WordPress Hacked? Here’s How to Fix a Hacked WordPress Site

Have you ever experienced a compromised or hacked WordPress site? It is often not a deliberate attack but instead a script or automated hack attempt. Don’t be alarmed; there are many ways to regain control of your WordPress site and protect it from future hacking attempts. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to fix a hacked WordPress site and safeguard it from future intrusions.

Hacked WordPress Site: Key Takeaways

• A hacked WordPress site can have severe consequences, including legal issues, financial losses, plummeting SEO ranking, damaged reputation, and potential removal from search results.
• Signs of a compromised WordPress site include unauthorized site redirections, unusual pop-ups, dashboard access problems, and unexpected admin users. Tools like Seahawk’s WordPress security scanner help detect malware, and regularly monitoring WordPress files is crucial.
• Following a hack, immediate steps include enabling maintenance mode, resetting all passwords for WordPress and associated accounts, contacting the hosting provider, and cleaning the site using security plugins, a manual cleanup, or restoring from a backup.

Want to Fix a Hacked WordPress Site?

If you’re looking for an expert to fix a hacked WordPress site, look no further! Our WordPress Hacked Site Repair Services are available 24/7 to help resolve the issue and get your website back up and running again. We’ll work with you to identify the root cause of the hack and take preventative measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. With our expertise & knowledge, you can protect your WordPress site from future hacks and malicious activity.

The Importance of Malware Detection and Removal

Malware is a type of malicious software designed to damage or disable computers and computer systems. It can be used to steal sensitive information, delete important files, or take control of a computer. Malware can be spread through email attachments, websites, or by downloading infected files from the internet.

To protect WordPress site from malware, it is essential to have malware detection and removal software installed on your computer. Anti-malware software can scan your computer for malware and remove it. Some anti-malware programs also have real-time protection, which can block malware before it has a chance to infect your computer.

Related: Malware Removal Services Vs. Website Security Services

If you think your computer may be infected with malware, you should run a scan with an anti-malware program as soon as possible. If you have important files on your computer, you should create backups before scanning for malware. This way, if any files are deleted during the scan, you can restore them from the backup.

Related: Best WordPress Malware & Security Scanners

Understanding How Hackers Target WordPress Sites

Hackers are constantly evolving their tactics, seeking out vulnerabilities in WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and even user behavior. Their motivations range from data theft and financial gain to simply causing chaos. The open-source nature of WordPress, while one of its strengths, also means that its code is accessible to those with malicious intent, allowing them to study and exploit potential weaknesses.

The impact of a successful hack can be devastating. It may lead to data breaches, financial losses, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust. In some cases, hacked sites can be used to spread malware, potentially affecting visitors and further damaging the site’s credibility.

Look out for these:

• Exploiting outdated software: Hackers often target sites running old versions of WordPress, themes, or plugins. These outdated components may have known vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. By scanning for sites using these older versions, hackers can easily exploit these weaknesses. They might use automated tools to detect version numbers and then apply specific exploits. This can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or even complete site takeover.

Useful Reading: Elementor Security Vulnerabilities: How to Check and Fix

• Brute force attacks: This method involves repeatedly attempting to guess login credentials. Hackers use automated scripts to try thousands of username and password combinations quickly. They often target common usernames like “admin” and use lists of commonly used passwords. Weak passwords or those exposed in previous data breaches are particularly vulnerable. Successful brute force attacks can give hackers full admin access to the site.
• Injection attacks: These attacks involve inserting malicious code into a website. SQL injection manipulates database queries, potentially allowing hackers to view, modify, or delete data. Cross-site scripting (XSS) injects scripts that run in users’ browsers, potentially stealing session data or redirecting users to malicious sites. PHP code injection can execute unauthorized commands on the server, giving hackers broad control over the site.

Also Relevant: Preventing Brute Force Attacks Against WordPress Websites

• Malware and backdoors: Hackers may insert malicious code into theme or plugin files, often in ways that are hard to detect. This code can create hidden admin accounts, allowing hackers to maintain access even if the original entry point is discovered and closed. Some malware acts as a “backdoor,” giving hackers remote control over the site. This can be used for various malicious purposes, from data theft to using the site for further attacks.
• Social engineering: These attacks exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Phishing attacks use fake emails or websites that look legitimate to trick users into revealing their login credentials. Hackers might impersonate trusted sources like WordPress itself or a popular plugin developer. They may also use misleading messages to trick users into installing malware or granting access to sensitive areas of the site.
• File inclusion exploits: These attacks take advantage of poorly configured file permissions or vulnerable PHP functions. Hackers might use these vulnerabilities to access sensitive files on the server, potentially viewing or modifying critical data. Directory traversal attacks, a type of file inclusion exploit, allow hackers to access files outside the web root directory, potentially compromising the entire server.
• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF): In these attacks, hackers trick authenticated users into performing unwanted actions without their knowledge. This might involve creating a malicious link that, when clicked by an admin, performs actions like changing site settings or creating new admin accounts. Sites that don’t use c tokens to validate form submissions are particularly vulnerable to these attacks.

