Finding out your WordPress site is hacked can be stressful — but the worst thing you can do is panic. Hacks are common, and the good news is, with a clear plan, you can fix your site and lock it down better than ever.

Before you jump into cleaning your site, it’s important to confirm you’ve actually been hacked and understand the signs.

Common Signs of a Hacked WordPress Site

1. Unexpected Redirects
Visitors are suddenly being redirected to spammy sites, gambling pages, or fake login pages.

2. Strange Pop-Ups or Ads
Your site shows weird pop-ups or ads that you never added.

3. New Admin Users
Check your WordPress users. If you see unknown admin accounts, your site is likely compromised.

4. Google Warning or Blacklist
Google may flag your site with a “This site may harm your computer” warning. You might also get an alert in Google Search Console.

5. Suspicious Files or Code
Your site files contain unfamiliar code or files, especially in wp-content, wp-config.php, or plugin folders.

6. Unusual Server Usage
Your hosting provider may alert you about excessive bandwidth usage or malicious scripts.

7. Your Email or Visitors Report It
Sometimes visitors see the hack before you do. Always pay attention if someone says your site looks suspicious.

📌 First Steps If You Suspect a Hack

🔒 1. Change Your Passwords Immediately

🔌 2. Take Your Site Offline (Optional)
If the hack is severe or you have visitors exposed to malware, take your site offline temporarily.
Many hosting providers offer a “Maintenance Mode” option or you can use a plugin.

🗂️ 3. Back Up Your Site (Yes, Even If It’s Infected)
Before you start cleaning up, take a fresh backup of your files and database.
Why? If something goes wrong during the cleanup, you’ll have a snapshot to restore.

Use tools like:

Store this backup somewhere safe — like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Scan Your WordPress Site for Malware

Once you’ve confirmed your WordPress site is hacked, changed your passwords, and created a backup, your next step is to scan your site. The goal is to find the infected files and malicious code so you can clean it up properly.

Use a Trusted Security Plugin

If you can still log into your dashboard, install a reputable security plugin to scan for malware.

Some popular options:

How to run a scan:

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New
  2. Search for “Wordfence” (or your preferred tool)
  3. Install and activate it
  4. Find Wordfence > Scan
  5. Start a full scan

The plugin will check:

📌 What If You Can’t Log In?

If you can’t access your WordPress admin, you have two options:

  1. Use Your Hosting Security Scanner:
    Many hosts like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger offer free malware scans in their control panel.
  2. Scan Files Manually:
    • Use FTP/SFTP (like FileZilla) or your host’s file manager.
    • Look for files that were modified recently.
    • Pay attention to suspicious files in:
      • /wp-content/plugins/
      • /wp-content/themes/
      • /wp-content/uploads/
      • Your .htaccess and wp-config.php

Common signs: weird file names, strange code (like eval(base64_decode)), or new PHP files you didn’t add.

Check Your Core Files

Your WordPress installation has core files that should never be edited directly. Compare your core files with a fresh download from WordPress.org.
If you find mismatched files, those files might be infected.

Next Steps After Scanning

When to Get Help

If you find signs of deep malware but don’t feel confident cleaning it yourself:

Clean Up Infected Files and Restore Core WordPress

Now that you’ve scanned and identified malicious files on your WordPress site hacked situation, it’s time to clean things up. This step removes the hacker’s code and gets your site working safely again.

 1. Delete Suspicious Themes and Plugins

Hackers often exploit outdated or nulled (pirated) themes and plugins.

 2. Clean Infected Files

If your scanner shows specific infected files:

Always back up files before deleting anything.

 3. Replace WordPress Core Files

If core files are infected:

  1. Download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org.
  2. Unzip it on your computer.
  3. Use FTP (FileZilla) or your hosting file manager.
  4. Upload fresh copies of everything except:
    • wp-content/ (your themes, plugins, uploads)
    • wp-config.php (your database settings)
  5. Overwrite the old files. This resets WordPress core without deleting your content.

 4. Restore from a Clean Backup (If You Have One)

If you have a known clean backup, restoring it can be faster than manual cleaning.

 5. Remove Unknown Users

Go to Users > All Users in your WordPress dashboard.

