Discovering that your WordPress website has been hacked can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to act quickly to minimize damage and restore your site. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process to recover a hacked WordPress website and securing it against future attacks.
1. Identify the Hack
The first step is to confirm that your website has been hacked. Common signs include strange redirects, defaced pages, or malicious code in your files.
Solution:
- Check for unusual activity in your WordPress admin.
- Use a tool like Sucuri SiteCheck to scan for malware and security vulnerabilities.
2. Change All Passwords
Once you confirm the hack, change all your login credentials immediately. This includes your WordPress admin, database, hosting, and FTP passwords.
Solution:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each login.
- Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
3. Restore from Backup
If you have a recent backup of your site, restore it to a clean version before the hack occurred. This is often the quickest way to recover.
Solution:
- Use your backup plugin (such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy) to restore your site.
- If you don’t have a backup, you’ll need to clean the site manually.
4. Scan and Remove Malware
If you can’t restore from a backup, you’ll need to remove malware manually. Use security plugins to scan and clean your site.
Solution:
- Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan for malware.
- Remove infected files and malicious code manually via FTP.
5. Secure Your Website
After cleaning your site, you need to implement security measures to prevent future attacks.
Solution:
- Install a security plugin such as iThemes Security or All In One WP Security.
- Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
- Limit login attempts and use 2FA.
Conclusion
Recovering a hacked WordPress website can be a daunting task, but following these steps will help you secure your site and get it back online quickly. Regular backups and strong security measures will protect your site from future threats.
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