What to do if your WordPress site is hacked

Hey there, fellow WordPress site owner! We all know how much time and effort goes into building and maintaining a website. It’s no banter that we all want to keep it safe and secure. But what happens when the worst nightmare comes true and your WordPress site is hacked?

If you ever discover that your WordPress site has been hacked then do not panic even as it can be distressful at times. Follow our straightforward and practical steps to address the breach and safeguard your WordPress site in the future.

Read the blog till the end regardless of your expertise or business size to stay informed and prepared to tackle the situation.

So without further ado, let’s begin.

Signs that indicate your WordPress site is hacked

Recognising WordPress hacked signs is critical for quick action. Let’s look at some potential warning signals to help you prevent any damage and respond to the hack as soon as possible.

Unexpected changes in site appearance

If you spot changes on your website like unknown layouts, new components, or different graphics, these might indicate a hack. This includes unauthorized changes in design, layout, content, or functionality.

You might see new elements that are unfamiliar, odd formatting, or offensive or harmful content. Hackers often alter a site’s look to add malicious content or redirect visitors. These modifications could suggest a security breach on your WordPress site.

Quickly investigating and responding to these changes is crucial to protect your site and its users.

Unknown user accounts in WordPress

Be wary of new user accounts in your WordPress dashboard that you did not create. Hackers may create these accounts to gain unauthorised access to your site. If you notice unidentified user accounts with suspicious privileges or unauthorized access to your WordPress site, it could indicate a security breach.

These unknown accounts may have been created by hackers to gain control over your site or execute malicious activities. It is crucial to monitor and promptly address any unauthorized user accounts to maintain the security and integrity of your website.

A sudden drop in website traffic

A significant and sudden decrease in website traffic can indicate that your WordPress site is hacked. This could be due to search engines penalising your site for malicious content or redirects set up by the hacker.

If you experience an abrupt and unexplained decline in the number of visitors to your website, it could be a sign of a security issue, including a potential hack. may indicate that your WordPress site has been compromised, redirecting or driving away visitors.

It’s important to investigate and address this issue promptly to avoid further damage to your site’s reputation and functionality.

Inability to log into the WordPress dashboard

If you find yourself locked out of your WordPress dashboard, this could be a sign that a hacker has taken over your WordPress site and changed your login credentials.

Same way, if you face difficulty accessing your WordPress dashboard using your usual login credentials, it could be a sign of a security breach. Hackers may alter login details or employ methods to lock out legitimate site owners.

Suspicious links or content added to the site

Unusual links or content on your site, especially if they lead to unknown or dubious websites, can be an indication of a hack. These are often used to redirect your visitors to malicious sites or to boost the search engine rankings of those sites.

If you discover suspicious links or unfamiliar content that you did not add to your website, it could indicate unauthorized access or a security breach. These links and content may lead to malicious websites or compromise the integrity of your site.

It’s important to address and remove such unauthorized content promptly to secure your website.

Slow or unresponsive website performance

A sudden slowdown or unresponsiveness of your website might be due to a hacker overloading your server with traffic (DDoS attack), or using your server to run malicious tasks. Hackers may introduce malicious scripts or cause increased server load, leading to a sluggish or unresponsive site.

It’s crucial to investigate and address these performance issues promptly to ensure the security and functionality of your website.

Security warnings from browsers or search engines

If you receive security warnings from web browsers or search engines regarding potential threats or suspicious activities on your WordPress site, it could be an indication that your site has been compromised.

Such warnings might suggest the presence of malware, phishing attempts, or other security risks. It’s important to take these alerts seriously and conduct a thorough investigation to address any potential security breaches and protect your site’s visitors.

Altered search engine results for your site

An altered search engine results means unexpected changes in your website’s search engine rankings, unusual or unrelated content in search engine snippets, or the presence of malicious links or content. This could be due to SEO spam, a common tactic used by hackers.

Check if the search engine results for your WordPress site are showing unfamiliar content in the title or description, or if they are redirecting to another site. These alterations may signal a security breach or manipulation of your site’s search engine visibility.

