BBA Secure File Downloads
Serve Media Library files through a controlled download endpoint, and place download buttons anywhere with a shortcode.
Use with caution
BBA Secure File Downloads works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 1 week ago, and scores 59/100 on our health check.
- Actively developed — last update 1 week ago
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & supportDaily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where BBA Secure File Downloads stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| downloads | >100 |
| file download | >100 |
| media library | >100 |
| secure download | >100 |
| shortcode | >100 |
About BBA Secure File Downloads
From the official readme · v1.0.10Description
BBA Secure File Downloads lets you select files from the Media Library and generate a stable File ID for each file. Then you can place a download button anywhere using:
[bbasfd_download id=”FILE_ID”]
The download is served through a controlled endpoint instead of exposing the direct file URL.
Looking for the PRO version?
https://bigbad.agency/plugins/secure-file-downloads/
Usage
Shortcode:
* [bbasfd_download id=”FILE_ID”]
Optional:
* text=”Get the free plugin”
* class=”my-css-class”
Installation
- Upload the plugin folder to /wp-content/plugins/ or install via Plugins.
- Activate the plugin.
- Go to Secure Downloads -> Files and add your files.
- Copy the shortcode and paste it into a page/post.
Frequently asked questions
How many secure files can I create on the free version?
Unlimited. The free version does not cap the number of secure File IDs you can create. PRO does not “unlock more files” – instead it adds analytics (who downloaded what, and when), per-file password protection, and per-file download limits (cap the number of times a specific file can be downloaded).
Does it work with Elementor?
Yes. Use Elementor’s Shortcode widget with the [bbasfd_download] shortcode.
Where can I get the PRO version?
You can learn more about the PRO version here: https://bigbad.agency/plugins/secure-file-downloads/
Changelog
1.0.10 – 2026-09-30
- Removed incorrect trial offer; upgrade notice now links to the plugin’s page.
- The Pro notice now shows only on the Plugins screen and this plugin’s own admin pages, and stays dismissed once dismissed.
- Fix: in-plugin and readme links pointed at a retired page; they now open the plugin’s page.
1.0.9 – 2026-07-23
- Fix: the built-in “How to Use” help page showed the wrong shortcode ([secure_download]); it now correctly shows [bbasfd_download].
- New: added “Getting Started” and “How It Works” help pages in the admin so first-time setup and the security model are documented in-plugin.
- Change: removed the unused “Default link expiry” setting, which described a capability the current product does not ship.
- Docs: corrected the FAQ (the free version has never capped the number of files) and added screenshot captions.
1.0.8 – 2026-05-21
- Compatibility bump. Re-verified against current WordPress release.
- Raised Requires PHP floor to 7.4 (PHP 7.0-7.3 are EOL).
- No functional changes.
1.0.7
- Security: Validate the download nonce before touching any other request input.
- Security: Add clear permission hooks for download authorization.
- Compliance: Document raw/binary output in the download endpoint for scanners.
1.0.2
- Fix: Plugin Check compliance (admin enqueue without direct $_GET access, readme headers).
1.0.1
- Fix: add nonce to download links and validate in handler.
- Fix: use WP_Filesystem for file reads (Plugin Check compliance).
- Fix: wp_unslash() before sanitization for request values.
- Fix: translators comment for placeholder strings.
- Meta: bump Tested up to.
Screenshots
For developers
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Best BBA Secure File Downloads alternatives
All downloads plugins →FAQ
BBA Secure File Downloads: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 8, 2026
Is BBA Secure File Downloads free?
Yes. BBA Secure File Downloads is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is BBA Secure File Downloads safe to use in 2026?
BBA Secure File Downloads works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 1 week ago, and scores 59/100 on our health check.
How many websites use BBA Secure File Downloads?
BBA Secure File Downloads is active on <10 WordPress websites and has been downloaded 838 times since it launched in March 2026. It was downloaded 140 times in the last 30 days.
Does BBA Secure File Downloads work with WordPress 7.1?
BBA Secure File Downloads is officially tested up to WordPress 7.0.7, while the latest release is 7.1.3. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does BBA Secure File Downloads need?
BBA Secure File Downloads requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was BBA Secure File Downloads last updated?
The latest version, 1.0.10, was released on October 1, 2026 (1 week ago).
Who makes BBA Secure File Downloads?
BBA Secure File Downloads is developed and maintained by Jordan Alexander.
What are the best alternatives to BBA Secure File Downloads?
The most popular alternatives to BBA Secure File Downloads are Simple Download Monitor (20K+ installs), Prevent Direct Access (10K+ installs) and Easy Media Download (9K+ installs).
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