As someone who’s been fixing WordPress security issues for over two decades, I’ve seen up close how a hacked WordPress site can wreak havoc on companies and people. I’m Jim Walker, but folks know me as “The WordPress Hack Repair Guy.” My company HackRepair.com, focuses on quick and reliable fixes for hacked WordPress websites.

Why am I writing this article on how to fix hacked websites?

I started writing a detailed guide for myself about fixing hacked websites. As I wrote, I realized I had enough info to make a full article about WordPress security. So here it is: my outline and steps for fixing hacked websites are now online. I hope you find this website security article helpful.

 

My Background and Expertise in WordPress Security

I’ve been in the WordPress security industry for over two decades, during which time I’ve honed my skills in quickly solving complex WordPress website issues. I take a lot of pride in my ability to explain technical jargon in an easy-to-understand way, which helps put my clients at ease during the stressful experience of a WordPress hack cleanup project.

Over the years, several organizations have recognized my work, and I’ve teamed up with some of the top WordPress hosting companies. These companies often suggest my services to their own customers.

 

Signs That Your WordPress Website is Hacked

In my experience, several red flags may indicate your WordPress website has been compromised:

• WordPress homepage/content is modified or vandalized
• Web traffic is redirected to sketchy websites
• You are locked out of your WordPress dashboard, your login credentials no longer work, and you are unable to reset your password
• The WordPress site displays ads for counterfeit or illegal products
• A sudden drop in speed and performance of your WordPress site
• Google, McAfee, Avira, or other reputation services website have flagged or blacklisted your WordPress site
• Google Analytics shows your WordPress site ranking for unrelated keywords

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial that you act quickly to minimize the damage to your WordPress site. Contacting an experienced WordPress professional can help resolve these issues more quickly.

 

My Process for Fixing and Securing a Hacked WordPress Website

 

1. Identifying the WordPress Attack and Determining Causes

When a client comes to me with a hacked WordPress website, I first conduct a thorough WordPress security check. Here’s how I do it:

• Comprehensive WordPress Malware Scanning: I start by using my own security tools to scan the website, along with Google Safe Browsing, URLVoid, and others to scan the WordPress website for any signs of malware, blacklist warnings, or other security issues. These tools help me identify the presence of known WordPress malware signatures, suspicious scripts, or unauthorized redirects. I don’t just scan the public-facing pages; after login I also check all the WordPress website’s files, including the WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and databases, to ensure a complete analysis.
• Manual WordPress Code Review: Besides automated scans, I manually review the WordPress website’s source code, especially the core WordPress files, themes, and plugins. I look for any recent modifications that seem suspicious or out of place. This includes checking for obfuscated code, hidden iframes, or unfamiliar external links within the WordPress files. My years of experience with WordPress architecture and common vulnerabilities allow me to spot subtle signs of a hack that automated tools might miss.
• Assessing WordPress Security Status: If the WordPress website has been flagged by Google or other security monitoring service, I use their diagnostic tools to get more information about the specific issues they’ve detected. For example, Google Search Console provides details about the type of malware found, the affected WordPress pages, and the date Google detected the issue. This information helps me understand the extent of the WordPress hack and plan my cleanup strategy accordingly.
• Identifying the WordPress Hack’s Signature: Based on the scans and manual review results, I work to identify the specific type of hack that has affected the WordPress website. Common types of WordPress hacks include SEO spam, malicious redirects, phishing pages, or complete WordPress site takeovers. Every kind of WordPress hack has its own unique signatures and behaviors. By identifying the specific WordPress hack, I can tailor my cleanup approach to be most effective and ensure I remove all traces of the malicious activity from the WordPress site.
• Determining the WordPress Entry Point: As part of my investigation, I also try to determine how the hackers gained access to the WordPress website in the first place. This could be due to outdated WordPress core files, themes, or plugins with known vulnerabilities, weak WordPress admin passwords, insecure WordPress hosting configurations, or even a compromised web hosting account. Identifying the entry point is crucial not only for cleaning up the current WordPress hack but also for preventing future breaches by addressing the underlying security weaknesses in the WordPress setup.

