WordPress Site Hacked? Here’s Exactly What to Do (2025 Guide)

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

• Change your WordPress admin password.
• Change your hosting account and FTP passwords.
• If you use a database tool like phpMyAdmin, change the database password too.

🔌 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:

• UpdraftPlus
• BackupBuddy
• Your hosting panel’s backup option

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:

• Wordfence Security (Free & Premium)
• Sucuri Security
• MalCare

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:

• Core files for changes
• Suspicious plugins/themes
• Malicious code in files and database
• Backdoors that allow hackers back in

📌 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

• Make a list of infected files or suspicious code.
• If your plugin shows “modified core files,” don’t panic — you can replace them with fresh files later.
• Make a note of any unfamiliar admin accounts or plugins that seem suspicious.

When to Get Help

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

• Contact your web host’s support team — many hosts help with basic cleanup.
• Hire a reputable WordPress malware removal service like Sucuri.

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.

• Deactivate and delete any plugin or theme you don’t recognize.
• If you see plugins or themes you didn’t install, they’re likely malicious.
• Always reinstall fresh copies from the official WordPress.org Repository or trusted premium sources.

 2. Clean Infected Files

If your scanner shows specific infected files:

• If the file is part of WordPress core, don’t edit it—replace it instead (see next step).
• For theme or plugin files, it’s usually easier to delete and reinstall clean versions.
• For wp-content/uploads/ — this folder should only have images and media. If you see .php or .exe files, they’re suspicious. Delete them.

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.

• Use your backup plugin (like UpdraftPlus).
• Make sure the backup is older than the hack.
• Restore both files and the database.
• Change your passwords again after restoring.

 5. Remove Unknown Users

Go to Users > All Users in your WordPress dashboard.

• Delete any suspicious admin accounts.
• If you see a user you didn’t create with full admin rights, that’s a backdoor.

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

 6. Update Everything

After cleaning:

• Update WordPress core to the latest version.
• Update all plugins and themes.
• Outdated software is the #1 reason sites get hacked.

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:

• WordPress admin users
• FTP/SFTP accounts
• Database passwords (update wp-config.php if changed)
• Hosting account login

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:

• Monitor file changes
• Block suspicious login attempts
• Scan your site regularly

Top choices:

• Wordfence Security – firewall + malware scan
• Sucuri Security – firewall + post-hack cleanup (paid)
• iThemes Security – good for brute force protection

 3. Limit Login Attempts

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

• Limit Login Attempts Reloaded
• Loginizer

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:

• WordPress core
• Plugins
• Themes

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:

• The official WordPress.org repository
• Trusted premium marketplaces (like ThemeForest or developers’ own sites)

6. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF stops harmful traffic from ever reaching your website.

• Cloudflare (free plan includes basic protection)
• Sucuri Firewall (paid, advanced)

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

7. Back Up Regularly

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

• UpdraftPlus
• BackupBuddy

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.

• Enter your site URL.
• See if Google lists it as dangerous or suspicious.

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:

• Malware or harmful content
• Unwanted software
• Phishing alerts

 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.

• Use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool to find unusual pages.
• Search Google for site:yourdomain.com — see if pages appear that you didn’t create.
• Remove suspicious pages or posts.
• Check your sitemap (Rank Math or Yoast can generate one). Make sure it doesn’t include fake pages.

5. Submit Your Sitemap Again

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

• Update your XML sitemap.
• Resubmit it in Google Search Console under Sitemaps.
• This helps Google crawl your site faster and see the clean version.

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:

• Post a short update on your homepage or blog.
• Explain the situation in simple terms: “Our WordPress site was hacked, but we’ve fully cleaned and secured it. We take your safety seriously.”

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:

• Send a brief message explaining the hack and that you’ve fixed it.
• Share what steps you’re taking to protect them — stronger security, regular scans, secure checkout if you run a store.

