What is the .rnd file, and why did it appear?
The .rnd file is a temporary file created by OpenSSL, a library used for cryptographic operations. In the context of the MainWP Dashboard, this file may appear during key generation for the new encryption feature. OpenSSL uses .rnd to store random seed data, which helps enhance the security of cryptographic processes.
Is the .rnd file related to the recent MainWP update?
Yes, the timing of the .rnd file creation aligns with activating the new encryption feature in the MainWP Dashboard. This occurs because the MainWP Dashboard leverages a library called phpseclib, which internally uses OpenSSL for encryption operations, such as generating keys.
Can the .rnd file be deleted?
Yes, the .rnd file can be safely deleted after the encryption process is complete. It is only required temporarily during key generation. If OpenSSL needs it again and doesn’t find it, a new .rnd file will be created automatically.
Why does this happen on some setups and not others?
The location where the .rnd file is saved depends on the PHP environment’s configuration. In many cases, the file is generated in the $ENV::HOME path, but if this environment variable isn’t set, it defaults to the current working directory, such as wp-admin.
What should I do if Wordfence or another security plugin flags the .rnd file?
You can safely delete the .rnd file if it is no longer needed.