 

2. Cleaning the Hacked WordPress Website

Once I’ve identified the issues, my WordPress cleanup process is thorough to ensure the hacked WordPress website is completely clean and secure. Here’s how I do it:

• Stopping running malicious processes on the WordPress site: I start by identifying and terminating any active malicious processes or scripts that may still be causing damage or allowing the hackers continued access to the WordPress site. Using advanced tools and techniques, I locate these processes, whether running on the WordPress hosting server or within the WordPress website’s files, and shut them down to prevent further abuse.
• Replacing or removing hacked and suspicious WordPress files: Next, I meticulously review the WordPress website’s files, including WordPress core files, themes, and plugins, comparing them to clean backups or original versions if they are available. I look for any WordPress files that have been modified, added, or injected with malicious code. Once identified, I carefully remove these corrupted WordPress files and replace them with clean versions. This process requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the WordPress file structure to ensure no legitimate WordPress files are accidentally removed.
• Cleaning and restoring compromised WordPress databases: Hackers often target WordPress databases to steal sensitive information or manipulate data. I use specialized tools to scan the WordPress databases for any signs of malicious entries, suspicious user accounts, or unauthorized changes. If I find any compromised data, I carefully clean the WordPress database, removing the malicious elements while preserving the integrity of the legitimate WordPress data. In some cases, I may need to restore the WordPress database from a clean backup to ensure it’s completely free of any remnants of the hack.
• Detecting and removing hidden backdoors in the WordPress site: One of the sneakiest tactics hackers use is creating hidden backdoors that allow them to regain access to the WordPress site even after it’s been cleaned. These backdoors can be well-disguised within legitimate WordPress files, themes, or plugins. Using my knowledge of WordPress hacking techniques and signatures, I thoroughly scan the WordPress website for any signs of these backdoors. When I find them, I remove them without disrupting the normal functioning of the WordPress site. This step is crucial to prevent future re-infection of the WordPress site.
• Removing suspicious WordPress user accounts: Hackers often create new WordPress user accounts or compromise existing ones to maintain their access to the WordPress site. I carefully review all WordPress user accounts, looking for any that seem suspicious or unauthorized. This includes checking for WordPress accounts with unusual permissions, strange usernames, or accounts that were created around the time of the hack. I remove any WordPress accounts that I believe were created or compromised by the hackers. I also recommend that all legitimate WordPress users change their passwords to strong, unique ones to prevent further unauthorized access to the WordPress site.
• Requesting reviews from security monitoring companies for the cleaned WordPress site: Once I’ve completed the WordPress cleanup process, I take the extra step of requesting reviews from the WordPress website’s hosting company, as well as security monitors like Google Safe Browsing, Avira, and others that may have flagged the WordPress site as dangerous due to the hack. I submit the cleaned WordPress website for their review, providing evidence of the thorough cleanup. This helps get the WordPress website removed from blacklists and regain its reputation as a safe, trustworthy site.

Throughout this WordPress cleanup process, I like to keep my clients informed of my progress and findings. My goal is not just to fix the damage caused by hackers but also to give my clients peace of mind by ensuring the security of their WordPress websites. Following this step-by-step process, I can efficiently and effectively clean up compromised WordPress websites, minimizing downtime and restoring them to normal functioning as quickly as possible.

 

3. Securing the WordPress Website from Future Hacks

Fixing the immediate issues is just the first step in the WordPress website recovery process. To truly protect my clients’ WordPress websites from future hacks, I always emphasize the importance of implementing strong WordPress security measures. Here’s how I secure WordPress websites to prevent future breaches:

• Updating WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins: One of the most common ways hackers gain access to WordPress websites is by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress core files, themes, and plugins. To combat this, I ensure that all WordPress components are updated to their latest versions. I start by updating the WordPress core and methodically updating all WordPress plugins and themes, paying particular attention to those with known security issues. If any WordPress plugins or themes are no longer maintained, found to be nulled themes and plugins, or have unpatched vulnerabilities, I work with the client to find secure alternatives or remove them altogether from the WordPress site.
• Strengthening WordPress User Access Controls: Weak WordPress passwords and improperly configured user accounts are another common entry point for hackers. To address this, I enforce strong password policies for all WordPress user accounts associated with the website. This includes requiring complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. I also recommend enabling two-factor authentication for WordPress whenever possible to provide an extra layer of security. Additionally, I carefully review all WordPress user accounts and their permission levels, ensuring that each user only has access to the features and areas of the WordPress site that they absolutely need. This principle of least privilege helps minimize the potential damage if an individual WordPress account is compromised.
• Implementing Secure WordPress Backup and Recovery Processes: Having regular, secure backups of the WordPress website is crucial for quick recovery in case of a future hack or other disaster. I work with my clients to implement automated backup systems that create complete copies of their WordPress files and databases regularly, typically daily or weekly, depending on the WordPress site’s needs. I ensure that these WordPress backups are stored securely off-site, either on a remote server or in the cloud, to protect them from any issues affecting the main WordPress hosting. I also regularly test the WordPress backup restoration process to ensure that the backups are viable and can be used to quickly restore the WordPress site if needed.
• Conducting Ongoing WordPress Security Scans and Monitoring: Even after the initial WordPress cleanup and security hardening, I believe in the importance of ongoing monitoring. I set up regular security scans of the WordPress website using my proprietary malware checking and monitoring scripts and online services like VirusTotal, Google Safe Browsing, Norton Safe Web, and others to detect any new malware or suspicious activity on the WordPress site. I also monitor the WordPress website’s traffic and user behavior for any signs of unusual activity, such as sudden spikes in traffic from unfamiliar sources or multiple failed WordPress login attempts. If I detect any potential issues, I proactively investigate and address them before they can escalate into full-blown WordPress security breaches.
• Implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) Protection for WordPress: For an added layer of security, I often recommend that my clients implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) designed explicitly for WordPress. A WordPress WAF acts as a barrier between the WordPress website and incoming traffic, filtering out malicious requests and protecting against common WordPress attack vectors like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and DDoS attacks. Based on their specific WordPress website needs and budget, I help my clients choose and configure a suitable WordPress WAF solution, such as Cloudflare, or Wordfence. I then monitor the WAF’s activity and adjust its rules to ensure it effectively blocks WordPress threats without interfering with legitimate traffic.
• Providing Ongoing WordPress Security Support and Maintenance: Securing a WordPress website is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. To help my clients maintain a strong WordPress security posture, I offer ongoing support and maintenance services tailored to WordPress. This includes regular WordPress core, plugin, theme updates, WordPress security scans, and access to my expertise for any WordPress security-related questions or concerns. I also keep my clients informed of any new WordPress security threats or recommended best practices, helping them stay proactive in protecting their WordPress websites. By providing this ongoing WordPress support, I aim to give my clients peace of mind, knowing that their WordPress website security is in capable hands.