Make sure your main admin account uses a strong password and unique username (never “admin”).

 6. Update Everything

After cleaning:

Secure and Harden Your WordPress Site After a Hack

Cleaning up a WordPress site hacked is only half the job — now you need to lock it down so hackers can’t break in again. Once you’re clean, take these practical steps to harden your site and boost its long-term security.

 1. Change All Passwords Again

You should’ve already changed your passwords once — do it again after cleanup:

Use strong, unique passwords. Tools like LastPass or 1Password help generate and store them securely.

 2. Install a Security Plugin

Keep a security plugin active to:

Top choices:

 3. Limit Login Attempts

Hackers often use brute force attacks (guessing your password over and over).
Limit failed logins with plugins like:

Bonus tip: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

4. Keep Everything Updated

Most hacks happen because site owners don’t update:

Set a reminder to check for updates weekly — or enable auto-updates for trusted plugins and themes.

5. Use Trusted Plugins and Themes Only

Never download nulled (pirated) themes or plugins. They often contain hidden backdoors.
Always get plugins from:

6. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF stops harmful traffic from ever reaching your website.

These services help block bots, spam, and hacking attempts.

7. Back Up Regularly

Schedule automatic backups so you’re always prepared.
Recommended plugins:

Store backups in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3).

8. Use SSL (HTTPS)

If you don’t already have an SSL certificate, get one.SSL secures the data exchanged between your server and your visitors by encrypting it.Most hosts offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt. Activate it and make sure your URLs use https://

Check Google Blacklist Status and Request a Review

After cleaning up your WordPress site hacked situation and securing it, you need to make sure Google trusts your site again. If Google detected malware or spam on your site, it might have blacklisted you or shown a warning like “This site may harm your computer.” This scares away visitors and kills your traffic — but you can fix it.

1. Check If Your Site Is Blacklisted

Go to Google Safe Browsing Site Status.

If you see a warning, don’t panic. It just means Google flagged your site when it detected malware — which you’ve now removed.

2. Verify Your Site in Google Search Console

If you haven’t done this yet:

  1. Go to Google Search Console.
  2. Add and verify your site.
  3. Google will show you any security issues under Security & Manual Actions > Security Issues.

Here, you’ll see:

 3. Request a Review

Once your site is clean:

  1. Fix all issues first — make sure there’s zero malware left.
  2. Click Request Review in Google Search Console.
  3. Describe exactly what you did:
    • Scanned for malware
    • Removed infected files
    • Replaced WordPress core files
    • Changed all passwords
    • Installed a firewall and security plugin

Be honest, clear, and specific. Google wants to see you took real action.

How Long Does It Take?

Google usually reviews requests within a few days to a week.
If your site is clean, the warning will disappear and your pages will start showing normally again.

4. Clean Up Any Spammy SEO Content

Sometimes hackers add hidden spam pages or links to your site to boost shady websites.

5. Submit Your Sitemap Again

Once your website is free of threats and the Google alert is cleared:

Rebuild Trust With Your Visitors and Audience

If your WordPress site got hacked, it can shake your visitors’ trust — but don’t worry! With a few thoughtful steps, you can communicate openly, show you’ve fixed the problem, and rebuild your reputation.

1. Be Transparent — Tell Visitors What Happened

Honesty is key. If your audience noticed weird redirects or malware warnings:

Don’t go into technical details. Just reassure readers it’s safe to browse again.

2. Send an Email Update to Your Subscribers (If You’ve Built a List)

If you use a mailing list:

Being transparent like this earns trust and shows credibility — people value honesty!

3. Remove Any Fake Content

Hackers sometimes inject spam posts, hidden links, or fake pages for shady SEO.

Do a quick check:

4. Monitor Comments

After a hack, spammers often target your comments section.

5. Reassure Customers (For Ecommerce Sites)

If you run WooCommerce or sell services:

If your store uses SSL and reputable payment processors (Stripe, PayPal), customer credit cards are not stored on your site — so they’re usually safe.

6. Keep Your Community Updated

If you have a Facebook group, Discord server, or forum, post a short update there too.

Good communication helps stop rumors and shows you’re taking responsibility.

