With over 43% of all websites powered by WordPress, it’s no surprise that this popular platform is a frequent target for hacking attempts. When a WordPress site is hacked, it can lead to lost data, damaged reputation, and a significant drop in website traffic.
For WordPress site owners, knowing the signs a WordPress site is hacked is crucial to prevent further damage.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common ways a WordPress site gets compromised, including backdoors, SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and brute-force attacks, giving you the knowledge to protect your site effectively.
How a WordPress site gets hacked
WordPress websites can be vulnerable if security measures are not in place. Common risks include outdated plugins, weak passwords, and poorly secured databases. Understanding how hackers exploit these weaknesses can help site owners identify the signs a WordPress site is hacked. Here are the key methods attackers use to gain access:
Backdoors
Backdoors are hidden access points that hackers use to maintain control of a WordPress site. They often embed these in modified plugins, themes, or uploaded files. Unlike typical login methods, backdoors allow attackers to enter the WordPress site without using standard credentials.
This makes them difficult to detect and remove, even after initial malware is addressed. Backdoors can remain active for a long time, allowing ongoing unauthorized access to the site.
SQL injections
SQL injections exploit vulnerabilities in a site’s database. Hackers inject malicious SQL code through forms, URLs, or comment sections. This code can access, manipulate, or delete data in the database. SQL injections can lead to the creation of unauthorized user accounts, changes in site content, or access to sensitive data. It’s a serious threat, as it directly targets the core data structure of the website.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks occur when hackers inject harmful JavaScript into WordPress site pages. When a user visits the affected page, the script runs without their knowledge. This can result in stolen cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information.
XSS attacks often target users rather than the website itself. They exploit the trust users have in a website, potentially leading to further data breaches and compromised user accounts.
Brute-force attacks
Brute-force attacks use automated methods to guess login credentials. Hackers run scripts that try different username and password combinations until they find the right one. This can give them access to a site’s admin area. These attacks often target the login page and can overwhelm a website’s resources, causing slowdowns or temporary outages.
Brute-force attacks are common because they require minimal technical skills but can cause significant damage if successful.
How to know if a WordPress site is compromised
1. Unexplained content changes
When hackers gain access to a website, they might alter the visible content to either promote their own agenda or plant malicious code. This can be done subtly, so it’s often missed during regular WordPress site management.
Content alterations may include changes to the text, images, or even the addition of links that redirect users to phishing or scam sites. Such changes can impact your brand reputation, confuse your audience, and even lead to penalties from search engines if the links point to harmful or irrelevant sites.
- Altered text or images: Hackers might replace key messages, product information, or blog content with spammy text, redirecting visitors to their intended pages. This can undermine your credibility and confuse your audience.
- Embedded malicious links: These links are often inserted within existing text or hidden in the HTML of the page, leading to external, unsafe websites. Clicking these links can expose visitors to malware, further harming your reputation.
- Missing content: If legitimate content or images suddenly disappear, it might indicate that hackers have altered your database to hide your pages or redirect visitors elsewhere.
2. Strange user behavior
A sudden appearance of unfamiliar user accounts is a red flag. Hackers often create admin accounts to ensure ongoing control of the site. This activity might not always be visible through regular site use, so checking the user activity logs is crucial. Hackers may also try to change email addresses associated with admin accounts to lock out the original WordPress site owner.
- Unexpected logins: These can often be traced back to unfamiliar IP addresses or regions, which may indicate unauthorized access. Such logins usually occur during odd hours when regular activity is not expected.
- New admin accounts: Hackers may create hidden accounts with admin privileges, ensuring they retain access even if other changes are reversed. These accounts can be used to install malware or manipulate your WordPress site without your knowledge.
- Frequent failed login attempts: A spike in failed login attempts could indicate a brute-force attack in progress, where hackers try to guess your passwords. If these attempts continue, it could lead to a full breach of your site’s security.
3. Slow loading times and site downtime
A noticeable drop in site performance can indicate that your server resources are being used for unauthorized purposes. Hackers may install scripts that consume bandwidth and processing power. This can slow down your website and frustrate visitors.
