=== Checkout Bot Shield ===
Contributors: Pluximo
Tags: carding protection, checkout bot, woocommerce security, rate limit, fake orders
Requires at least: 6.8
Tested up to: 7.0.1
Stable tag: 1.0.1
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Blocks suspicious, rapid-fire checkout attempts so fake orders and carding bots cannot overwhelm your WooCommerce store.

== Description ==

Are carding bots and fake orders overwhelming your WooCommerce store? 

**Checkout Bot Shield** is a lightweight security plugin designed to block rapid-fire, suspicious checkout attempts. It stops automated bots from using your store as a credit card testing ground (carding attacks) and spamming your database with fake orders—without hurting your real customers' shopping experience.

This **Lite version** serves as a fully functional checkout rate-limiter, allowing you to experience reliable bot protection before upgrading to Pro.

### Why Your Store Needs This:
* **Prevent Carding Attacks:** Stops bots from testing stolen credit cards, saving you from high gateway transaction fees and chargebacks.
* **Reduce Server Load:** Blocks rapid-fire checkout API requests, keeping your site fast and stable during an attack.
* **Zero Complex Setup:** Runs quietly in the background. No complicated configurations or complex dashboards required.

== Features ==

* **Smart Rate Limiting:** Limits rapid checkout retries from the same visitor session.
* **Friendly Block Message:** Shows a clean, polite warning when checkout limits are exceeded.
* **WooCommerce Store API Integration:** Fully compatible with modern block-based and classic checkouts.
* **Native WooCommerce Logging:** Check blocked attempts anytime via your native WooCommerce logs.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin files to the `/wp-content/plugins/checkout-bot-shield` directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' screen in WordPress.
3. The plugin works automatically out of the box. No extra settings page is needed.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does this slow down checkout? =
No. The plugin is extremely lightweight and runs basic session checks that do not impact your checkout loading speed.

= Can I change the limit? =
The Lite version comes with a pre-configured optimal limit. For custom limits and advanced blocking rules, please consider upgrading to the Pro version.

= Where are the logs? =
You can view all recorded attempts and blocks by navigating to `WooCommerce` -> `Status` -> `Logs` and selecting the log file starting with `cbshield`.

= Does it share data externally? =
No. Your checkout data and logs stay completely on your server. This plugin does not connect to any external API or