This also requires immediate attention to rectify the issues and protect your site’s reputation.

Unusual activities in server logs

It refers to any irregular or suspicious patterns observed in your website’s server logs. This could include unauthorized access attempts, unusual queries, or abnormal traffic patterns that are not in line with typical usage.

Review your server logs for any unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts, strange IP addresses accessing your site, or unfamiliar script execution, which could signify a security breach.

Such anomalies should be investigated promptly, as they may indicate unauthorized access or potential security threats to your site.

Pop-ups or unwanted ads appear on the site

The appearance of pop-ups or adverts that you did not place can be a sign of adware injected into your site, which is a common type of hack, especially on WordPress sites.

The appearance of pop-ups or unwanted ads on your site, especially those that you didn’t create or authorize, could indicate a security issue. It suggests that unauthorized scripts or content have been injected into your website, potentially compromising its integrity and user experience.

Addressing these issues promptly is essential to safeguard your website and ensure a positive experience for your visitors.

Immediate steps you should take upon detection

If you experience a sudden drop in website traffic, it could be an indicator of a potential security breach. When faced with this situation, it’s essential to take immediate steps to investigate the cause, secure your site, and mitigate the impact.

Monitor for any unusual activities, review your site’s analytics to understand the extent of the traffic decline, and consider conducting a comprehensive security audit to address any potential vulnerabilities or breaches.

Additionally, it’s crucial to engage with a professional to restore your site’s traffic and ensure its protection against future incidents.

Securing and logging into the website hosting account

Firstly, ensure you can securely access your website hosting account. This is crucial for assessing the situation and taking necessary actions. Check for any unauthorised changes and update security settings as needed.

Reach out to your hosting provider to see if they have any backups of your website available. Here’s a guide to securing and logging into your hosting account effectively:

Secure your hosting account

Use a strong password: Create a strong, unique password for your hosting account that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “password123”.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. This typically involves receiving a code on your mobile device to verify your identity when logging in.
Regularly update your password: Change your hosting account password regularly to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Monitor account activity: Keep an eye out for any unusual account activity that may indicate unauthorized access.

Logging into your hosting account

Access the hosting provider’s website: Navigate to the website of your hosting provider and locate the login or account access portal.

Enter your credentials: Enter your username and password to log into your hosting account. Ensure that the login page is secure (look for “https” and a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar).

Consider using a secure connection: If available, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and enhance the security of your login session.

Be cautious with public networks: If logging in from a public network, exercise caution and avoid accessing sensitive account information on unsecured connections.

Manage access and permissions

Grant access carefully: Only provide access to your hosting account to trusted individuals who require it for website management or administration.

Review and revoke access: Regularly review access permissions and remove any unnecessary or unused accounts or privileges.

Initiating website backups and assessing the scope of the hack

Before making any changes, initiate backups of your site, if possible. This helps preserve any recent changes and data. Then, start assessing the extent of the hack to understand which areas of your WordPress site are affected.

Even if you missed the scheduled backups, it’s still possible that there are older backups available. Check your hosting provider’s backup options or any other backup systems you may have in place to see if there are previous backup files that can be used for restoration.

Some hosting companies automatically create periodic backups as part of their services, and they may be able to provide you with a clean copy of your website.

Taking the site offline or displaying a maintenance message

it may be necessary to take your website offline or display a maintenance message to protect your visitors and prevent further damage. This prevents further damage and stops visitors from accessing a potentially compromised site.

Here’s how to effectively manage these actions.

Taking the site offline

Disable access: Through your web hosting control panel or content management system (CMS), you can temporarily disable access to your website. This can prevent visitors from accessing compromised or potentially harmful content.
Use a server status code: Consider sending an appropriate HTTP status code (such as 503 Service Unavailable) to indicate to search engines and other systems that your website is temporarily unavailable.
Define a custom error page: Create a customized error page to inform visitors that your website is currently offline due to maintenance or security issues.

