improperly configuring server files can lead to website malfunctions, so proceed with caution and ideally, back up your files before making any changes. If you're unsure, contact your hosting provider's support team.

Why You Might Want server_tokens off

The server_tokens directive, when set to on (the default in many configurations), reveals the server's software and version information in the HTTP headers. For example, you might see something like Server: Apache/2.4.54 (Ubuntu). While seemingly innocuous, this information can be useful to potential attackers. Knowing the server's specifics can help them target vulnerabilities specific to that version. Setting server_tokens off hides this information, adding a small layer of security by obscurity.

Finding and Modifying the Server Configuration

The exact location of the server configuration file varies greatly depending on your hosting setup:

Shared Hosting: On shared hosting, you likely won't have direct access to the server configuration files. Your hosting provider manages these settings. If you need to change server_tokens, you'll need to contact their support. They may or may not offer this as a configurable option.

VPS or Dedicated Server (Apache): With a VPS or dedicated server running Apache, the configuration file is usually located at /etc/apache2/apache2.conf or within the sites-available or sites-enabled directories (e.g., /etc/apache2/sites-available/yourdomain.conf). You might need to add the ServerTokens Prod or ServerTokens OS directive within the appropriate <VirtualHost> block for your domain. Prod provides minimal information, while OS includes the operating system. Setting it to OS might be preferable to entirely removing it, as it can be easier to track down issues later.

VPS or Dedicated Server (Nginx): If your server runs Nginx, the configuration file is often found at /etc/nginx/nginx.conf or within files located in the /etc/nginx/sites-available/ or /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/ directories. The specific directive to modify might be server_tokens off; within the appropriate server block.

Important Considerations:

• Security is layered: server_tokens off is a minor security enhancement. It shouldn't be considered a primary security measure. Focus on other crucial security practices like keeping WordPress and plugins updated, using strong passwords, and implementing a robust security plugin.
• Impact on debugging: Hiding server information can make diagnosing server-related problems more difficult.
• Hosting provider restrictions: Your hosting provider might restrict access to these configuration files or disallow modifications to the server_tokens directive for stability and security reasons.

Remember: Modifying server configuration files incorrectly can severely impact your website's functionality. If you're not comfortable making these changes yourself, seek assistance from experienced system administrators or your hosting provider.