=== MAT Firewall ===
Contributors: matpluginsofficial  
Tags: firewall, security, malware, DDoS, brute force, WordPress security, spam protection  
Requires at least: 5.0  
Tested up to: 6.8
Requires PHP: 8.0  
Stable tag: 1.0.0  
License: GPLv2 or later  
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html  

MAT Firewall is a powerful WordPress security plugin that helps protect your website from malicious attacks, brute force attempts, and unauthorized access. Upgrade to **MAT Firewall Pro** for advanced security features.

== Description ==

**MAT Firewall** is a comprehensive WordPress security plugin designed to safeguard your website from malicious traffic, brute force attacks, and unauthorized access. Whether you're running a small blog, business site, or eCommerce platform, **MAT Firewall** provides robust security while maintaining performance.

### Key Features:

- **Advanced Firewall Rules** – Block or allow traffic based on IP, country, URI, HTTP methods, and more.
- **Rate Limiting & Anti-Brute Force** – Set request limits to prevent spam, DDoS attacks, and abusive bot activity.
- **CDN Integration & Protection** – Secure your site with CDN IP whitelisting and anti-spoofing measures.
- **Real-Time Monitoring** – View blocked and allowed requests via a detailed security dashboard.
- **Lightweight & Optimized** – Runs efficiently without slowing down your site.

🚀 **Upgrade to MAT Firewall Pro** for **unlimited rules, dynamic blocking, enhanced rate-limiting, and priority support.**  
🔗 [Learn More & Upgrade](https://pro.matplugins.com)

== Installation ==

1. **Install via WordPress Admin:**
   - Go to **Plugins > Add New** in your WordPress dashboard.
   - Search for **MAT Firewall**.
   - Click **Install Now**, then **Activate** the plugin.

2. **Manual Installation:**
   - Download the plugin ZIP file from [WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/plugins/mat-firewall/).
   - Upload it via **Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin**.
   - Activate **MAT Firewall** from the Plugins menu.

3. **Configure Settings:**
   - Navigate to **MAT Firewall** to set up firewall rules, rate-limiting, and security options.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Is MAT Firewall free? =  
Yes, the free version includes essential firewall protection, rate limiting, and CDN security. For advanced features, consider **MAT Firewall Pro**.

= What happens if an IP is blocked? =  
Blocked IPs cannot access restricted resources. You can configure how long they remain blocked in the settings.

= Can I allow or block specific countries or IPs? =  
Yes! You can define **custom rules** to allow or block access based on **IP addresses, countries, URIs,** and more.

= Will MAT Firewall slow down my site? =  
No. The plugin is optimized to ensure security without impacting performance.

= How do I upgrade to MAT Firewall Pro? =  
Visit [our website](https://pro.matplugins.com) to purchase **MAT Firewall Pro** and unlock premium features.

== Screenshots ==

1. **Firewall Rule Management** – Easily configure custom security rules.
2. **Rate Limiting Dashboard** – Set thresholds to prevent abuse.
3. **Real-Time Monitoring** – View blocked and allowed requests in real time.
4. **CDN Security Settings** – Secure your site while using a CDN.
5. **Advanced Security Controls** – Fine-tune your website’s security settings.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release of **MAT Firewall**.
* Includes firewall rule management, rate limiting, and CDN security.

== Upgrade to MAT Firewall Pro ==

Unlock **premium security features** with **MAT Firewall Pro**:
✅ **Unlimited Custom Rules**  
✅ **Advanced Rate-Limiting & Dynamic Blocking**  
✅ **Detailed Security Analytics**  
✅ **Priority Support**  

🔥 **Upgrade now:** [MAT Firewall Pro](https://pro.matplugins.com)

== License & Copyright ==

This plugin is licensed under **GPLv2 or later**.  
More details: [GNU GPL License](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html).