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Worried your WordPress website has been hacked?

Worried your WordPress website has been hacked?

WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world, powering more than 40% of all websites. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime target for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorised access to sensitive data. If you have a WordPress website, it’s essential to know the signs of a hack so you can act fast and minimise the damage. In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 signs that your WordPress website has been hacked, and what you can do about it.

5 Signs Your WordPress Website Has Been Hacked:

1. Unusual Activity on Your Website

One of the most telltale signs of a hack is unusual activity on your website. This could include things like:

  • A sudden increase in traffic from unknown sources
  • An unusual number of failed login attempts
  • New user accounts or changes to existing ones
  • Unexplained changes to your website’s content or layout
  • Unusual outbound traffic from your server

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to investigate further.

2. Malware Warnings from Your Browser

Another sign that your WordPress website may have been hacked is if you start seeing malware warnings from your browser. This can happen if your website has been infected with malware, which can harm your website visitors’ computers and steal their sensitive data.

If you see a warning that your website is not safe, it’s crucial to take action immediately. You can check your website with a malware scanner or ask your web host for assistance.

3. Google Blacklist Warning

Google blacklists websites that contain malware or suspicious activity, so if you see a warning that your website is on a blacklist, this is a significant sign of a hack. A blacklisted website won’t appear in Google search results, which can harm your website’s visibility and reputation.

If you suspect your website has been blacklisted, you can use Google’s Search Console to check your website’s status and request a review once you’ve fixed the issue.

4. Spammy Content on Your Website

Hackers may use your website to promote spammy content, such as advertisements or links to other websites. If you notice an increase in spammy content on your website, this is a clear sign that your website has been hacked.

It’s essential to remove any spammy content from your website immediately and change your passwords to prevent further unauthorised access.

5. Slow Website Speed

If your website suddenly becomes slower than usual, this could be a sign of a hack. Hackers may use your website to send spam or perform other malicious activities that slow down your website’s performance.

If you notice a sudden drop in website speed, it’s important to investigate the cause and take steps to secure your website.

To prevent your WordPress website from getting hacked, you can follow these steps:

  • Keep your WordPress version and plugins up to date
  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly
  • Install a security plugin and a firewall
  • Limit login attempts and use two-factor authentication
  • Regularly back up your website

If your WordPress website has been hacked, you should take these steps:

  • Change all your passwords, including FTP and database passwords
  • Scan your website with a malware scanner
  • Remove any suspicious files or content
  • Update WordPress and all your plugins to the latest version
  • Request a review of your website by Google to remove any blacklist warnings.

You can also consider hiring a professional to perform a thorough security audit and ensure your website is fully protected against future hacks. Remember to stay vigilant and monitor your website regularly for any unusual activity or changes. By taking the necessary precautions and responding quickly to any signs of a hack, you can keep your WordPress website safe and secure for both you and your website visitors.

Don't wait, act fast and contact me to clean up your hacked WordPress site.