Digest 119: AWS Outage, Blockchain Malware, & FluentCRM’s AI Future

A widespread AWS Outage hit major platforms, and a new blockchain malware (EtherHiding) compromised over 14,000 WordPress sites a severe new security threat. On the product side, FluentCRM announced its 2026 plans for AI and SMS Marketing, and WP Engine launched Smart Search AI for real-time LLM content. Plus, new builder features like the global WP Admin Command Palette and the developer-focused launch of FluentCart.

---

20i – Peak performance WordPress hosting, no compromises

Boost your WordPress sites with genuine autoscaling that instantly adapts to traffic spikes, high-frequency CPUs for exceptional clock speeds and unlimited global CDN pre-caching for lightning-fast load times. Easy migration, any time.

See the difference – First month only $1

SERP Forge – Transform Clicks into Customers
Outrank the competition with a proven strategy. SERP Forge provides the specialized SEO and content expertise needed to ensure your business doesn’t just rank, it dominates its niche. We optimize your visibility to capture high-value traffic and accelerate your conversion funnel.

Get the strategy you need to dominate

---

↑ Brought to you with support from these partners

💡 WordPress Spotlight

• AWS Outage Disrupts Major Platforms: Robinhood, Snapchat, Perplexity AI, Canva and Manuy More Affected
  A widespread disruption at Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Monday temporarily took down or slowed several major digital platforms globally. Outage trackers recorded thousands of reports stemming from Amazon’s cloud infrastructure. Robinhood, Snapchat, Perplexity AI, Venmo, Coinbase, Roblox, and The New York Times were among the many services impacted, alongside Amazon’s own ecosystem, including Amazon.com, Prime Video, and Alexa. The incident highlighted the wide-reaching effects of even a short-lived disruption at the world’s largest cloud provider. Intermittent issues were reported throughout the afternoon. (Source)
• Net Literacy Secures a 100-Year Legacy with WordPress.com
  Digital inclusion non-profit Net Literacy has adopted the WordPress.com 100-Year Plan. This massive commitment ensures their educational resources, crucial for closing the digital divide, are permanently protected from administrative lapses, guaranteeing availability for future generations. (Source)
• October Developer Update: Command Palette Goes Global, Terms Query Block Unveiled
  The developer digest brings major wins for builders: the Command Palette now works across the entire WP Admin for lightning-fast, keyboard-driven navigation. Additionally, the experimental Terms Query block simplifies building category/tag hubs without custom code, and Content-Only editing protects theme integrity during client handoffs. (Source)
• Julian Song Recognized by Yoast Care Fund for Southeast Asia Contributions
  Julian Song, a prominent Malaysian entrepreneur and WordPress consultant, has been named a recipient of the Yoast Care Fund. The award recognizes his exemplary, multi-year volunteer work, including his roles as a Lead Organizer for WordCamp Malaysia 2023 and Sponsor Lead for WordCamp Asia across multiple years (2023-2025), significantly advancing the WordPress ecosystem in Southeast Asia. (Source)
• WordCamp Asia 2026 Opens Call for Speakers in Mumbai
  The Call for Speakers for WordCamp Asia 2026 in Mumbai, India (April 9–11) is now officially open! The event is seeking proposals across diverse topics—from AI integration and Headless WordPress to Business Growth and Community Building. Submissions are welcome until October 31, 2025, with sessions available in formats like 15-minute Lightning Talks, Regular Talks with Q&A, and hands-on Workshops. (Source)
• New Malware Campaign Hijacks WordPress with Fake Cloudflare Verification
  A current malware campaign is exploiting vulnerable WordPress sites by injecting a script that displays a convincing, but fake, Cloudflare verification or CAPTCHA page. This social engineering tactic tricks Windows users into copying and running a hidden malicious PowerShell command, which ultimately infects their machines with information-stealing Trojans like LummaStealer. (Source)
• Core AI Team Prepares for WordPress 6.9 Integration
  The core Abilities API functionality is complete and on track for WordPress 6.9 Beta 1. The team is prioritizing shipping the API now by deferring filtering and other complex features, and is focusing on implementing required ability Categories. (Source)
• Kinsta Sponsors and Attends BrightonSEO October 2025
  Kinsta is sponsoring and attending brightonSEO 2025 (October 23–24) in the UK. The team will be at the world’s biggest search conference to discuss how hosting decisions impact SEO (speed, stability, and indexability). (Source)
• Black Friday Downtime Prevention
  Website outages on Black Friday are caused by bottlenecks (like slow checkouts and database queries) magnified by traffic, not just traffic volume. Prevention requires early stress testing, choosing scalable hosting, and securing the store with WAF/DDoS protection to keep resources free for real buyers. (Source)
• New WordPress Plugin Manages AI Crawler Access via llms.txt
  This free WordPress plugin from CodingBunny automatically creates and updates the llms.txt file, empowering site owners to set specific access rules for AI/LLM crawlers. It allows for content customization and protection of restricted areas. (Source)
• Elementor Updates Event Fall ’25: AI, Editor V4, and New Growth Tools
  Elementor is hosting its “Elementor Updates Fall ’25” event, a livestream on October 23, 2025, at 11 AM EST, to showcase the latest evolution of its web creation platform. The agenda highlights a strong focus on AI integration, performance, and workflow efficiency with several major announcements. (Source)
• FluentCRM Turns 5: Next Phase Focuses on AI and SMS Marketing
  FluentCRM celebrated its fifth anniversary by announcing over 70,000 active businesses and detailing a shift to the “Fluent Ecosystem.” The next phase, beginning in 2026, will introduce SMS Marketing, deep AI integration (FluentCRM X AI) for predictive analytics, and a major UI overhaul, building on the recent launch of integrated tools like FluentCommunity and FluentAffiliate. (Source)
• WP Engine Smart Search AI MCP for Real-Time AI
  WP Engine launched Smart Search AI Managed Content Platform (MCP), an advanced API that uses the Model Context Protocol to provide external LLMs (like ChatGPT or Claude) with real-time, up-to-date WordPress site content. This solves the “stale data” problem by transforming the website into a dynamic knowledge base, initially available in a Closed Alpha. (Source)
• WordPress Campus Connect: Organization Eligibility
  Anyone in good standing who has a connection to an educational institution is eligible to organize a WordPress Campus Connect event. The program is designed to lower barriers and help students learn practical WordPress skills, and organizers do not need prior experience or to be long-time community members to host an event. Interested organizers can apply via an online form and receive support from the Community Team. (Source)
• UNC5142: Blockchain Malware Attack
  The cybercrime group UNC5142 has compromised over 14,000 WordPress websites globally by leveraging blockchain technology in a method called EtherHiding. This technique involves injecting malicious JavaScript droppers that retrieve information-stealing payloads (like Atomic, Lumma, or Vidar) from smart contracts on the BNB Smart Chain. Using blockchain makes the malware persistently available and extremely difficult for defenders to eradicate.b (Source)
• Bangladesh’s Biggest WordPress Gathering at WordCamp Dhaka 2025
  WordCamp Dhaka 2025 opened as the largest WordPress event in Bangladesh, bringing together developers, designers, bloggers, and business professionals. The event featured expert speakers, networking opportunities, and discussions on the latest WordPress trends, reinforcing the country’s growing contribution to the global WordPress community. (Source)
• WordCamp Dhaka 2025: Record Participation and Contributor Day
  WordCamp Dhaka 2025 concluded as a major success with record participation from the local community. A significant highlight was the organization of the first-ever Contributor Day for Bangladesh, where attendees actively contributed to the WordPress open-source project, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s involvement with the global WordPress ecosystem. (Source, Source)
• WordCamp Nepal 2026: Sponsorship Opportunities Open
  Sponsorship opportunities are open for the eighth annual WordCamp Nepal conference, which will be held in Butwal on January 23rd-24th, 2026. Sponsorships are vital for keeping ticket prices accessible and offer brands a chance to reach a focused audience of WordPress professionals and enthusiasts, gain visibility in event materials and social media, and support the open-source community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled. (Source)

