# How to Recover a Hacked WordPress Website [Complete Guide]

- Link: https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/guides/how-to-recover-a-hacked-wordpress-site/
- Published: 2023-01-25T09:38:19+00:00
- Author: Greg Fisher

In the vast digital landscape, maintaining the security of your WordPress website
is crucial for a smooth and trustworthy online presence. A hacked website not only
jeopardizes your data, but can also harm your reputation and erode the trust of 
your visitors. According to recent studies, over **90,000 hacking attempts are made
on WordPress sites every minute**, underscoring the pervasive nature of online threats.
In this article, we’ll explore how to recover a hacked WordPress website and provide
proactive measures to prevent future security breaches.

![](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png)

_Source: [WP Smackdown](https://wpsmackdown.com/wordpress-hack-statistics-2013/)_

## Common Signs of a Hacked WordPress Website

Recognizing the signs of a hacked WordPress website is the first step in taking 
action. If you notice unusual activities such as unexpected content changes, slow
website performance, or unauthorized logins, it may be indicative of a security 
breach. A study conducted by cybersecurity experts reveals that around **39% of 
all hacked websites are due to outdated WordPress installations**, emphasizing the
importance of keeping your software up to date. By staying vigilant and identifying
these common red flags, you empower yourself to take swift action and mitigate the
impact of a potential security incident.

### #1 – Unexplained Content Changes

If you find content on your WordPress site altered without your authorization, it
could be a clear sign of a security breach. Hacked websites often suffer from [defacement](https://www.ramotion.com/blog/website-defacement/),
where malicious actors modify text, images, or links to spread their message or 
compromise your site’s integrity.

### #2 – Slow Website Performance

A sudden decline in website speed may indicate a hack. Cybercriminals may inject
malicious code or engage in activities that consume server resources, leading to
sluggish performance. Regularly monitor your website’s loading times to detect and
address any unexpected slowdowns promptly.

### #3 – Unauthorized User Accounts

Discovering unknown user accounts in your WordPress admin panel is a strong indicator
of a security compromise. Hackers might create unauthorized accounts to gain control
over your website. By using a plugin such as **Limit Login Attempts Reloaded**, 
you have the capability to [restrict login attempts](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/features/limit-logins-page/)
to only approved usernames, denying access to any unauthorized login attempts. Regularly
review and manage user accounts to ensure only legitimate users have access.

### #4 – Unexpected Redirects

If your website redirects visitors to unfamiliar or suspicious URLs, it’s a warning
sign. Hackers may manipulate your site’s code to redirect users to phishing sites
or other malicious destinations. Regularly check your website’s URLs to ensure they
lead to the intended pages.

### #5 – Unusual Spike in Traffic

An unexpected surge in website traffic, especially if it’s accompanied by a high
server load, can be a sign of a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack or [brute force attack](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/cyber-security/cracking-the-code-unveiling-the-mechanics-behind-brute-force-attacks/).
Monitor your website traffic patterns and be alert to abnormal spikes that may indicate
a security threat.

### #6 – Strange Pop-ups or Ads

Hacked websites often display unauthorized pop-ups or ads, disrupting the user experience.
If your site is generating unwanted advertisements or pop-ups, it’s crucial to investigate
and eliminate the malicious elements to maintain a professional and secure online
presence. Regularly check your website for any unusual pop-ups or ads.

### #7 – Disabled Security Plugins

If your security plugins are unexpectedly disabled or modified without your knowledge,
it’s a red flag. Hackers may target security measures to facilitate their activities.
Regularly check the status of your security plugins and ensure they are active and
up to date.

### #8 – Search Engine Warnings

Search engines may [flag your website as potentially harmful if it’s compromised](https://patchstack.com/articles/website-flagged-malware-google/).
If you receive warnings or notices in search engine results, take immediate action
to investigate and rectify the security issues to prevent further damage to your
website’s reputation. Regularly monitor search engine alerts for any indications
of a security breach.

## How To Identify A Hack In WordPress

Ensuring the safety of your WordPress website starts with a thorough** security 
audit**. By systematically examining your site for potential vulnerabilities, you
can identify and address security issues before they escalate. Conducting a website
security audit might sound complex, but it’s like giving your website a health check-
up to keep it robust and resilient. Let’s explore some simple steps you can take
to identify potential hacks and fortify your online space.

