WordPress is one of the most popular website creation platforms in the world, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. While it’s a powerful and flexible platform, it’s also a prime target for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to websites.
If you have a WordPress website, it’s important to be aware of the signs your site has been hacked so that you can take action to protect your data and your users.
Signs Your WordPress Site Is Hacked
The follow are some of the common symptoms to look out for which will help you to identify or confirm that your WordPress is hacked by cybercriminals.
- If you notice that someone has gained unauthorized access to your WordPress site, it’s a sign that your site has been hacked. This can include changes to your login credentials or changes to your website’s content.
- If you notice that the homepage of your WordPress site has been changed. This could include changes to the layout, content, or images.
- If you notice that there are new admin accounts on your WordPress site that you didn’t create. Hackers often create new admin accounts to gain access to your website.
- If there are new files or directories on your WordPress site that you didn’t create. Hackers often create new files or directories to store malware or to access your website.
- If your website is redirecting visitors to unexpected pages. Hackers often create redirects to phishing pages or to other malicious websites.
- There is suspicious user activity on your WordPress site which may include unusual login attempts or changes to user accounts.
- If you notice that there is unusual MYSQL database activity on your WordPress site, Hackers often modify or delete data in your website’s database.
- If you notice that there are changes to the .htaccess file on your WordPress site, it’s a sign that your site has been hacked. Hackers often modify this file to redirect visitors to malicious websites or to execute malicious code.
- If your website is running slower than usual. A hacked website often uses your website’s resources to run malicious code or to send spam emails.
- If you notice that there are pop-up ads or banners on your WordPress site that you didn’t create. These are often included at your site to generate revenue or to spread malware.
- If you receive a warning from Google Safe Browsing that your site contains malware or other harmful content
- If you notice that your website is sending out spam emails. A hacked website often use your website’s resources to send out spam emails to unsuspecting users.
- If your website displays a warning that it contains malware. The Hacker will use malware to steal user data or to gain unauthorized access to your website.
- Some of your website’s pages have been defaced with unusual content or graphics, it’s a sign that your site has been hacked
- Your Hosting company has suspended your hosting service because they have unusual activity or malware-infected files.
it’s important for you to be aware of the signs that your WordPress website may have been hacked. By keeping a close eye on their website’s behavior and taking quick action when they notice any suspicious activity will allow you to minimize the damage caused by a hack and protect their website and users from further harm.