Hello, this is Sushi Hatake!

Today, I want to share a recent WordPress plugin issue I ran into. Specifically, I’ll cover the problem I faced with the plugin “reCaptcha by BestWebSoft” and how I solved it. I hope this helps anyone who might encounter similar problems!

The Scary Experience of Suddenly Being Locked Out

What would you do if you suddenly couldn’t log into your WordPress site? You’d panic, right? That’s exactly what happened to me just the other day.

The “reCaptcha by BestWebSoft” plugin I installed for spam protection turned out to be a hidden trap. To use a sushi analogy, it was like an innocent-looking fugu (pufferfish) hiding deadly poison.

The Problem and Symptoms I Faced

Here’s exactly what I encountered:

• Even with the correct ID and password, CAPTCHA errors appeared on login
• After 3–4 failed attempts, my IP address was automatically blocked
• Clicking the unblock link in the notification didn’t work — it just put me in a loop
• Eventually, I completely lost access to the WordPress admin panel

At that point, it felt like being shut out from the sushi counter — all prepped and ready, but unable to serve. Not being able to update the site I’d worked so hard on was as frustrating as a chef unable to work with his hands.

Why Did This Happen?

After investigating, here’s what I found:

• The reCaptcha by BestWebSoft plugin had an overly strict CAPTCHA check on the login form
• Communication or validation failures with the Google reCAPTCHA keys
• Conflicts with other security plugins (like iThemes Security) or themes
• Cache delays (server-side or browser-side) preventing updates from reflecting

It was like the perfect storm — similar to when the rice temperature, fish prep, grip, and soy sauce are all slightly off in Edomae sushi, leading to a failed result.

The Road to a Solution

In the end, I had to disable the plugin via FTP access. It felt like going back to basics, just like how a sushi chef sometimes finds a breakthrough by returning to fundamental techniques.

Improvements and Prevention Tips for the Future

Based on this experience, here’s what I recommend:

1. Don’t Use “reCaptcha by BestWebSoft”

Especially for WordPress beginners or intermediates, this plugin carries high risk. It’s like handling fugu without knowing how to prepare it — even pros can struggle.

2. Use Contact Form 7’s Official “reCAPTCHA Integration”

Just register Google’s official keys, and Invisible reCAPTCHA v3 will activate safely. It’s like relying on time-tested, trusted techniques — there’s reassurance in long-standing methods.

3. Use a Dedicated reCAPTCHA Plugin for Login Screens (If Needed)

Using specialized tools helps avoid unnecessary trouble.

4. Learn Basic FTP or File Manager Skills for Emergency Troubleshooting

Just like a sushi chef masters basic knife skills, site owners should prepare by learning the basics to handle emergencies.

5. Always Take a Backup Before Installing Plugins

That way, if anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore. It’s like prepping extra sushi rice just in case — preparation is key!

Enjoy Authentic Edomae Sushi in Tokyo — And Solve Your WordPress Woes

This kind of experience might seem like wasted time at first, but if sharing it can help someone else, then it has value. Whether it’s running a blog or mastering sushi, the key is daily dedication and learning.

By the way, I currently handle the Tuesday and Wednesday dinner shifts at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka, and I also offer sushi catering and sushi-making experiences. We can accommodate international guests, so feel free to reach out for special events!

If you’re frustrated with WordPress troubles, maybe it’s time to refresh with some delicious sushi. If you’re looking for sushi catering or hands-on sushi-making experiences in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake!