How to clarify that a free theme is SAFE

  • I have read how risky “free” themes can be with malicious code, etc.
    But…. I have seen some pretty cool ones.

    Is the “risk” eliminated if I run TAC (Theme Authenticity Checker)?

    I appreciate any advice. Thanks, Buffmin

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    There’s an easy test to find safe theme, just use this link or the other link.

    Is the “risk” eliminated if I run TAC (Theme Authenticity Checker)?

    If you mean this plugin, then probably not.

    I’m sure that’s a fine plugin, but it was last updated in 2009-12-18. It will probably catch the old base64 and other tricks but newer hacks such as “you modify the theme links, we break your WordPress” isn’t the same as obfuscation.

    Thread Starter Buffmin2

    (@buffmin2)

    So bottom line, get or buy them from www.ads-software.com to be safe. Thank you very much.

    Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    Nope, sorry, I dialed it up too much, my bad. ??

    There are lots of reputable places to get good GPL’ed themes and some of those commercial GPL theme providers do have some good free GPL themes too.

    But as you’ve found out, there are even a greater number of shady theme providers who embed their ad links in your WordPress installation. Some of them are really horrific and (among other things) insert links into your blog roll without asking or informing you.

    I’m not aware of a list of “good” free GPL theme providers, but I do know that the themes here are safe. They go through a good review process and themes that are questionable are not listed here.

    Thread Starter Buffmin2

    (@buffmin2)

    Point taken. Thank you very much.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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