> 
> ### Check for Unusual User Accounts
> 
> Begin by reviewing the user accounts in your WordPress admin panel. Look for any
> accounts that you don’t recognize or ones with suspicious privileges. Remove unauthorized
> accounts promptly. Check out our [login security checklist](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/guides/wordpress-login-security-checklist-implementation-guide-for-organizations/)
> as a guide to managing your login security.
> 
> ### Review Recent Changes
> 
> Examine [recent changes to your website’s content, themes, and plugins](https://jetpack.com/blog/track-user-activity-in-wordpress/#:~:text=The%20plugin's%20Activity%20Log%20keeps,to%20start%20monitoring%20your%20changes.).
> Any unexpected alterations could be a sign of a hack. Regularly monitor these 
> elements for consistency.
> 
> ### Scan for Malicious Files
> 
> Utilize [security plugins](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/cyber-security/wordpress-security-plugins-how-to-find-the-best-ones/)
> or [online scanners](https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-wordpress-vulnerability-scanners-online/)
> to check for malicious files. These tools can identify and quarantine suspicious
> files that may have been injected by hackers.
> 
> ### Examine Server Logs
> 
> Dive into your [server logs](https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/observability/web-server-logs/)
> to track user activities. Look for any unusual patterns, multiple [failed login attempts](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/blogs/guides/failed-login-attempts-in-wordpress/),
> or suspicious IP addresses accessing your site.
> 
> ### Check File Permissions
> 
> Ensure that [file permissions are appropriately configured](https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2014/05/proper-wordpress-filesystem-permissions-ownerships/).
> Incorrect file permissions may provide unauthorized users with access to sensitive
> files and directories.
> 
> ### Inspect Code for Anomalies
> 
> Review your website’s code for any unfamiliar or malicious snippets. Cybercriminals
> may insert code that compromises your site’s security. Pay special attention to
> theme files and custom scripts.
> 
> ### Verify Database Integrity
> 
> Check the integrity of your database by looking for unauthorized modifications
> or additions. Ensure that the database structure aligns with your website’s intended
> functionality.
> 
> ### Monitor Website Traffic
> 
> Keep an eye on your website traffic for unusual patterns or spikes. Check your
> referral traffic as this is typically the most common source, especially from 
> forums and blog sites. Abnormal traffic may indicate a security threat, such as
> a DDoS attack or other malicious activities.

 [  ](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/plans/)

## What To Do If Your Website Is Hacked

Discovering that your WordPress website has been hacked can be unsettling, but swift
and decisive action is crucial to minimize damage and restore security. By following
a set of immediate steps, you can effectively contain the breach and initiate the
recovery process. Let’s explore the essential actions you should take when facing
a hacked website, ensuring a rapid and effective response.

### Key Immediate Steps

If you’re unsure about the steps to take or the extent of the hack, consider seeking
professional assistance before attempting yourself. Security experts can provide
guidance, perform a thorough analysis, and assist in the restoration process.

>  1. **Take The Website Offline**
>     Depending on the severity of the attack, the first
>     step is to take your website offline temporarily. This helps prevent further 
>     unauthorized access and potential damage. Temporarily disabling your site also
>     protects visitors from encountering malicious content.
>  2. **Informing Users & Stakeholders**
>     Communicate transparently with your users 
>     and stakeholders about the security incident. [Alert them to the potential risks](https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/customers/how-to-communicate-data-breach-to-customers)
>     and reassure them that you are taking measures to address the situation. Clear
>     and timely communication builds trust and keeps your audience informed.
>  3. **Change Passwords Immediately**
>     Reset all passwords associated with your WordPress
>     website, including the admin password, database passwords, FTP credentials, and
>     hosting control panel access. This step helps to prevent further unauthorized
>     access and secures your site’s backend.
>  4. **Contact Your Hosting Provider**
>     Reach out to your hosting provider promptly.
>     Inform them of the security breach and seek their assistance. Hosting providers
>     often have security measures in place and can provide valuable guidance on mitigating
>     the impact of the hack.
>  5. **Run A Security Scan & Clean Up Infected Files**
>     Utilize reputable security 
>     plugins or [online scanners](https://kinsta.com/blog/scan-wordpress-for-malware/)
>     to conduct a thorough scan of your website. Identify and quarantine any malicious
>     files or code that may have been injected during the security breach.
>  6. **Backup Your Website**
>     Before making any changes or attempting to remove the
>     hack, create a [backup of your website](https://www.cloudways.com/blog/backup-wordpress-website/).
>     This ensures that you have a clean copy of your site to restore in case any complications
>     arise during the recovery process.
>  7. **Isolate & Identify the Hack**
>     Isolate the specific nature of the hack. Identify
>     compromised files, affected database tables, or any backdoors that may have been
>     created. Understanding the extent of the compromise is crucial for effective 
>     removal and recovery.

