WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems on the internet, with over 40% of websites using it. Unfortunately, this popularity also makes WordPress a prime target for hackers. If your WordPress website has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to fix the issue and prevent further damage. In this post, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to fix a hacked WordPress website.
- Take the website offline
The first thing you need to do is take your website offline. This prevents further damage from being done while you work on fixing the issue. You can do this by simply deleting the WordPress files from your server or by using a plugin like WP Maintenance Mode to put your site in maintenance mode.
- Change your passwords
Next, you need to change all your passwords. This includes your WordPress admin password, hosting account password, and any other passwords associated with your website. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easy to guess. Consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.
- Scan your website for malware
You can use a plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your website for malware. These plugins will scan your website files, database, and other files for any malicious code. They’ll also provide you with a report on any security issues found and suggest steps you can take to fix them.
- Remove any malicious code
If malware is found on your website, you’ll need to remove it. This can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with coding, so you may want to hire a professional to help you. You can also use a plugin like Sucuri or MalCare to automatically remove any malware found on your website.
- Update WordPress and plugins
Outdated WordPress core and plugin files can leave your website vulnerable to attack. Make sure to update your WordPress core files and all plugins to the latest version. This will help to close any security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by the hacker.
- Restore from a backup
If you have a backup of your website, you can restore it to a previous version before the hack occurred. This will remove any malicious code and restore your website to its previous state. If you don’t have a backup, you may be able to use your hosting provider’s backup service to restore your website.
- Harden your website security
Once your website is back up and running, it’s important to harden your website security to prevent future hacks. This includes implementing security measures like two-factor authentication, using a strong password policy, and limiting login attempts. You can also consider using a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to further protect your website.
Fixing a hacked WordPress website can be a time-consuming and stressful process. Our team has extensive experience in cleaning and securing hacked WordPress websites. We have worked with numerous clients to identify and remove malicious code, update core files and plugins, and implement security measures to prevent future attacks. Our team is skilled in the use of tools such as Wordfence and Sucuri, and can also provide manual inspections and remediation to ensure that your website is thoroughly cleaned and secured.
If your website has been hacked or you suspect that it has been compromised, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We understand the urgency of these situations and will work quickly and efficiently to restore your website to its previous state.