✨ Fresh Features Rollout

1. WP Rocket 3.20: Introducing Rocket Insights
   WP Rocket 3.20 introduced Rocket Insights, a new, built-in performance monitoring tool powered by GTmetrix. The feature allows users to track, troubleshoot, and optimize the speed of their top pages directly within the WordPress dashboard, eliminating the need to use external tools constantly. It provides detailed mobile performance reports and, with the Premium plan, offers automatic daily, weekly, or monthly monitoring. (Source)
2. FluentCart: A New Era of eCommerce (Developer Focus)
   FluentCart is a performance-first, self-hosted eCommerce platform for WordPress built specifically for developers. It features a Custom Database Schema independent of WordPress post tables and uses optimized queries to process orders up to 3X faster than competitors. The architecture is entirely Action & Filter-driven for deep customization. It includes a Full REST API for all key resources (products, customers, orders), making it Headless Ready for decoupling the frontend using technologies like Vue or Alpine. It natively supports various sales models, including Subscriptions and Licensing (Pro), with zero transaction fees. (Source)
3. WPBakery Page Builder 8.7.1
   WPBakery Page Builder version 8.7.1, released on October 16, 2025, primarily focused on fixes. The key resolution was a fix for the Text block element, addressing an issue related to the disappearing “Edit” link when the block was edited within the frontend editor. This update aims to restore the correct functionality and user experience when working with text elements in the builder. (Source)
4. WP ASE 8.0.3 (Free and Pro)
   WP ASE (Advanced Search & Filter) version 8.0.3, released on October 20, 2025, focused entirely on maintenance and resolving issues across both the Free and Pro versions of the plugin. The update includes a fix for a bug affecting Custom Taxonomies and resolves several issues impacting the Admin Interface and overall backend usability. Additionally, stability has been improved by fixing errors related to the Initialization of plugin components. (Source)
5. LearnDash Version 4.25.4
   LearnDash version 4.25.4, the latest release, introduces several enhancements and fixes focused on the LMS experience. The update added new display options for Quiz questions in the Course Builder, allowing for easier configuration. It also resolved a critical issue where the Group Leader role could not be assigned to users on specific WordPress setups, ensuring proper access control. Additionally, fixes were implemented for the new Ratings, Reviews, and Feedback feature to ensure accurate functionality. (Source)
6. LoginPress Pro 6.0.0
   LoginPress Pro version 6.0.0, released on October 16, 2025, introduced the new Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) module to enhance security for WordPress login pages. This major update also includes the addition of Block Support for WordPress LoginPress blocks, improving compatibility with the Gutenberg editor. Furthermore, the login page’s design customization options were expanded with a new setting for the Form Footer, allowing for greater visual control. (Source)
7. Unlimited Elements Version 1.5.151
   Unlimited Elements version 1.5.151, released on October 16, 2025, focused on maintenance and compatibility improvements. The update resolved a JavaScript error that was affecting the Custom CSS area, restoring proper functionality for custom styling. Additionally, it ensures better Font Awesome compatibility, addressing issues with icon display across various elements. (Source)
8. Bit Integrations Pro Version 2.6.1
   Bit Integrations Pro version 2.6.1 introduced significant feature expansions and improvements across several key integrations. Notably, it added new support for the WishList Member plugin, allowing it to be used as a trigger for automation workflows. The update also included an expansion of available actions for both AWeber and Tutor LMS, enhancing the depth of possible automations within those platforms. Minor bug fixes and performance improvements were implemented across the board. (Source)