Do You Know?

How to Check for Vulnerabilities in Your WordPress Website?

• XML-RPC attacks: XML-RPC is a feature in WordPress that allows remote access to certain functions. Hackers can abuse this functionality for brute force login attempts, trying many passwords quickly without triggering normal login security measures. They may also use XML-RPC to initiate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, overwhelming the site with traffic.
• Targeting the hosting environment: Sometimes hackers focus on vulnerabilities in the server software rather than WordPress itself. They might exploit weaknesses in web servers, database systems, or other server components. In shared hosting environments, a vulnerability in one site can potentially be used to access other sites on the same server.

Also Read: Shared Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting – What’s Your Best Bet?

• Traffic interception: These attacks involve intercepting data as it travels between the user and the website. Man-in-the-middle attacks can capture sensitive information like login credentials or personal data. Sites without SSL/TLS encryption are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, as data is transmitted in plain text that can be easily read if intercepted.

Get Insights: Preventative vs Reactive Maintenance of Your Website: All You Need to Know

WordPress Hacked: Reasons Your Site is at Risk

If your WordPress website has been hacked, it is crucial to take prompt action to address the problem. There are several possible explanations of a hacked WordPress site, including:

Your WordPress Site is Not Updated

Keeping your WordPress site up-to-date is essential to ensure its security. WordPress releases updates regularly to maintain the security of its platform from new vulnerabilities. If you don’t update your WordPress plugins, core, and themes, you’re leaving your website vulnerable to being hacked. So, don’t forget to keep your WordPress site updated to prevent any unwanted visitors from accessing your website.

Not Using a Strong Password

Having weak passwords is a major cause of website hacks. To prevent this, make sure to create strong passwords, which include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. This should be done for all admin accounts and user accounts.

Additionally, limiting login attempts to reduce the chances of a brute-force attack. You can use a WordPress plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to implement this and prevent unauthorized WordPress users from accessing your website.

Installing a WordPress Plugin or Theme with Security Vulnerabilities

Another reason for a WordPress hack is installing a WordPress plugin or theme with security vulnerabilities. Before installing new plugins or theme files, it’s important to ensure they come from a trustworthy source and have positive reviews.

If you suspect your WordPress site has been hacked, go to the WordPress dashboard and identify any suspicious plugins or themes that may have been installed. Once identified, it’s important to remove these files to protect your site from further damage.

Compromised Hosting Company Account

Suppose your web server hosting provider account has been compromised. In that case, it’s essential to recognize that the hacker might have exploited vulnerabilities in your hosting account to gain unauthorized access to your WordPress site.

To prevent future hacks or security breaches such as this, it’s crucial to implement robust security measures. This includes using a secured password for your hosting provider account and diligently monitoring it for any suspicious or unauthorized activities.

Clicking on a Malicious Link

WordPress sites can be compromised if site owners inadvertently click on malicious links. When receiving emails from spam websites or messages from unfamiliar sources, exercise caution to avoid potential malicious redirects and thoroughly inspect the links before clicking.

Read: How To Fix The WordPress Pharma Hack

WordPress Hacked: Signs Your Site is in Trouble

When assessing the security of your WordPress website, it’s important to be vigilant for the following telltale signs:

• Unusual or unexpected activities on your website, such as the appearance of unfamiliar content.
• Receiving anomalous or unsolicited messages from visitors to your site.
• Sluggish or non-responsive website loading.
• Alterations to your site that you did not initiate.
• Display of warnings in web browsers marking your site as deceptive.
• Notable security issues were reported in the Google Search Console.

If you suspect your WordPress website has been compromised, it’s crucial to remain composed and take proactive measures to rectify the issue and regain control over your site’s security.

How to Fix a Hacked WordPress Site?

If your WordPress website has been hacked, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and relax. It may seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to fix a hacked WordPress website. Here are some tips for keeping your WordPress site safe:

• Change all of your passwords. This includes your WordPress admin password and any FTP or hosting account passwords. Be sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account.

• Log into your WordPress dashboard and update your software, including core WordPress files, plugins, and themes. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated plugins, theme files, and software, so keeping everything up-to-date is essential.

• Delete any unknown or suspicious files from your website. If you need to figure out what a file is or whether it’s safe, you can contact your host or a security expert for help.

