Snitch – a WordPress network monitor
After the discussion surrounding one of my Google+ posts I realized that bloggers lack transparency about where and how often WordPress and installed plugins communicate in the background. Because the whole connection setup happens “behind the back” and is not visible for blog administrators.
The question “Where does my WordPress (incl. themes and plugins) call to” will be answered by my new plugin Snitch. Snitch places itself between WordPress and Web, logs every connection attempt including target URL and file (& line number), which is responsible for establishing the connection. This way you can quickly find out which WordPress component is communicating where. Usually, these are checks for existing updates or, for example, requests for feeds.
So Snitch keeps a journal of outgoing connections: Live, clear and visible for administrators at any time.
Snitch not only monitors the data traffic. The WordPress plugin can block access to certain domains and prevent scripts from establishing connections to the outside world. One click and one file is blocked. One more click, released again. Same for hosts. Control is everything 😉
The aim of the plugin: WordPress beginners should also be able to follow outgoing communication in the blog. Clearly arranged, understandable, ready to hand. Without having to handle server log files. You can promptly see which data stream is passing through the line in the background and whether unwanted or questionable connections are being established. Malware and tracking tools send their greetings.
In short: Snitch is another plugin for a “clean” blog. For more transparency, privacy and security.
Snitch is now available for free download: wordpress.org/plugins/snitch/
I do not ask for tweets or registrations in order to download. Just download and use it. The manual is also available online.