Security in the digital world is not just about having the strongest tools—sometimes, it’s also about keeping things hidden. But does that really work? The phrase “security by obscurity” might sound fancy, but it’s actually a common approach used even by small website owners. In this article, we’ll break it down in simple words, using real-world examples and expert advice. Whether you’re a beginner or someone brushing up on cybersecurity concepts, we’ll make sure everything is easy to understand—even for a 10-year-old.
What Does “Security by Obscurity” Really Mean?
Security by obscurity refers to a practice where people try to protect a system by keeping details hidden. The idea is that if attackers don’t know how something works, they can’t break it. For example, if a door has a hidden lock, a thief might not even realize it’s there and just walk away. In technology, this might mean hiding the login URL of a website, renaming an admin panel, or not telling people what software version you’re using.
But here’s the catch: obscurity is not the same as real protection. If someone does figure it out, your system might still be weak. So, while hiding information can add an extra layer of difficulty for attackers, it shouldn’t be your only method of defense.
Think of it like this: hiding your house key under the doormat is a form of obscurity. It might fool some people, but if a burglar checks there, it’s game over.
Is It Safe to Use Security by Obscurity?
Using security by obscurity is not unsafe on its own. In fact, it can be a smart idea if it’s used correctly and in combination with other security strategies. The problem is when someone uses it as their only security method.
Imagine having a bike with a secret location to hide it—like behind a bush. That might stop casual thieves, but it won’t stop someone determined or experienced. Similarly, in digital security, hiding things may slow down some attackers but won’t stop them completely.
Obscurity is not a replacement for encryption, strong passwords, secure servers, or updated software. It’s just a helper, not the hero.
What Experts Say About Using It
Add, Don’t Rely
Experts say it’s fine to add obscurity as a layer, but you should never rely on it alone. Relying solely on hiding things is risky because once the hidden detail is discovered, your whole system could be exposed.
For example, if your entire security depends on keeping your admin panel at “/secret-login123” and someone guesses it, you’ve lost your defense. It’s like locking your door but hiding the key under a rock.
Combine with Real Security
Security by obscurity works best when combined with real, proven methods, like:
- Using HTTPS encryption
- Strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Firewall protection
- Regular software updates
- Limited user access
A hidden door is good, but it’s much better when that door also has a high-security lock.
Hide Details, Not Weaknesses
One of the most important pieces of advice from professionals is: never try to hide vulnerabilities and pretend they don’t exist. If your system has weak passwords or outdated software, hiding those problems won’t fix them. In fact, it makes them more dangerous, because if someone discovers the weakness, they can exploit it easily.
Obscuring your system’s structure is fine—but make sure everything under the hood is strong too.
Simple Advice You Can Follow
If you want to use security by obscurity smartly, here are some simple tips:
- Rename admin URLs so bots don’t find them easily.
- Don’t show software version numbers to outsiders.
- Limit error messages so they don’t reveal system details.
- Avoid default file names and change folder paths if possible.
- Use CAPTCHAs and login attempt limits to prevent brute-force attacks.
These steps can reduce exposure and make it harder for attackers to plan their moves. Just remember: these tricks slow down attackers—but don’t stop them completely.
Why It’s Not Enough on Its Own
Obscurity should never be your main defense. Relying on hiding things makes your system fragile. One small mistake—like someone sharing a URL or a hacker discovering your hidden path—can bring the whole system down.
Think about this: a safe that only relies on no one knowing its location is at constant risk. If someone finds it, they might easily open it. But a safe with a strong lock, even if it’s visible, is much harder to break into.
That’s why real security means using strong tools first, and only then adding a bit of obscurity as a bonus.
Examples of Security by Obscurity in Real Life
Let’s look at some real-world examples of how security by obscurity is used—sometimes effectively, and sometimes not.
Renaming Admin Pages
One of the most common examples is renaming the admin login page. For example, instead of using “/admin” or “/wp-admin” for WordPress, you might rename it to “/controlpanel-8723”. This helps avoid brute-force bots that try to find the default pages.
But if someone discovers the new URL, they can still try to hack it. So it’s useful—but not foolproof.
Hiding Software Versions
Many websites run on WordPress, Joomla, or other CMS platforms. These systems often display version numbers in the page source code. Hackers look for old versions with known vulnerabilities. So removing or hiding version info can help reduce attack attempts.
However, if your software is outdated and has vulnerabilities, hiding the version number won’t fix that risk. So always update first, then hide details.
How to Make Obscurity Work Better
To get the most out of security by obscurity, combine it with these smart practices:
- Minimize public info: Don’t expose APIs or database errors to users.
- Mask directory structures: Use custom file paths and obfuscation where possible.
- Use cloud security tools: Services like Cloudflare can help hide IPs and internal resources.
- Regularly audit your system: Know what’s visible and what can be hidden.
When used properly, obscurity can reduce your attack surface and protect against automated tools scanning for known targets.
Why Do Some People Still Use Security by Obscurity?
Despite its weaknesses, many people—especially small business owners and beginners—still use security by obscurity because it’s simple, fast, and cheap. They may not have the budget or knowledge for complex systems, so hiding the admin page or login name seems like a good start.
And truthfully, it does help against low-level attacks and bots. Many automated scanners won’t find hidden URLs or admin areas, so it can reduce noise and fake traffic.
But remember: it’s only a first step—not the full journey.
The Bottom Line
So, what is the advice given for applying security by obscurity?
Here it is, plain and simple: Use it, but don’t trust it alone. Hiding things can make your system safer—but only when everything else is secure too. Never rely on secrets to keep you safe if the foundation is weak.
Security by obscurity is like frosting on a cake—it looks good and adds some flavor, but the real substance is in the ingredients: encryption, updates, authentication, and monitoring.
If a 10-year-old wanted to protect their secret diary, they might hide it under the bed (obscurity), but they’d also use a lock (real security). That’s the smart way.