• Restore your website from a backup if you have one. If you don’t have a backup, try using a tool or security plugin like Wordfence to scan for and repair malicious code.

• Contact your host or a security expert for help if you’re still having trouble. Check out our WordPress Hack fix service. We can help you identify and fix any security issues.

Steps to Fix a Hacked WordPress Site 

Here are the steps to fix a hacked WordPress site:

Step 1. Clean WordPress Files

The first step to cleaning up a hacked WordPress site is removing any malicious files uploaded. You can manually scan your server’s files or use a plugin to scan and identify any suspicious files automatically.

Some of the security plugins you can use to scan WordPress:

• WordFence
• Sucuri

Once you have identified the malicious files, delete them from your server immediately. You may also need to remove any lines of code added to your WordPress core files. If you are unsure how to do this, we recommend contacting professional WordPress security experts or WP support specialists for help.

Use these online File scanners to scan your WordPress files:

• VirusTotal
• FileScan.io

Step 2. Clean Malware From the WordPress Database

Remove malware infection from the WordPress database because this is the place where hackers add malicious code to the database, which can then be executed on your site.

To clean the malware from your WordPress database, you can use a plugin like WP-DBManager. This plugin will allow you to view all of the tables in your database and run SQL queries.

Step 3. Secure WordPress User Account

If you have a WordPress site, it’s crucial to secure your user account (admin account). A hacked WordPress site can be a significant security risk, so following the below steps is essential to ensure your site is as secure as possible.

How to Secure a WordPress user account?

• Use a strong password for your WordPress account. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Use two-factor authentication for your WordPress account. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or another device to log in.

• Keep your WordPress account up to date. Make sure you’re running the latest version of WordPress and all plugins and themes on your site are also up to date. Outdated software can be a significant security risk.

• Limit login attempts on your WordPress account. By default, WordPress allows unlimited login attempts, which hackers can exploit using brute force attacks. Restrict login attempts helps prevent these attacks by limiting the number of times someone can try to log in unsuccessfully.

• Use a security plugin for WordPress. There are many great security plugins available for WordPress, which can help add an extra layer of protection to your site

Step 4. Remove Hidden Backdoors on Your WP Site

If you find that your WordPress is at stake, cleaning it up as soon as possible is essential. One of the first things you should do is remove any hidden backdoors the hacker may have left behind.

Backdoors are usually hidden in code that is not easily detectable. They can be used to gain access to your site without logging in or running malicious code on your server. If you suspect that there may be a backdoor on your site, you should contact a WordPress security expert for help.

Once you remove the backdoor, you should secure your site so it cannot be hacked again. This includes changing your passwords, updating your software, and taking other security measures.

Step 5. Remove Malware Warnings

If you see any warnings or alerts from your security software after completing the previous steps, follow the instructions provided by the software to remove the malware. These instructions will vary depending on the software you are using. Once you remove the malware, you can then continue with Step 6.

Step 6. Change Your Security Keys

If you think your site gets hacked, the first thing you should do is change your secret keys. This will help to prevent further damage and give you a fresh start.

You will need to edit the wp-config.php file to change your secret keys. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Learn more bout security keys in WordPress here.

Monitoring and Maintaining Your WordPress Site

Consistent monitoring and upkeep of your WordPress site significantly aid in hack prevention for WordPress sites. Schedule regular scans for malware using security scanners like MalCare to detect hidden threats.

Keep your WordPress software, plugins, and themes updated by regularly checking the official WordPress repository for the latest WordPress plugins. Regular updates add new features and fix any security vulnerabilities that might have been discovered in older versions of WordPress installations.

Finally, ensure you create consistent backups of your site. They act as a safety net, allowing you to quickly restore your site to its previous state in case of a security breach. Consider using automated backups for precise control over restoration and separate storage from your hosting environment.

Reporting and Learning From Hacking Incidents

Submitting reports of hacking incidents to the authorities aids in the battle against cybercrime. It can contribute to building a case against cybercriminals and may also help other individuals and organizations mitigate future cyber threats.

When reporting a hacking incident, you’ll need to contact the local office of an appropriate law enforcement agency. If the hack involves online fraud, scams, or other cybercrimes, you can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Gaining knowledge from hacking incidents holds equal importance to reporting them. Each incident is a learning opportunity that can help you understand your site’s vulnerabilities and take measures to fix them, thereby preventing future attacks.

There’s no doubt that a hacked WordPress site can be a major headache. But with a little patience and the right tools, it is possible to fix most hacked WordPress sites. In this article, we’ve shown you how to identify and fix some common WordPress hacks. 

WordPress Hacked FAQs