Displaying a maintenance message

Clear communication: Use the maintenance message to inform visitors that your website is undergoing maintenance due to security concerns. Provide a brief explanation and assure them that the site will be back online as soon as possible.
Transparency and updates: If possible, keep visitors informed about the situation and any progress made in resolving the security breach. Transparency can help maintain trust with your audience.
Contact information: If visitors need urgent assistance or have concerns, provide contact information or alternative means to reach you or your support team.

Changing passwords for website, hosting account, and associated services

Immediately change the passwords for your WordPress site, hosting account, and any related services. Use strong, unique passwords to enhance security and prevent further unauthorised access.

Here’s how you can change these passwords effectively:

Changing passwords for Website

Access your website’s content management system (CMS) or administrative dashboard.
Locate the section for user accounts or security settings.
Change the passwords for all user accounts, including administrators, editors, and any other privileged users with access to the website.
Strong passwords should be used, comprising a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Changing passwords for Hosting account

Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel or dashboard.
Look for the security or account settings section.
Change the password for your hosting account, which is used to access the server and manage your website’s files and settings.
Ensure the new password is robust and unique.

Changing passwords for Associated services (such as email, FTP, databases, etc.)

Identify other services or platforms associated with your website, such as email accounts, file transfer protocol (FTP) access, and databases.
Access the respective account settings for each service and change the passwords. Additionally, make sure to use unique, strong passwords for each service.

After changing the passwords, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

It’s also important to audit and revoke access for any inactive or unnecessary accounts, as well as remove any unknown or suspicious access points that might have contributed to the security breach.

Notifying users or customers about potential data breaches (If necessary)

If your website experiences a data breach that may have compromised the personal information of users or customers, it is crucial to promptly and transparently communicate with those affected.

Here are steps for notifying users or customers about a potential data breach:

Draft a clear notification: Craft a clear, concise, and informative notification that includes the following:

Details about the breach: Provide a brief explanation of the incident, including when it occurred, what data might have been compromised, and the possible impact on affected individuals.
Steps taken: Inform users about the steps taken since the breach was discovered, including measures to secure the website and mitigate further damage.
Action items: Provide clear guidance on what affected individuals should do to protect themselves, such as changing passwords or monitoring financial accounts.

Communicate via multiple channels: Notify affected users or customers through various channels, such as email, website announcements, and social media updates. Ensure that the message is consistent across all channels.

Offer support: Provide resources, such as helplines or support email addresses, for individuals who have questions or require assistance related to the breach.

Be transparent: In your communication, be transparent about the breach and the steps being taken to rectify the situation. Honesty and transparency are vital in maintaining trust with your users or customers.

Review and improve security measures: Use the incident as an opportunity to review and enhance security protocols to prevent future breaches.

If you are unsure about the specific legal requirements or best practices for notifying users or customers about a data breach, consider seeking legal counsel or consulting with a cybersecurity professional to ensure that your communication is handled appropriately.

Assessing the damage of your hacked WordPress site

Assessing the damage of a hacked WordPress site is important in understanding the extent of the compromise and determining the necessary steps for data recovery.

Here are the key steps to assess the damage of your hacked WordPress site:

Running a security scan to identify and remove compromised files, plugins, and themes

Utilise a reliable security scanning tool to thoroughly check your WordPress site. This will help identify any infected files, plugins, or themes. Once detected, promptly remove or fix these to prevent further issues.

Check the functionality of your website. Look for any unauthorized changes to content, layout, or the presence of unfamiliar or suspicious links and advertisements.

Perform malware scans using reputable security plugins to identify any malicious files, code, or scripts that may have been injected into your WordPress installation.

Reviewing and identifying the extent of the hack

Check the WordPress database and files for any unauthorized modifications or additions. Look for any unknown database entries or unfamiliar files and folders. To review and identify the extent of a hack, a thorough examination is necessary across all affected systems, networks, and devices.

This process would involve, but is not limited to:

Logging and monitoring: Analyzing system logs, network traffic, and any other relevant monitoring data to detect unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Vulnerability assessment: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of system vulnerabilities to identify potential entry points exploited by the hackers.

Malware analysis: Identifying and analyzing any malicious software or code that may have been installed on the systems to gain unauthorized access or compromise data.