🆕 Fresh Releases

• Pollify – Poll Plugin for WordPress Launched
  Pollify has officially launched as the first 100% Gutenberg-based poll creator plugin. It offers seamless styling, advanced voting types (single/multiple), anonymous voting, and Real-Time Analytics. The premium version unlocks advanced poll formats like Claps, Up/Down votes, and NPS loyalty scoring. (Source)
• Secure DB Bridge for Bervice Plugin Launched
  The Secure DB Bridge for Bervice plugin is a new, lightweight bridge connecting WordPress sites to the Bervice decentralized, blockchain-based infrastructure. It creates a secure, encrypted connection that enables the Bervice platform to safely back up critical WordPress data, enhancing data security and site resilience. (Source)
• Beaver Builder API Loop Plugin Launched
  The new premium Beaver Builder API Loop Plugin extends the native Loop module to seamlessly connect with any REST API endpoint returning JSON data. It allows users to display external content in custom layouts with Ajax Pagination and Built-in Transient Caching for fast performance, integrating fully with Beaver Themer. (Source)
• FanCoolo WP Plugin Launched
  FanCoolo WP has launched to allow developers to create native Gutenberg blocks entirely with PHP, eliminating the need for React and NPM. It features a powerful workflow with Hot Reload, a built-in Monaco Code Editor, Reusable Symbols, and Revision History for simplified, safer block development. (Source)
• Panoramic Slider Block Plugin Launched
  A new plugin, Panoramic Slider Block, is now available, providing a simple Gutenberg block to display ultrawide, panoramic photos on posts and pages. It shows the image as a content-width, horizontally scrolling image, allowing mobile users to view the high-resolution photo without cropping or excessive shrinking. (Source)
• Addon for Post Meta Translation using DeepL Plugin Launched
  The Addon for Post Meta Translation using DeepL plugin has been released to extend the DeepL for WordPress plugin. It enables the translation of post meta data alongside the main content, supporting fields from popular plugins like WooCommerce and Yoast SEO. (Source)
• Block Accessibility Checks Plugin Launched
  The Block Accessibility Checks plugin offers Real-Time Validation for WordPress blocks inside the editor, helping users create accessible content instantly. It verifies Heading Hierarchy, Image Alt Text, and Button Text & Link attributes, and includes a Developer API for extending checks to custom blocks. (Source)
• FSE Pet Shop WordPress Theme Launched
  The new FSE Pet Shop theme has launched as a stylish, responsive Full Site Editing (FSE) theme for pet-focused businesses. It offers code-free customization, six Style Variations, numerous block patterns, and seamless integration with WooCommerce for creating online pet supply shops. (Source)

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar 

If you’re looking for opportunities to network and learn, check out these upcoming WordPress events and meetups:

• WordCamp San Jose (October 31, 2025)
• WordCamp Kansai (November 1-2, 2025)
• WordCamp Taiwan (November 7-8, 2025)
• WordCamp Bharatpur (November 7-8, 2025)
• WordCamp Athens (November 8, 2025)
• WordCamp Brasil (November 28-29, 2025)
• WordCamp Malaysia (December 6-7, 2025)
• WordCamp Nepal (Butwal, January 23-24, 2026)
• WordCamp Asia (Mumbai, April 9 – 11, 2026)
• WordCamp Europe (Poland, June 4-6, 2026)
• WordCamp US (Phoenix, 2026)

That’s a wrap for this week’s WPDigest! Stay tuned for more exciting WordPress updates next week.

Want to feature your WordPress product, service, or update news? Submit it for free using our form, helping spread the goodness of WordPress!

📩 Enjoyed this digest? Share it with your network!