By following this comprehensive approach to WordPress security, I assist my clients in recovering from WordPress hacks and preventing future breaches. My aim is to establish long-term relationships with my clients, serving as their trusted partner in maintaining a secure and resilient WordPress online presence.

 

Why Choose HackRepair.com for Your WordPress Website?

At HackRepair.com, my team and I are dedicated to providing exceptional WordPress security services, including:

• Personalized approach with direct communication and tailored WordPress solutions
• Fast response times, often the same day, even for after-hours WordPress emergencies
• Comprehensive knowledge of WordPress security, spanning preventive measures to post-incident recovery
• Commitment to customer satisfaction, with calm and capable WordPress support to put clients at ease
• Flat-rate transparent pricing for WordPress services, with no hidden charges
• Extensive WordPress experience, with thousands of hacked WordPress websites repaired over 20+ years

I’m proud of the reputation I’ve earned in the WordPress community, with pages of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers across various platforms. On Trustpilot, customers consistently praise my ability to quickly and efficiently clean up their hacked WordPress sites. Many clients have also left glowing testimonials on the HackRepair website, expressing their gratitude for my friendly and proactive approach to WordPress security. Sitejabber is another platform where I’ve received numerous positive reviews, with clients commending my diligence in providing thorough, long-term WordPress security solutions. On Facebook, you’ll find even more 5-star reviews from satisfied customers who appreciate my calm and capable WordPress expertise in their time of need.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you offer any guarantees on your WordPress security services?

Yes, at HackRepair.com, we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with our WordPress security services, we’ll do everything possible to make it right. Additionally, we offer a 30-day warranty on our WordPress hack repair services, ensuring that your site remains clean and secure after we’ve completed our work.

What WordPress security services does HackRepair.com offer?

At HackRepair.com, we provide a comprehensive range of WordPress security services, including:

• Emergency WordPress hack repair and malware removal
• In-depth WordPress security audits and vulnerability assessments
• WordPress malware scanning and monitoring
• WordPress security hardening and prevention measures
• WordPress security consulting and training
• Ongoing WordPress maintenance and support

Can I call Jim Walker at HackRepair.com to discuss my WordPress security needs?

Absolutely! I welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific WordPress security needs and concerns. You can easily schedule a consultation with me by visiting our website at HackRepair.com or by calling me directly at (619) 479-6637. During the consultation, I will take the time to understand your WordPress setup, address any questions you may have, and provide personalized recommendations to ensure your WordPress site remains secure.

My Thoughts

Protecting your WordPress website from hacks requires a proactive approach and expert intervention when breaches occur. By choosing HackRepair for your WordPress security needs, you benefit from my decades of experience, personalized service, and dedication to securing your WordPress site.

For more information on how to secure and repair your hacked WordPress website call me directly at (619) 479-6637. Let my calm and capable WordPress expertise put your mind at ease and get your hacked WordPress website back on track quickly and reliably.

 

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I hope you’ve appreciated this article. Before you move on, please consider buying me a cup of coffee as a thank you. It takes a good bit of time to put together helpful articles, not to mention the energy required to write when I’m not focused on helping people with their hacked websites or security concerns.

Thank you for caring!