If you’re dealing with a WordPress hack, you’re not alone. Thousands of WordPress sites are compromised every day due to outdated software, weak passwords, or vulnerable plugins.
Whether you noticed strange redirects, unfamiliar users, or even got flagged by Google, this guide will walk you through the steps to recover from a WordPress hack—and how to prevent it from happening again.
Signs Your WordPress Site Has Been Hacked
You may be experiencing one or more of the following:
- Your site redirects to spam or scam sites
- New, unknown admin users appear
- Suspicious files show up in your
/wp-content/or/wp-includes/folders - Search engines warn visitors your site is unsafe
- The front page is defaced
In German searches, users often report issues under “WordPress gehackt”—the signs are globally similar.
Immediate Actions to Take After a WordPress Hack
1. Change All Passwords
Change your WordPress, cPanel, FTP, database, and hosting account passwords immediately.
2. Put Your Site in Maintenance Mode
Use a plugin or temporary index file to prevent visitors (and bots) from interacting with the infected site.
3. Scan for Malware
Use tools like:
- PressVuln.com for vulnerability scanning
- Wordfence or Sucuri to detect malicious code or changes
4. Remove Malicious Files
Manually inspect your theme, plugin, and core files for backdoors or injected code. Remove anything suspicious.
5. Restore a Clean Backup
If available, restore a backup from before the attack and update everything immediately after.
How to Prevent Future WordPress Hacks
- Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Limit admin access
- Install a security plugin
- Scan your PC regularly to avoid stolen credentials
Final Thoughts
A WordPress hack is stressful—but it’s fixable. Act quickly, clean up thoroughly, and implement strong security practices moving forward.
Once your site is cleaned, scan it with PressVuln.com to detect any lingering vulnerabilities or plugin issues.