Malware can also overburden your hosting environment, leading to frequent crashes or downtime, which can negatively impact your site’s ranking on search engines.
- Increased server resource usage: Malware scripts running in the background can drastically increase the CPU and memory usage on your server, affecting page load speeds. A slow website not only impacts user experience but can also lead to search engine penalties.
- Frequent downtime: If your site goes down more often than usual, it could be under attack or hosting malicious scripts. These issues can create a poor experience for users and drive them away.
- Unexplained bandwidth usage: Sudden increases in bandwidth usage without corresponding traffic increases could mean your WordPress site is being used for activities like DDoS attacks, where attackers use your resources to target other sites.
4. Unwanted pop-ups or redirections
Hackers can inject malicious code that causes your website to display unwanted pop-ups or redirects users to other sites. This kind of attack is usually designed to steal traffic from your website, redirecting it to phishing sites, spam websites, or other harmful pages. Such issues not only damage user trust but can also get your website blacklisted by search engines.
- Redirects to unfamiliar websites: If visitors or you find yourselves being sent to sites you don’t recognize, it’s a sign that your site might be compromised. This can result in significant loss of traffic as users quickly leave your site.
- Intrusive pop-ups: These pop-ups might appear when users click anywhere on your site, leading them to questionable services or products. Such activities can frustrate users and lead them to avoid your site altogether.
- Malware warnings from browsers: Sometimes, users may receive warnings from their browsers about potential risks when accessing your site, signaling that malware might be present.
5. Search engine warnings
Search engines like Google scan websites regularly to ensure they are safe for users. If they detect that your site has been compromised, they may display warnings in search results or in browsers like Chrome. Such warnings discourage users from visiting your site, causing a drop in traffic and a potential loss of credibility.
- Google’s ‘This site may harm your computer’ warning: Appears in search results when Google finds malware on your site.
- De-indexed pages: A sudden drop in the number of indexed pages or a complete disappearance from search results can indicate that your site has been flagged.
6. Server log irregularities
Server logs are a valuable tool in detecting unauthorized access or unusual behavior. By reviewing these logs, you can identify when someone is attempting to access your site or make changes without your permission. Server logs can reveal patterns, such as repeated attempts to access admin pages or other sensitive areas of your site.
- Multiple failed login attempts: Repeated attempts to access your site might indicate a brute-force attack.
- Access to core files: Hackers often attempt to access files like wp-config.php to alter key settings.
- Unexpected IP addresses: Unusual login attempts from regions where you don’t operate can be a red flag.
7. Sudden traffic spikes from unusual locations
While increased traffic is often a good sign, a sudden spike from regions where you don’t typically have users can indicate malicious activity. Hackers may use your site as part of a botnet or direct bots to perform specific tasks on your server.
- Traffic from unfamiliar countries: Review your analytics to see if there is a spike from countries where you have no business presence.
- Traffic patterns: If you notice traffic spikes at odd hours or from the same IP addresses, it could be a sign of bot activity.
8. Missing or disabled plugins
Malicious actors may disable or delete security plugins to weaken your website’s defenses. This can make your WordPress site more vulnerable to further attacks. Hackers may also install rogue plugins that give them backdoor access to your site.
- Deactivated plugins: Security plugins that suddenly stop working without any updates could be a sign of a breach.
- Missing plugins: If you notice that key plugins have been removed without your action, it’s worth investigating further.
9. Suspicious files in WordPress directory
Hackers often leave behind unauthorized files to maintain access to your site. These files are usually placed in directories where users rarely look, such as wp-content/uploads or wp-includes. They might use generic filenames to avoid detection.
- New or unfamiliar files: Look for files with strange names or those that don’t match typical WordPress structure.
- PHP files in the uploads folder: This is a common location for backdoor files, as it’s a directory that should only contain media files.
10. Unusual error messages
If your WordPress site begins displaying unexpected error messages, it could indicate tampering with the code or the database. Hackers may alter database entries or delete critical files, leading to error messages for users.
- “404 Not Found” or “500 Internal Server Error”: These can appear when files are missing or the site’s configuration has been altered.
- Database connection errors: Frequent issues with connecting to the database might suggest unauthorized modifications to database settings.
