How to Recover a Hacked WordPress Website, and What Steps Should You Take?

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems, powering millions of websites worldwide. Unfortunately, its popularity also makes it a target for hackers. 

Reports indicate that WordPress sites face a staggering 90,000 hacking attempts per minute. 

A hacked WordPress website can be a nightmare. Not only does it compromise the security of your site, but it also puts your reputation and business at risk. 

But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to recover your hacked site and ensure it’s secure moving forward.

Whether you’re dealing with a hacked website or want to be prepared for future incidents, this blog post is a must-read. So, let’s dive in and get your WordPress site back on track!

WordPress Hacked: Signs Your WordPress Site Is at Risk

With their popularity and widespread use, WordPress websites have become prime targets for cyber threats. Recognizing the signs of a potential hack is crucial for proactive security. 

Signs Your WordPress Site Is at Risk:-

1. Unusual Website Behaviour:- Sudden glitches, errors, or unexplained changes in content.
2. Unexpected Downtime:– Frequent or extended periods of website unavailability.
3. Strange User Accounts:- Unauthorised or unfamiliar user accounts appear in the admin panel.
4. Slow Performance: – Noticeable delays in website loading times.
5. Search Engine Warnings:- Google or other search engines flagging your site as potentially harmful.
6. Spammy Content:- Presence of unauthorised or irrelevant content on your site.
7. Unexpected Redirects:- Visitors being redirected to unrelated or suspicious websites.

Stay vigilant for these signs to detect potential security breaches early and take swift action to protect your WordPress site.

How to Recover a Hacked WordPress Website?

Knowing your WordPress website got hacked might be scary, but don’t worry. You can take organised steps to regain control and make your online space safe. 

Just follow these seven easy steps to fix your Hacked WordPress Website:-

1).Change Your Passwords

Changing passwords is your first line of defence against online threats. 

Shockingly, 123456 and password remain among the most commonly used passwords, making it easy for hackers to gain access. 

Opt for a potent mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

A study revealed that using “password” as your password exposes you to an 80% chance of being hacked. 

Instead, craft unique, complex passwords; for example, “Blu3Sky$72” provides a potent shield. 

Regularly updating passwords helps thwart unauthorised access and secure your online identity. 

2). Update Plugins and Themes

Regularly updating plugins and themes is most important for a secure WordPress website. Outdated elements can expose accountability, paving the way for cyber threats. 

However, some updates might require professional handling. 

For smooth and secure updates, consider relying on agencies like Reliqus Consulting. Beyond updates, we offer top-notch WordPress malware removal services, ensuring your website stays resilient against potential security breaches. 

Moreover, if you experience any suspicious activity, it’s advisable to seek our expertise. 

3). Remove Users That Shouldn’t Be There

Check your user list meticulously. Remove any unfamiliar or suspicious accounts, especially those with admin privileges. Restricting access to legitimate users helps prevent further unauthorised activities.

4). Remove Unwanted Files

Identify and eliminate any files or scripts added by the hacker. These could be disguised as legitimate components but serve malicious purposes. Cleanse your site of these unwanted elements to restore its integrity.

5). Clean Out Your Sitemap

Ensure your XML sitemap reflects the current state of your website. Remove any URLs added by the hacker and update them to represent your site’s structure accurately. A clean sitemap aids search engines in adequately indexing your content.

6). Reinstall Plugins and Themes and WordPress Core

For an added layer of security, reinstall your plugins, themes, and even the WordPress core itself. This ensures that any compromised or tampered files are replaced with clean, unaltered versions, restoring the original functionality.

7). Clean Out Your Database if Necessary

Inspect your database for any unauthorized changes or additions. If you identify suspicious entries or alterations, clean out the database to eliminate any lingering traces of the security breach. This step is crucial for a comprehensive recovery process.

Conclusion

Recovering a hacked WordPress website can be a stressful experience, but with the proper steps and precautions, you can regain control of your site and protect it from future attacks. 

Following the guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can detect and remove malware, strengthen your site’s security measures, and restore your website to its previous state.

However, it’s important to remember that recovering from a hack is just the first step. Ongoing maintenance and proactive security practices are essential for keeping your site safe in the long run. 

If you need professional assistance with WordPress malware removal or want to ensure your website is secure, don’t hesitate to contact Reliqus Consulting. Our team of experts is here to help you safeguard your online presence and provide comprehensive solutions for all your WordPress security needs.