Forensic analysis: Examining affected systems for evidence of unauthorized access, modifications, or data exfiltration using forensic tools and techniques.

Data assessment: Determining the scope of compromised data and identifying any sensitive information that may have been accessed or stolen.

Network assessment: Reviewing network configurations, access controls, and security protocols to determine the extent of network infiltration and potential lateral movement by the hackers.

Carefully review your site to understand how deeply the hack has penetrated. Check for any changes in files, content, and user permissions to gauge the extent of the damage.

Finding and closing potential security vulnerabilities

Investigate how the hackers gained access. This may involve reviewing security logs and updating software. Close any identified vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks.

Determine the nature of the hack, such as defacement, malware injection, data theft, or other malicious activities. Understand how the hack occurred, whether it was due to outdated plugins, weak passwords, or other vulnerabilities.

Verifying the integrity of website content and database

Examine your website’s content and database for integrity. Ensure that no malicious content has been injected and that your data remains unaltered and intact.

Here are general steps to consider for verifying the integrity of website content and databases:

Secure access controls: Implement strong access controls to prevent unauthorized personnel from making unauthorized changes to the website content and databases. This includes using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access controls.

Database integrity checks: Utilize database management tools to perform integrity checks on the databases. These checks can identify and repair data corruption or unauthorized modifications.

Version control for website content: Use version control systems for managing website content to track changes and ensure that any modifications can be traced and verified.

Regular monitoring: Implement monitoring tools that can detect unauthorized changes or unusual activities in the website content and databases.

Security audits: Conduct regular security audits to verify the integrity of website content and databases. This involves reviewing access logs, change logs, and conducting vulnerability assessments.

Content validation: Regularly review and validate the website content to ensure that it has not been compromised or tampered with. This includes checking for malicious injections, unauthorized redirects, or any other signs of content manipulation.

Encrypted communications: Implement HTTPS and SSL/TLS encryption to secure communications between the website and the database, protecting data from unauthorized access or modifications in transit.

SEO impact assessment

Assess any impact the hack might have had on your site’s SEO. Check for unauthorized links, spam content, and ensure your site hasn’t been blacklisted by search engines.

To assess the impact of a hack on SEO, you should consider the following steps:

Website Traffic Analysis: Analyze website traffic before and after the hack to determine any significant drops or changes in visitor numbers. Tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into traffic patterns.

Search Engine Ranking Monitoring: Track the website’s search engine rankings for targeted keywords. A significant drop in rankings could indicate that the hack has impacted SEO.

Indexing Issues: Check if search engines have dropped or de-indexed any pages from the website, which could result from a hack. Google Search Console can provide this information.

Backlink Analysis: Assess the impact of the hack on the website’s backlink profile, as a hack could result in the generation of spammy backlinks, negatively impacting SEO. Tools like Moz or Ahrefs can help with backlink analysis.

Content Changes: Verify if the hack has led to unauthorized content changes, such as keyword stuffing or the injection of malicious links, which could harm SEO.

Malware Warnings: Check if the website has been flagged for malware by search engines, as this can severely impact SEO and lead to warnings being displayed in search results.

Review Structured Data: Assess if structured data on the website has been manipulated, potentially impacting rich snippets and search result appearances.

Mobile Compatibility: Verify if the hack has caused issues with mobile compatibility, considering that mobile-friendliness is a ranking factor for SEO.

Reviews and Ratings: If applicable, monitor the impact on reviews and ratings, as a hack may result in negative customer experiences affecting trust and online reputation.

Once you have assessed the damage, you can proceed with the necessary steps to clean and restore your WordPress site, including removing malware, updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins, strengthening security measures, and implementing best practices to prevent future breaches.

If you are uncertain about the assessment process or require specialized assistance, consider engaging a professional security expert or a cybersecurity firm to aid in the evaluation and recovery of your hacked WordPress site.

Working with Web Hosting Providers

When working with web hosting providers, whether it’s to address a security breach, manage server resources, or resolve technical issues, there are important considerations to keep in mind. If you’ve experienced a security breach, promptly inform your hosting provider.