## Post-Recovery Actions

Recovering from a website hack is a significant achievement, but it’s essential 
to undertake post-recovery actions to protect your WordPress site and prevent future
security incidents. These actions involve communication, monitoring, and learning
from the experience.

 [  ](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/plans/)

### Communicate with Users and Stakeholders

Reach out to your users and stakeholders to inform them that the security breach
has been resolved. Provide reassurance about the steps taken to enhance security
and encourage them to update their passwords for an additional layer of protection.

### Monitor Website Activity

Intensify your website monitoring efforts post-recovery. Regularly check server 
logs, user activities, and traffic patterns for any signs of suspicious behavior.
Implementing continuous monitoring helps detect and address potential threats in
real-time.

### Update Security Measures

Review and update your security measures, including plugins, [firewalls](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/features/login-firewall/),
and other protective mechanisms. Ensure that everything is up to date to guard against
new vulnerabilities. The primary causes of website hacks often stem from the use
of outdated or infected plugins and themes, along with the occurrence of [brute force attacks](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/features/brute-force-protection/).
If you haven’t already, install plugins like [Limit Login Attempts Reloaded](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/activate/)
to improve your login security.

### Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Strengthen your website’s login security by enabling [two-factor authentication](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-two-factor-authentication-2fa).
This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring users to verify their identity
through a secondary method, such as a code sent to their mobile device.

### Regular Security Audits and Monitoring

Establish a routine for conducting [regular security audits](https://webscoot.io/blog/website-security-audit/).
Perform scans, check for updates, and review user access to proactively identify
and address potential vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring is key to staying one
step ahead of cyber threats.

### Educate Users on Security Best Practices

Provide resources and guidelines to educate your users on security best practices.
Emphasize the importance of strong passwords, password reuse, recognizing phishing
attempts, and keeping their devices secure. Informed users contribute to an overall
safer online environment.

### Backup Regularly

Reinforce your backup strategy by scheduling regular automated backups. Ensure that
backup files are stored securely and can be easily accessed in the event of another
security incident. Regular backups serve as a safety net for quick recovery.

### Stay Informed About Security Threats

Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Subscribe to [security newsletters](https://socradar.io/top-20-cybersecurity-newsletters/),
follow reputable sources, and participate in relevant forums to stay informed. Knowledge
of emerging threats equips you to proactively protect your website.

## Wrap Up

In conclusion, protecting your WordPress website against hacking incidents is an
ongoing commitment to digital security. By following the comprehensive guide outlined
in this article, you’ve taken critical steps in recovering from a hack and fortifying
your site against potential threats. Remember, staying vigilant, implementing best
practices, and regularly updating security measures are key elements in maintaining
a resilient online presence.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**How can I tell if my WordPress website has been hacked?**

Look out for signs such as **unexpected content changes, slow performance, unauthorized
user accounts, or unusual redirects**. Regularly monitor your website for these 
red flags and consider using security plugins to conduct scans for potential threats.

**What immediate steps should I take if my WordPress site is hacked?**

Swift action is crucial. **Take your site offline temporarily, inform users and 
stakeholders, change all passwords, contact your hosting provider, run a security
scan, and create a backup**. Isolate and identify the hack before seeking professional
assistance if needed.

**How often should I conduct a security audit on my WordPress website?**

**Perform a security audit regularly, ideally at least once a month.** This involves
checking user accounts, reviewing recent changes, scanning for malware, examining
server logs, and ensuring proper file permissions. Regular audits contribute to 
a proactive defense against potential security threats.

**What post-recovery actions should I take to secure my WordPress site?**

After recovering from a hack,** communicate with users, intensify website monitoring,
update security measures, implement two-factor authentication, conduct regular security
audits, educate users on best practices, learn from the incident, backup regularly,
stay informed about security threats, and document recovery procedures.** These 
actions collectively strengthen your site’s security and resilience.

**Which security plugins should I use to prevent WordPress website hacks?**

To enhance your WordPress website’s login security, consider using plugins such 
as** Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Wordfence Security, and Sucuri Security.** These
plugins offer features like brute force protection, two-factor authentication, and
login attempt monitoring.

**Protect your WordPress login today.** [Get Limit Login Attempts Reloaded free](https://wordpress.org/plugins/limit-login-attempts-reloaded/)
on WordPress.org, or [compare Premium plans](https://www.limitloginattempts.com/plans/)
for cloud-based protection.