Tools for identifying a hacked WordPress site
Detecting the signs a WordPress site is hacked requires a combination of automated tools and manual vigilance. While some signs are visible to the naked eye, others might be hidden within the site’s files or server logs.
To thoroughly scan for security breaches, it’s essential to use both security plugins and manual checks. Here’s how you can identify if your WordPress site has been compromised:
Security tools
Security tools are essential for scanning, detecting, and mitigating threats on a WordPress website. They offer real-time protection and alert you when unusual activity occurs. Popular options include:
- CodeGuard: CodeGuard offers automatic daily backups, monitoring changes to WordPress core files. It alerts users to any unauthorized modifications and provides a one-click restore option to return the site to a previous, clean state. The MalwareGone feature scans for malware and removes detected threats, ensuring the website remains secure.
- SiteLock: SiteLock emphasizes proactive security with daily scans and automatic malware removal. Its SMART feature provides real-time detection, while SMARTPatch fixes vulnerabilities in themes and plugins. The Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks advanced threats like DDoS attacks, and the MalwareGone tool removes malware swiftly.
- Wordfence: Wordfence is a comprehensive WordPress security plugin that provides firewall protection and malware scanning. It can detect suspicious login attempts, monitor changes to the wp-config.php file, and block known malicious IP addresses. Wordfence also offers a detailed audit log that shows any unauthorized access attempts.
- Other plugins: Plugins like iThemes Security and Sucuri can further bolster your site’s defenses. They offer features like two-factor authentication, password strength enforcement, and protection against brute-force attacks. Using a combination of these tools ensures comprehensive coverage for your WordPress website.
Manual checks
While security plugins provide automated protection, performing manual checks can help uncover issues that might go unnoticed. Here’s how to manually inspect your WordPress site for signs of compromise:
- Review server logs: Access your hosting account to review your server logs for any anomalies. Look for multiple failed login attempts, attempts to access restricted areas, or activity from unfamiliar IP addresses.
- Check for unauthorized user accounts: Navigate to the WordPress dashboard and inspect the list of user accounts. Delete any suspicious user accounts that you did not create, especially those with admin privileges.
- Inspect core WordPress files: Compare the contents of your WordPress core files (such as wp-config.php and .htaccess) with a clean version. If you find any lines of code that you didn’t add, it might be malicious code.
- Scan for suspicious files: Manually check the wp-content directory for any unknown files or malicious files that shouldn’t be there. PHP files in the uploads folder, for instance, are often used as backdoors by hackers.
Using Bluehost security features
Bluehost provides enhanced security tools to help identify and manage potential threats to your WordPress site. Here’s how Bluehost’s offerings can support your site’s security:
- SiteLock integration: Bluehost users can easily integrate SiteLock with their WordPress sites, allowing for automatic malware detection and removal. This tool is especially effective in identifying malicious code and phishing websites that could compromise your site.
- Free SSL certificates: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates encrypt data between your server and users, helping to protect against data interception. SSL also provides an additional layer of security against hacking attempts.
- Automatic backups with Site Backup and Restore: Bluehost offers an add-on service called Site Backup and Restore, which provides automatic daily backups of your website. This service helps protect against data loss by keeping secure copies of your WordPress core files and other critical data. With these backups, you can easily revert to a previous, clean version of your website if it becomes compromised.
What to do if your WordPress site is hacked
Step 1: Backup your site immediately
Before making any changes to your hacked WordPress site, create a backup of the current state. This will preserve a copy of your site for analysis or potential recovery if needed. Even if the site is compromised, having a backup can be useful for identifying what went wrong.
- Manual backup: Use your hosting control panel (such as cPanel) to download copies of your WordPress files and database. Save these locally on your computer or cloud storage.
- Automatic backup tools: Use tools like CodeGuard if you have access to them. These tools can automatically create backups and store them offsite, offering a secure way to preserve your site’s data.
Step 2: Contact your hosting provider
After creating a backup, reach out to your hosting provider for support. Hosting providers often have tools and expertise that can assist with malware detection and removal, making them a valuable resource during recovery.