7. Stay Consistent With Fresh Content

Once your site is clean, updated, and secure:

Set Up Ongoing Monitoring to Prevent Future Hacks

Fixing a WordPress site hacked once is hard work — so you definitely don’t want to do it again! The best way to stay safe is to set up continuous monitoring. This helps you catch problems early and block attacks before they succeed.

1. Enable Regular Malware Scans

Don’t just scan once after a hack.
Set up automatic scans with a trusted plugin like:

These plugins run daily or weekly scans and email you if they find suspicious files or unusual changes.

Tip: Whitelist your email address so security alerts don’t go to spam.

2. Turn On Email Alerts for Admin Logins

Many security plugins let you:

This is an easy method to detect brute force attacks before they break in.

3. Monitor File Changes

Hackers often slip in new files or scripts.

Security plugins can:

For extra safety, you can compare your site’s files to a clean backup or the latest WordPress version.

4. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

This point came up earlier — and it’s important enough to say again.A WAF adds a protective layer that blocks bad bots, hackers, and spam traffic before it reaches your site.

Top options:

5. Use a Security Audit Log

Plugins like WP Activity Log or Simple History keep a record of:

If anything goes wrong, you can trace it back to the source.

6. Set Strong User Roles

Not everyone needs admin access!

This lowers the risk of accidental changes — or worse, insider attacks.

7. Review Your Hosting Security

Good hosting companies provide:

Cheap, shady hosting often cuts corners. If you’re using a budget host that failed to help during your WordPress site hacked crisis, it might be time to upgrade.

Trusted hosts: SiteGround, Kinsta, WP Engine.

Create a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your WordPress Site

After you’ve recovered from a WordPress site hacked nightmare, you need a disaster recovery plan. This means you’ll know exactly what to do if something goes wrong again — and you’ll fix it faster with less stress.

1. Keep Multiple Recent Backups

A single backup isn’t enough. What if that file is also infected?

Best practice:

Test your backups once in a while. A backup is useless if you can’t restore it!

2. Document Your Recovery Steps

After cleaning up your hacked WordPress site, write down:

Save this as a simple checklist. Next time, you’ll know exactly what worked — no guesswork.

3. Store Important Login Details Securely

Keep your:

Use a trusted password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden — never save passwords in your browser alone.

4. Prepare Emergency Contacts

If your site is critical for your business, have trusted experts on speed dial:

When panic hits, you won’t waste time searching for help.

5. Create a Response Checklist for Your Team

If you have a team:

Assign clear roles so you don’t overlap or miss steps.

6. Keep Your Site Information Organized

Keep your site’s:

in one secure folder. This makes restoring or migrating easier if your host has to shut the site down to contain the hack.

7. Regularly Review & Update the Plan

Don’t “set it and forget it.”

Why This Matters

Most site owners never expect to get hacked — until it happens. With a solid disaster recovery plan, you’re ready to bounce back faster, protect your data, and reassure your visitors.

Educate Your Team or Clients on WordPress Security

You can clean up a WordPress site hacked and lock it down, but if the people managing your site don’t know how to stay safe, it can happen again. One weak password, suspicious plugin, or wrong click can open the door for hackers. That’s why education is part of strong security.

1. Teach Strong Password Habits

If you work with a team of writers, editors, or clients:

Tip: Create a guide or short video showing how to update passwords and why they matter.

2. Explain User Roles and Access

Not everyone needs full admin access.

3. Show How to Update Plugins and Themes Safely

Many hacks happen because plugins are left outdated.

Make sure your team knows:

If you run a client site, send them a reminder checklist every month.

4. Warn Against Nulled Plugins and Themes

Some site owners are tempted by “free” premium plugins found on shady websites.

Explain:

Always use genuine themes and plugins purchased from reliable providers.

5. Train on Phishing Scams

Teach your team to spot fake emails pretending to be from:

They should:

6. Keep Communication Open

Encourage your team to speak up if:

A quick report can stop a small problem from turning into a major hack.

7. Offer an Easy Security Resource

Put together:

Make it simple — the simpler it is, the more likely people are to stick with it.

