The WordPress® community has always been defined by its people – the contributors, developers, and advocates who have shaped the ecosystem into what it is today.
Among these individuals, Jesse Petersen stood out as a shining example of generosity, kindness, and technical expertise.
Tragically, Jesse passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of invaluable contributions, including the “Stealth Login Page” plugin.
The plugin was closed in the WordPress.org repository, yet its utility and significance never faded.
Today, I am honored to announce a reimagined version of “Stealth Login Page“, built with the same mission and heart as Jesse’s original plugin.
This project is not just about code; it’s about keeping Jesse’s memory alive and celebrating the vital role the community plays in the WordPress® ecosystem.

What Is Stealth Login Page?
The “Stealth Login Page” plugin provides a robust layer of security for WordPress® sites by locking down access to the
wp-admin
and
wp-login.php
pages.
Only users who pass a secret
auth_key
parameter in the URL are granted access.
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/?auth_key=YOUR_KEY
This approach significantly reduces brute-force attacks and unauthorized login attempts while maintaining a seamless experience for authorized users.
Key Features
- Lock Down Login Access: Protect your site by requiring a secret key to access admin pages.
- Custom Redirects: Configure a custom URL for unauthorized access attempts.
- Email Notifications: Optionally send the secret key to your admin email for secure sharing.
- Cookie-Based Sessions: Simplifies the login experience after successful authentication.
- Modern Design: Features a clean and user-friendly settings page.

Why This Matters
Reviving this plugin is more than just reintroducing a tool – it’s about continuing Jesse’s legacy and highlighting the importance of community in the WordPress® project.
While leadership often sets the direction of WordPress®, it’s the people – contributors like Jesse – who are the soul of this open-source platform.
This plugin is a shining example to what the community can achieve when we come together to solve problems, support each other, and honor those who have contributed so much.
A Personal Tribute to Jesse Petersen
Jesse was a beloved member of the WordPress® community. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
This reimagined plugin is a tribute to his work, his spirit, and his dedication to making WordPress® better for everyone.
Jesse, thank you for inspiring us. Your contributions live on in the code, in the community, and in our hearts.
How to Get the Plugin
The reimagined “Stealth Login Page” plugin is now available for download on GitHub.
Here’s how to get started:
- Download and Install: Upload the plugin folder to your WordPress® site under
wp-content/plugins/
. - Activate and Configure: Go to Settings > Stealth Login Page to enable the plugin, set your
auth_key
, and customize the redirect URL. - Secure Your Site: Share the
auth_key
securely with trusted users to lock down your admin access.
Looking Ahead
This revival of “Stealth Login Page” is just one example of how the WordPress® community continues to honor its past while building for the future.
If you’ve been inspired by Jesse’s work or want to contribute, I encourage you to join the project on GitHub or share your thoughts on how we can improve the plugin further.
The WordPress® project is more than software – it’s a community bound by shared values and a collective desire to make the web better.
This plugin represents the power of that community, reminding us that even as contributors come and go, their work, their spirit, and their impact endure.
Thank you, Jesse, for everything you gave to WordPress®. This one’s for you. 🙏❤️
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