They can provide guidance on the next steps, such as restoring from backups, analyzing server logs, or implementing additional security measures.

Here’s how to engage with them.

Reporting the security breach to the hosting provider

Immediately inform your web hosting provider about the security breach. It’s essential to communicate the issue promptly, as they can offer vital support and potentially have tools or resources to assist in addressing the hack.

Following up on their recommendations and assistance

Once you’ve reported the breach, follow up diligently on any recommendations or assistance offered by your hosting provider. They may provide specific steps or solutions based on their understanding of their systems and security protocols.

Implementing any server-level security measures recommended by the provider

Your hosting provider might suggest server-level security measures. It’s crucial to implement these recommendations promptly to enhance the security of your website and prevent future attacks.

Securing and restoring your WordPress site

Removing malicious files and scripts

Carefully search for and remove any malicious code, core files, and scripts from your site. This step is crucial to ensure no remnants of the hack remain that could lead to future vulnerabilities.

Restoring the website from clean backups (If available)

If you have clean, unaffected backups of your website, use them to restore your site. This is often the most efficient way to revert your site to a state before the security breach occurs.

Updating all plugins, themes, and WordPress itself to the latest versions

Ensure that all components of your WordPress site, including plugins, themes, and the WordPress core, are updated to their latest versions. These updates often contain security enhancements that protect against known vulnerabilities.

Implementing stronger passwords and user permissions

Adopt stronger, more secure passwords for all user accounts, and review user permissions. Limit administrative access to only those who need it, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Implementing additional security measures such as firewalls and malware scanning

Consider adding extra layers of security like firewalls and regular malware scanning. These tools can significantly enhance your site’s defense against future attacks.

Checking for hidden backdoors

Hunt for any hidden backdoors that hackers might have left. These backdoors can allow hackers to regain access even after the site is cleaned, so it’s vital to close them permanently.

Prevention: Best Practices to Avoid Future Hacks

Regular Security Audits

Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress site to identify any potential vulnerabilities. These audits are crucial in preemptively addressing security issues.

Regularly Backing Up Website Data and Database

Ensure that you routinely back up your website’s data and database. These backups are vital for restoring your site in case of a hack or other data loss incidents.

Learn more about how you can back up your WordPress site to multiple locations.

Keeping All Software, Themes, and Plugins Updated

Maintain all your website’s software, including themes and plugins, by keeping them updated to their latest versions. Updates often include security patches that protect against new threats.

Implementing Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Use robust, complex passwords for all accounts and implement two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

Limit Access to Login Pages with Captcha Verification

Incorporate captcha verification on your login pages to prevent automated attacks. This adds an additional barrier to malicious bots attempting to gain access to your site.

Using Security Plugins and Services

Employ security plugins and services for continuous monitoring and protection against threats. Plugins like All-In-One-Security (AIOS) can greatly enhance your WordPress site’s security and avoid future hacks.

Educating Yourself and Your Team on Cybersecurity

Invest time in educating yourself and your team about cybersecurity best practices. Awareness and understanding are key to preventing security breaches.

Additional Resources Regarding WordPress Security

When it comes to WordPress security, staying informed about best practices, strategies, and tools is crucial to protecting your website from potential security threats. Here are some additional resources that can help you enhance the security of your WordPress site:

Links to Detailed Guides on WordPress Security

Provide your readers with links to comprehensive guides on WordPress security. These resources can offer in-depth information on how to secure their websites effectively.

WordPress.org Security Documentation: The official WordPress website provides comprehensive documentation on security best practices, including tips for securing your site, maintaining a secure hosting environment, and more.

WordPress Security White Papers: Many cybersecurity firms and organizations publish white papers specifically focused on WordPress security. These resources often cover emerging threats, security trends, and best practices for securing WordPress sites.

WordPress Backup Plugins: There are many WordPress backup plugins available, and UpdraftPlus is among the most popular WordPress backup plugins, UpdraftPlus allows users to schedule backups, store backups in the cloud, and restore them with a few clicks.