When to Get Professional Help for a Hacked WordPress Site

Fixing a WordPress site hacked can be done yourself — but sometimes, it’s smarter (and safer) to hire a professional. If you feel overwhelmed or the hack is too deep, don’t risk losing your site. Here’s how to know when to bring in the experts — and how to choose the right one.

1. When Should You Hire a Pro?

Consider professional help if:

Remember, your time is valuable — if it’ll take you days to fix but a pro can do it in hours, it’s worth it.

2. Where to Find a Trusted WordPress Security Expert

1. Malware Removal Services

2. Freelance Experts

Look for reputable freelancers on:

3. What to Ask Before Hiring

Not all “WordPress fixers” know security. Vet them carefully.

Ask:

4. Understand the Cost

The cost of malware removal services typically ranges from $50 to $300, depending on how complex the issue is.

While it’s an expense, compare that to the cost of:

A clean, safe site is worth it.

5. Get a Service Guarantee

Reputable security companies:

6. Combine DIY and Professional Support

For many site owners, the best approach is:

📌 Also Read : Secure Your Site Now: Why WordPress Security Matters in 2025

Advanced Security Best Practices to Stay Hack-Free

By now, you’ve learned how to clean up a WordPress site hacked, restore trust, and set up basic protection. But to truly stay hack-free, it helps to layer on some advanced security best practices. These tips go beyond the basics — they help you lock down every weak point.

1. Use a Staging Site for Testing

Before you update plugins, themes, or core files:

Many hosts like SiteGround, Kinsta, or WP Engine include free staging.

2. Hide Your WordPress Login URL

By default, every WordPress site has the login at /wp-admin or /wp-login.php. Hackers know this!

Use plugins like:

These let you change your login URL to something unique, like /my-secret-login. It’s simple but blocks bots that brute-force your login page.

3. Disable XML-RPC (If You Don’t Use It)

XML-RPC is a WordPress function that enables remote access to your site. Many sites don’t need it — and hackers often exploit it for brute force attacks.

# Block WordPress xmlrpc.php requests
<Files xmlrpc.php>
order deny,allow
deny from all
</Files>

4. Limit Admin Dashboard Access by IP

If you and your team always log in from the same location, limit admin access to trusted IP addresses.

Example:

<Files wp-login.php>
order deny,allow
Deny from all
Allow from xx.xx.xx.xx
</Files>

Replace xx.xx.xx.xx with your IP address.

5. Schedule Security Audits

Even with the best tools, you should manually review your site every few months:

Regular housekeeping reduces your attack surface.

6. Use Unique Database Table Prefixes

When you first install WordPress, change the default table prefix wp_ to something unique, like wp34x_. This makes automated SQL injection attacks harder.

If your site’s already live, only change this with help — messing up the database prefix incorrectly can break your site.

7. Monitor Uptime and Security Together

Use an uptime monitor like:

If your site goes down suddenly or shows unusual traffic spikes, you’ll know instantly.

Final Checklist — Keep Your WordPress Site Safe for Good

You’ve made it through the full guide — from discovering your WordPress site hacked, to cleaning it, securing it, and setting up strong protections for the future. Let’s wrap up with a simple final checklist you can bookmark and use whenever you need a quick refresher.

Final WordPress Hack Recovery Checklist

1️⃣ Detect and Confirm

2️⃣ Take Immediate Action

3️⃣ Scan and Clean

4️⃣ Secure and Harden

5️⃣ Remove Google Warnings

6️⃣ Rebuild Trust

7️⃣ Monitor Ongoing

8️⃣ Disaster Recovery Ready

9️⃣ Upgrade and Automate

🔟 Call Professionals If Needed

Your Next Step

Security is not a one-time job. Think of it as regular website maintenance — just like updating content or checking performance.

Keep Calm and Keep Blogging 🚀

A WordPress site hacked doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re running a real, valuable site that hackers want to exploit.
By staying alert, updating regularly, and following this guide, you’ll be ready for anything.

Bookmark this checklist. Share it with your team. And if it ever feels like too much, just remember — you’re not in this alone. The WordPress community, hosting support, and security experts are all there to help you keep your site safe and strong.

Leave a Reply

Thanks for choosing to leave a comment. Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated according to our comment policy, and your email address will NOT be published. Please DO NOT use keywords in the name field. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation.