If your WordPress website has been hacked, it's important to take immediate action to secure and clean your site. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Isolate Your Website:
- Take your website offline or put it in maintenance mode to prevent further damage.
2. Change Passwords:
- Change all passwords, including:
- WordPress admin password
- Hosting account password
- FTP passwords
- Database passwords
3. Scan for Malware:
- Use security plugins or online scanners to scan your website for malware. Popular plugins include Wordfence, Sucuri, or MalCare.
4. Backup Your Site:
- Before making any changes, create a backup of your website files and database.
5. Update Software:
- Ensure that your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins are up to date. Outdated software can be a vulnerability.
6. Remove Malicious Code:
- Manually review your files for any suspicious code or files. Common places to check include theme files, plugin files, and the wp-config.php file.
7. Scan and Clean the Database:
- Malicious code may also be injected into the database. Use security plugins or tools to scan and clean the database.
8. Check .htaccess File:
- Inspect your .htaccess file for any unauthorized changes. Remove any suspicious code.
9. File Permissions:
- Verify that file and directory permissions are set correctly. Directories should be 755, and files should be 644.
10. Review User Accounts:
- Check for unauthorized user accounts in your WordPress admin panel. Remove any suspicious accounts.
11. Reinstall Core Files:
- Reinstall WordPress core files. You can do this by downloading the latest WordPress version and replacing the core files, excluding the wp-content directory.
12. Security Plugins:
- Install a reputable security plugin and configure it to enhance your website's security. Wordfence and Sucuri are examples of popular security plugins.
13. Check for Backdoors:
- Look for any backdoors that might have been installed. These could be hidden files with unusual names or modifications to existing files.
14. Review Logs:
- Check server logs for any suspicious activity. This can help you identify the entry point of the attack.
15. Contact Hosting Provider:
- Reach out to your hosting provider for assistance and inform them about the security breach. They might offer additional insights or support.
16. Implement Security Best Practices:
- Regularly update your software, use strong passwords, and follow security best practices to prevent future attacks.
17. Monitor for Anomalies:
- Continuously monitor your website for any unusual activities or file changes.
18. Consider Professional Help:
- If the situation is complex or you're unsure about the steps, consider hiring a professional security expert to assist you.
19. Reconnect to Google Search Console:
- If your site was removed from Google Search Console during the hack, reconnect it after you've secured and cleaned your site.
Remember to stay vigilant and regularly monitor your website's security. Implementing proactive security measures will help prevent future incidents. For more info read the latest malware updates and
security news.
