Today, the increasing complexity and pervasiveness of cyberattacks make website security increasingly critical. WordPress, as one of the most popular content management platforms in the world, is often a target for hackers. In this article, we'll discuss how to recognize if your WordPress site has been hacked and how to repair any potential damage.
1. Changes to the content of the website
The first and most obvious sign that a site may have been hacked is unexplained changes to its content. This may include additional pages, posts you didn't create, or even a changed page appearance.
To fix this, you can restore the site to its pre-attack state if you have regular backups. If not, try removing the offending content manually, but remember that this may just be the tip of the iceberg.
2. Page loading speed
If your website starts loading significantly slower, it may be a sign that it has been hacked. Hackers can place scripts on your website that consume server resources.
The solution may be to use a performance optimization plugin like WP Rocket to improve your website performance. Additionally, scanning the website with an antimalware tool such as Sucuri Security will help identify and remove malicious scripts.
3. Changes to WordPress files
Hackers often modify WordPress files to introduce malicious codes. You can identify these changes by using tools like Wordfence, which scan and compare your files with the official WordPress files.
If you notice changes, the simplest solution is to replace the modified files with their original versions. However, remember that this method will not remove the cause of the problem, which may be, for example, infected plugins.
4. Unexpected redirects
One of the most frustrating signs that your site has been hacked is redirects to other sites, especially those with advertising or malicious content.
The best solution is to use a file scanning tool such as Sucuri or Wordfence to identify and remove malicious code. If this does not help, you may need to manually check the .htaccess and wp-config.php files.
5. Blocking access to the administration panel
If you can't log in to your admin panel, you've probably been hacked. Hackers can change your password to prevent you from accessing it.
To solve this problem, you can use the "Forgot Password" feature on the login page. If that doesn't help, you can reset your password directly in the database using phpMyAdmin.
6. Blocked by Google
If your website has been marked as unsafe by Google, it is a sure sign that it has been hacked. Google regularly scans websites for malware and harmful activities.
To fix this, first you need to identify and fix the problem, then ask Google to re-check the page using Google Search Console.
7. Unexpected emails from WordPress
If you're receiving emails about unexpected changes to your site, it's a sign that you may have been hacked.
To fix this, identify the problem (for example, check whether new administrators have been added) and take appropriate action, such as changing passwords or removing unknown users.
Remember that prevention is the best medicine. Regular updates, strong passwords, limiting the number of plugins you use, and monitoring your site can significantly reduce the risk of attack. However, if your website has already been hacked, the above-mentioned steps should help you restore its security.