The size of database is big and it keeps growing

The plugin uses a set of scheduled tasks to maintain its database tables. Technically it means maintenance tasks are performed regularly by using WordPress cron jobs. Among other tasks, there is a task that cleans and optimizes the plugin database tables.

In rare cases, scheduled background tasks are not executed properly and the size of the database tables is growing uncontrollably. To check the status of the tasks and make sure that all tasks are executed as they planned, do the following.

1. Click the WP Cerber admin menu and go to the Tools page
2. Click the Diagnostic tab
3. Scroll down to the “Maintenance Tasks” section

You should see a status similar to this

The status of Cerber’s maintenance tasks is OK.

If you see any error like “Task has never been executed”, that means there is a problem with running scheduled cron tasks on your WordPress. There are two options.

If you have not configured an external cron service, which is true in most cases, one of the possible solutions is to add the following line to the wp-config.php file:

define( 'ALTERNATE_WP_CRON', true );

If you (or your hosting provider) have configured an external cron service, you see the notice: “Note: the internal WordPress cron launcher is disabled on this site.”. In this case, any issues with maintenance tasks are caused by the external cron service that doesn’t work and doesn’t send (or stopped sending) special HTTP requests to the website. In this case, you should ask your hosting provider for assistance.

P.S. Normally, the internal cron is disabled by adding the following line to the wp-config.php file:

define( 'DISABLE_WP_CRON', true );

Have any questions?

If you have a question regarding WordPress security or WP Cerber, leave them in the comments section below or get them answered here: G2.COM/WPCerber.