Security Plugins and Tools: All-In-One-Security (AIOS) is the best security plugin and tool available in the WordPress ecosystem. From malware scanners to firewall solutions, this market-leading plugin can help fortify your site against various security risks.

WordPress Security Blogs: Follow reputable blogs and websites that specialize in WordPress security. These often provide regular updates on security vulnerabilities, best practices, and timely advice for securing your website.

Contact Information for Professional WordPress Security Services

List contact details for reputable professional WordPress security services. These services can offer expert assistance and solutions for complex security issues.

WordPress Security Webinars and Workshops: Look for webinars, workshops, and online events that focus on WordPress security. These sessions can offer valuable insights from security experts and practitioners.

WordPress Security Courses and Certifications: Consider enrolling in online courses or obtaining certifications related to WordPress security. These educational resources can deepen your knowledge of security principles and best practices specific to WordPress.

Security Audits and Assessments: Work with professional security firms to conduct security audits and assessments of your WordPress site. These services can identify vulnerabilities and provide tailored recommendations for improving security.

Trusted Security Experts: Follow and engage with reputable security experts and thought leaders in the WordPress community. Their insights and advice can help you navigate complex security challenges.

Forums and Communities for Support and Advice

Recommend forums and online communities where WordPress users can seek support and advice. These platforms can be invaluable for sharing experiences and getting tips from other users and experts.

Cybersecurity Forums and Communities: Engage with online communities and forums dedicated to cybersecurity and WordPress security. Participating in discussions and seeking advice from experienced professionals can provide valuable guidance.

WordPress Security Podcasts: Listen to podcasts focused on WordPress security to stay informed about the latest trends, threat landscape, and security strategies.

If you’re interested in specific types of security services, such as malware removal, security audits, or ongoing security monitoring, be sure to communicate these requirements clearly when contacting potential service providers.

Lastly, it’s important to prioritize working with reputable and experienced professionals who have a proven track record in WordPress security.

Wrap Up

From identifying signs of WordPress hack, taking immediate action, assessing and repairing the damage, to implementing robust security measures, we’ve covered the essential steps to regain control and secure your WordPress site.

Proactive security measures are key to safeguarding your WordPress site. Regular updates, backups, security audits, and education on cybersecurity best practices form a strong defense against potential breaches.

Remember, the journey to a secure WordPress site is ongoing.

Stay informed, and stay prepared, and your WordPress site will be well-equipped to resist the evolving threats of the digital world.

Until next time, adios!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my WordPress site has been hacked?

Sudden changes in the site’s appearance, new unknown users with administrative privileges, unexpected drop in website traffic, inability to log in, suspicious new plugins or themes, and alerts from Google or your antivirus about malware or suspicious activity.

What should I do first if I discover my WordPress site is hacked?

The first step is to put your site in maintenance mode to prevent visitors from accessing a potentially compromised site. This also helps in preventing the spread of malware.

What is the best security plugin for WordPress sites?

It’s important to note that the “best” plugin can vary depending on the specific needs and configurations of each WordPress site. It’s always a good idea to assess your website’s particular security requirements and possibly consult a professional when choosing a security plugin.

A popular choice for enhancing the security of WordPress sites is the All-In-One Security (AIOS) plugin. It includes functionalities such as firewall protection, login security, database security, and file system security. Also, it offers features like security scanners, anti-spam measures, and user account security.

Additionally, the All-In-One Security plugin is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for website owners who may not have advanced technical knowledge.

Should I update my WordPress, themes, and plugins?

Yes, ensure that your WordPress core, plugins, and themes are up to date. Outdated versions can contain security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

What are some measures to prevent future WordPress hacks?

Strengthen your site’s security by implementing two-factor authentication, using security plugins, and backup plugins, limiting login attempts, regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins, and maintaining regular backups of your site.

Is it necessary to contact my hosting provider?

Yes, inform your hosting provider about the hack. They might be able to assist with recovery and provide information about any server-level accommodation.

How can I ensure my WordPress database is secure after a hack?

Check and clean your WordPress database for any suspicious entries. Update the database and use security plugins or manual inspection to ensure it’s free from malware.