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:

• Visit Posts > All Posts — delete anything suspicious.
• Visit Pages > All Pages — remove weird pages you didn’t create.
• Check your menu and widgets for unwanted links.

4. Monitor Comments

After a hack, spammers often target your comments section.

• Use plugins like Akismet Anti-Spam or Antispam Bee.
• Manually review recent comments and delete spam.

5. Reassure Customers (For Ecommerce Sites)

If you run WooCommerce or sell services:

• Double-check customer data — in most hacks, the database is untouched, but you should verify.
• Reset customer passwords if needed.
• Add a clear notice that payments and sensitive data are secure.

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:

• Publish new posts to push old hack-related issues down in Google.
• Share helpful, trustworthy content.
• This shows visitors and Google that your site is active and reliable.

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:

• Wordfence
• Sucuri
• MalCare

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:

• Receive an email notification each time someone logs in with admin access.
• See failed login attempts.
• Block suspicious IP addresses that try too many times.

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:

• Keep an eye on your WordPress core files, plugins, and themes for any modifications.
• Alert you if files are modified unexpectedly.

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:

• Cloudflare Free — great starter firewall and DDoS protection.
• Sucuri Firewall — more advanced, paid option with malware removal help.

5. Use a Security Audit Log

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

• Who logged in
• What they changed
• When they made changes

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

6. Set Strong User Roles

Not everyone needs admin access!

• Give writers or editors limited permissions.
• Only trusted people should have full admin rights.

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

7. Review Your Hosting Security

Good hosting companies provide:

• Regular server-level security updates
• Malware scanning
• Automatic backups
• Free SSL

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:

• Keep at least 3 recent backups.
• Store backups in different places — local computer, cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), or your host’s server.
• Use plugins such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy, or your hosting dashboard, to automate backups.

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:

• Which security plugin you used for scanning
• How you removed malicious files
• What passwords you changed
• How you requested Google reviews

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

3. Store Important Login Details Securely

Keep your:

• Hosting account login
• WordPress admin login
• FTP/SFTP credentials
• Database access details

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:

• Your hosting provider’s 24/7 support
• A WordPress developer or agency
• A malware removal service like Sucuri or MalCare

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

5. Create a Response Checklist for Your Team

If you have a team:

• Decide who does what if your WordPress site is hacked again.
• Who resets passwords?
• Who contacts the hosting support?
• Who updates customers or visitors?

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

6. Keep Your Site Information Organized

Keep your site’s:

• License keys (themes, plugins)
• Hosting plan details
• Domain registrar info
• Billing info

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.”

• Review your plan every 6–12 months.
• Update any logins, contacts, or tools you’ve changed.

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:

• Make it a rule: no weak passwords.
• Use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden.
• Never share login info in plain text emails or chat apps.

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.

• Give writers Editor or Author roles.
• Reserve Admin for trusted team leads or the site owner.
• If you hire freelancers or developers, give temporary accounts and delete them when the job is done.

3. Show How to Update Plugins and Themes Safely

Many hacks happen because plugins are left outdated.

Make sure your team knows:

• How to check for updates in Dashboard > Updates.
• Why they should update as soon as possible.
• To test updates if you have a staging site.

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:

• These are often infected with malware.
• They create backdoors for hackers.
• The money saved upfront can cost thousands in cleanup later.

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:

• Hosting providers
• Domain registrars
• WordPress.org or plugin developers

They should:

• Never click suspicious links.
• Double-check sender addresses.
• Always log in directly through the official site.

6. Keep Communication Open

Encourage your team to speak up if:

• They notice weird site behavior.
• They see spam comments getting through.
• They find suspicious user accounts.

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

7. Offer an Easy Security Resource

Put together:

• A short PDF or checklist: “How We Keep Our Site Secure”
• A quick security onboarding for new hires

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:

• You can’t log into WordPress or your hosting account.
• Hackers keep returning even after you clean your site.
• You see complex malware injected deep in your database.
• Your ecommerce site handles customer data and you can’t afford downtime.
• Google keeps flagging your site as unsafe, no matter what you try.
• You simply don’t feel confident cleaning files manually.

