Recently, Google team member Gary Illyes clarified that a robots.txt file cannot be used as a security barrier to prevent unauthorized website access. Its main function is merely to guide web crawlers and bots about website sections to be crawled and indexed.
Despite this, some mistake it as a protective shield to block unauthorized users from accessing certain parts of their site. This belief is inherently flawed. Illyes underlined that relying solely on robots.txt for website security can result in potential security vulnerabilities.
Illyes explained that this file does not protect against unregulated bot traffic, debunking a prevalent misconception.
Demystifying robots.txt file’s role in website security
He emphasized that robots.txt’s purpose is to manage interaction between web crawlers and websites, not to block unauthorized bot traffic.
Microsoft Bing’s Fabrice Canel agrees with Illyes’ viewpoint. Canel stated that frequent misuse of robots.txt exposes vulnerable URLs to potential cyber threats. He urged web developers to follow best practices when using robots.txt files to better protect their sites.
Illyes communicated that robots.txt cannot prevent unauthorized access to content, clearing misconceptions about the technology’s effectiveness. He said, “If you’re hoping to rely on robots.txt to prevent unauthorized access to your content, you’re placing your faith in the wrong place.”
Detailing ways to prevent web crawlers, Illyes suggested various methods a server can employ when responding to an access request such as implementing robots.txt, conducting network access control vulnerability tests, and setting up password protection.
Finally, Illyes encouraged website owners to ensure safety by using tools to manage bot interactions such as Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and password shields. He reemphasized that while robots.txt offers access guidelines, the final decision and security typically lie with the inquirer.
