Is your WordPress site behaving strangely? Could it be hacked? Let's explore the signs of a compromised website and the steps to regain control. Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or anyone with a website hosted on WordPress, it's crucial to know the signs of a hacked site. Not only can this knowledge help you act swiftly to minimize damage, but it's also the first step in reclaiming control and securing your site for the future.
Let's discuss 12 telltale signs that your WordPress site might be under the influence of unwanted guests and offer practical steps to fix these issues, ensuring your site remains yours.
1. Unexpected User Accounts
Have you noticed new user accounts in your WordPress dashboard that you still need to create? Hackers often create backdoor accounts to gain access to your site. To fix this, delete suspicious accounts and update your user permissions to limit access.
2. Slow Website Performance
Is your website suddenly sluggish or unresponsive? A sudden slowdown can signal a hacked site, as malicious scripts and additional load can affect performance. Optimize your site by removing any unfamiliar scripts and plugins, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) offered by managed hosts like Website HQ to enhance speed and security.
3. Unknown Files or Scripts in Your Server
Your site might be compromised if you find files or scripts that look out of place or don't recall adding them. Use a malware scanner to identify and remove them. Managed WordPress hosting services like Website HQ provide daily scans and malware removal to keep your site clean without lifting a finger.
4. Sudden Drop in Traffic
A sharp decline in website traffic could indicate that search engines have blacklisted your site due to malware. Check your site's status with Google's Safe Browsing tool and clean your site to request a review.
5. Bad Links or Popups on Your Site
If you see unexpected ads, popups, or links promoting other sites, especially those offering prescription drugs or online betting, it's a red flag. Clean up your pages and posts and install a firewall to prevent future intrusions.
6. Unusual Administrator Activity
Check your admin activity log for any actions you did not perform. Unauthorized changes often suggest that someone else has administrative control over your site. Reset your passwords and user roles immediately.
7. Redirects to Other Sites
Are your site visitors being redirected to unfamiliar sites? Hackers commonly use this tactic. Remove any unauthorized redirect scripts and strengthen your site's security settings.
8. Google Warning: Your Site May Be Hacked
If Google has flagged your site with a security warning, it's essential to address this immediately. Clean your site, and submit it for a review once you're sure it's secure.
9. Suspicious Server Usage
An unexpected spike in server usage can indicate that your site is being used to send spam or partake in a DDoS attack. Monitoring tools provided by hosting services like Website HQ can alert you to such anomalies.
10. Inability to Log in
If you can't log into your WordPress dashboard, it might mean that your password has been changed. You can reset it through your email provider or contact your hosting provider for help.
11. Changes in Your Site's Files
Check your files regularly for modifications you didn't make. Tools like Website HQ's daily backups can help restore your site to a previous state, preventing permanent damage.
12. Spam Emails Being Sent From Your Domain
If you receive complaints about spam emails coming from your domain, your site may have been used to send out spam. Check your email server and use plugins to enhance email security.
Recognizing these 12 signs can be the key to saving your WordPress site from further damage. If any of these signs are familiar, it's crucial to act fast. For peace of mind and robust security, consider switching to a managed WordPress hosting provider like Website HQ. Our expert team ensures your site is fast, secure, and running smoothly, freeing you to focus on your business—not your backend.
Are you ready to secure your WordPress site against future attacks? Schedule a call; we're here to help you every step of the way!