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

• Sucuri — Industry leader, known for professional cleanups and firewalls.
• MalCare — Quick malware scanning and removal.
• Wordfence Care — Premium support and site cleaning.

2. Freelance Experts

Look for reputable freelancers on:

• Codeable.io — Pre-vetted WordPress developers.
• Upwork — Choose top-rated, verified WordPress security freelancers.

3. What to Ask Before Hiring

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

Ask:

• What is your cleanup process?
• Do you back up the site first?
• Will you remove malware manually and close backdoors?
• Do you offer post-cleanup monitoring or firewall setup?
• How long will it take? (Good services usually clean within 24–48 hours.)

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:

• Lost traffic
• Damaged reputation
• Blacklist warnings
• Lost sales

A clean, safe site is worth it.

5. Get a Service Guarantee

Reputable security companies:

• Guarantee a clean site after removal.
• Offer support if the hack comes back within a certain time (often 30 days or more).
• Provide detailed reports of what they removed.

6. Combine DIY and Professional Support

For many site owners, the best approach is:

• Do basic scanning and cleaning yourself.
• Call in pros if the hack is serious or keeps coming back.
• Use a professional firewall (like Sucuri Firewall) for long-term protection.

📌 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:

• Use a staging site — a copy of your site where you test updates safely.
• This prevents breaking your live site or introducing conflicts that could create security holes.

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:

• WPS Hide Login
• iThemes Security

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.

• Use a security plugin to disable XML-RPC.
• Or disable it manually by adding this to your .htaccess:

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.

• Some hosts let you do this with security rules.
• Or add IP restrictions in .htaccess.

Example:

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:

• Check user accounts for unknown admins.
• Review plugins — delete any you don’t use.
• Look for old backups or files you no longer need.

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:

• UptimeRobot
• Pingdom

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

• Watch for clear signs: redirects, new admin users, Google warnings.
• Use a scanner like Wordfence or Sucuri to confirm infection.

2️⃣ Take Immediate Action

• Change all passwords: admin, FTP, database, hosting.
• Back up your site before any cleanup — even if infected.
• Shut down your site if it’s infecting visitors with malware.

3️⃣ Scan and Clean

• Use a trusted security plugin for a deep scan.
• Delete suspicious plugins/themes or reinstall clean copies.
• Replace WordPress core files from a fresh download.
• Remove spam files from wp-content/uploads/ if needed.

4️⃣ Secure and Harden

• Update everything: WordPress core, plugins, themes.
• Delete unused plugins and themes.
• Install a firewall (Cloudflare, Sucuri).
• Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Limit admin users — apply least privilege.

5️⃣ Remove Google Warnings

• Check Google Safe Browsing status.
• Use Google Search Console to verify and check your website.
• Request a review once you’re clean.

6️⃣ Rebuild Trust

• Be transparent: tell your visitors and customers.
• Remove hidden spam content or links.
• Monitor and moderate comments.
• Resume publishing fresh, quality content.

7️⃣ Monitor Ongoing

• Automate daily or weekly malware scans.
• Get email alerts for suspicious logins or file changes.
• Review your user accounts regularly.

8️⃣ Disaster Recovery Ready

• Keep multiple backups in different safe locations.
• Document your cleanup steps and store them securely.
• Keep your team informed and trained on security basics.

9️⃣ Upgrade and Automate

• Use staging sites to test updates.
• Hide your login URL.
• Disable XML-RPC if not needed.
• Use uptime monitors for quick outage alerts.

🔟 Call Professionals If Needed

• Don’t waste days stuck on deep hacks — know when to hire a pro.
• Keep contacts for a trusted malware removal service.

Your Next Step

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

• Schedule monthly security checks.
• Keep learning about new threats.
• Make security part of your site’s standard workflow.

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.