If your website gets hacked, act fast to minimize damage. The first step is to take your site offline or put it in maintenance mode to prevent further harm to users and data. Next, inform your hosting provider—they can help identify the breach and assist in recovery.
Run a complete malware scan using tools like Wordfence (for WordPress) or your host's built-in security scanner. If possible, restore a clean backup taken before the hack. Always verify the backup is malware-free before restoring.
Change all passwords—admin, FTP, database, and email. Then, check for unauthorized users, suspicious files, or code injections in your site and database.
Update all themes, plugins, and CMS files to their latest versions, and remove anything unused or outdated. Once your site is clean, harden your security—use firewalls, limit login attempts, and install security plugins.
Finally, request a review from Google if your site was blacklisted, and monitor it closely in the coming weeks. Prevention is key, so schedule regular backups, scans, and updates.
Has anyone here dealt with a hacked site recently? What recovery tips worked best for you?
What to Do if Your Website Gets Hacked
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Behave rationally.
Behave yourself.
Self moderate your posts.
Be reasonable.
No Spam.
No Blunt promotion.
No nonsense whatsoever.
A few years ago, one of my WordPress sites was hacked due to an outdated plugin. The homepage was defaced, and spam links appeared overnight. I immediately contacted my hosting provider, who helped me restore a recent backup.
Then, I scanned the site with a security plugin, removed malicious files, updated all plugins/themes, and changed all passwords.
I also enabled two-factor authentication and installed a Web Application Firewall. Since then, I’ve been extra cautious with updates and backups. It was a tough lesson, but it made my security practices stronger and more proactive.
Then, I scanned the site with a security plugin, removed malicious files, updated all plugins/themes, and changed all passwords.
I also enabled two-factor authentication and installed a Web Application Firewall. Since then, I’ve been extra cautious with updates and backups. It was a tough lesson, but it made my security practices stronger and more proactive.