If you've searched for a way to protect your WordPress media files, you've seen the same handful of plugins recommended since 2016. Here's a plain-English guide to what those plugins actually do, why they all do roughly the same thing, and how to tell which kind of protection you actually need.
If you searched for help because your WordPress uploads directory is exposed, the standard advice — block PHP execution, disable directory listing, randomize filenames — solves a 2012 threat, not a 2026 one. Here's what's actually leaking your files and what to do about it.
Your WordPress media files are accessible to anyone with the URL. Here's how encrypted, per-visitor links work — and how they compare to other protection methods.
XYZ Protect routes your media through a subdomain like media.example.com. Here's what a subdomain is, how it differs from a subdirectory, and why it's required for content protection to work.
Most WordPress media protection plugins route every request through PHP—even unauthorized ones. Under bot traffic, that means your server is busy denying requests instead of serving users. Here's why that happens, and how to fix it.
Installation and Configuration process with screenshots
Installation and Configuration process with screenshots
An honest comparison of PDA Gold and XYZ Protect — how they work, what they cost, and which one fits your WordPress site. We built XYZ Protect, so we'll be upfront about where each product shines.
Your membership plugin protects your pages, but your images, videos, and documents are accessible to anyone with the URL. Here's how XYZ Protect fixes that.