Generating user activity history for WordPress using Simple History Plugin

Monitoring user activity on your WordPress site helps you track changes, detect suspicious behavior, and maintain accountability. The Simple History plugin provides a clear audit trail of actions performed by users. On ruachost.com, this is the recommended way to generate and view activity history.

Why Use Simple History?

• Tracks who posted, updated, or deleted content.
• Logs plugin activations/deactivations.
• Records user logins (including failed attempts).
• Monitors changes to menus, widgets, and taxonomies.
• Provides export options for compliance and reporting.

Installing and Configuring Simple History

1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

2. In the dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New.

3. Search for Simple History.

4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

5. In the dashboard, go to Settings → Simple History.

6. Configure the following tabs:

   • Settings → Choose display location (Dashboard or separate page), set items per page, clear logs.
   • Export → Export logs in JSON or CSV format.
   • Debug → View technical details about your site and plugin activity.

7. Save changes.

✅ You can now view activity logs under Dashboard → Simple History.

⚙️ Example of Logged Activities

• Post created, updated, or deleted.
• User profile changes.
• Plugin or theme activation/deactivation.
• Failed login attempts.
• Privacy page creation or data export requests.

Important Notes

• Always back up your site before installing new plugins.
• Limit log retention if storage space is a concern.
• Use logs to detect unauthorized access attempts.
• Combine with other security plugins for full protection.