- Request a malware scan: If you are using Bluehost, their support team can perform an in-depth malware scan of your hosting environment. This scan helps to identify malicious files or suspicious activity on your site.
- Regain access to your admin area: If you’re locked out of your WordPress admin area due to password changes by hackers, your hosting provider can help you reset your login credentials.
- Request assistance with restoring backups: Many hosting providers, including Bluehost, maintain automatic backups. They may help you restore your site from a recent, clean backup, minimizing the impact of the hack.
Step 3: Scan for malware and clean up
Once your hosting provider has assisted with the initial scan, use WordPress security plugins to conduct a thorough malware scan of your site. This step helps ensure that any remaining malicious code or unauthorized changes are detected and removed.
- Recommended plugins: Use plugins like SiteLock, Wordfence, or Sucuri for scanning. These plugins provide detailed reports on suspicious user accounts, unknown files, and other anomalies.
- Manual cleanup: If the plugin identifies specific malicious code files, delete or quarantine these files using your hosting control panel or through FTP access. Be cautious and verify the changes before deleting any core files to avoid breaking your website.
- Check for backdoor files: Hackers often leave backdoors to regain access later. Make sure to check common directories like wp-content/uploads and wp-includes for hidden files or unauthorized PHP scripts.
Step 4: Change all passwords and update plugins/themes
Once you’ve removed malware, secure your WordPress site by updating all passwords and software. This step helps prevent hackers from regaining access using old credentials or vulnerabilities.
- Change all passwords: Update passwords for your WordPress admin area, database, and hosting account. Choose strong, unique passwords and store them securely using a password manager.
- Update WordPress, plugins, and themes: Outdated software often contains security flaws that hackers exploit. Make sure to update the WordPress core, as well as any plugins and themes. This ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding 2FA to your WordPress login page provides an additional layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to gain access.
Step 5: Restore from a clean backup
If your WordPress site remains unstable or you’re unable to clean it thoroughly, restoring from a backup can be the most effective way to recover. Make sure to select a backup that was created before the hack occurred.
- Verify the backup date: Choose a backup from a date when your WordPress site was functioning properly. Using an infected backup can reintroduce malware.
- Restore through your hosting control panel: Many hosting providers, including Bluehost, offer tools for restoring backups. Use these tools to revert your website to a clean state quickly.
- Test the restored site: After restoring, check your website’s functionality and run another malware scan to ensure no malicious code is present.
How WordPress site owners can prevent future attacks
After recovering from a hack, it’s crucial to implement ongoing security practices to prevent future incidents. By adopting these measures, WordPress site owners can strengthen their website’s defenses against potential threats:
- Regular security audits: Schedule frequent scans with tools like SiteLock to monitor for new vulnerabilities. Regular audits ensure that malicious code is detected early and that your WordPress core files remain secure.
- Limit login attempts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Restricting login attempts helps prevent brute-force attacks. Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to verify their identity with a second step.
- Use strong passwords and manage user roles wisely: Ensure that passwords for user accounts are strong and unique. Assign admin privileges only to users who need them, minimizing access points for hackers.
- Keep your WordPress and plugins updated: Enable automatic updates to ensure your WordPress website is always running the latest versions, reducing the risk of known vulnerabilities. Remove any unused plugins or themes to minimize potential entry points.
Final thoughts
Securing your WordPress site is an ongoing commitment, but taking the right steps can safeguard your data, protect your visitors, and maintain your website’s reputation. Once you recognize the signs a WordPress site is hacked and know to respond, you can minimize the impact of a security breach. Beyond recovery, implementing regular audits, strong passwords, and updated software is key to preventing future attacks.
For a worry-free hosting experience with built-in security features, choose Bluehost’s Managed WordPress Hosting. With daily backups, advanced malware scanning, and 24/7 support, Bluehost makes it easier to keep your website secure and running smoothly.
Get started with Bluehost today and enjoy peace of mind with a host you can trust.
FAQs
The biggest danger in WordPress site security is using outdated plugins, themes, or core software. These outdated components often contain known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regular updates and security patches are crucial for protecting your site from these risks.
A WordPress website can be very secure if properly managed. With strong passwords, regular updates, security plugins, and secure hosting, WordPress sites can withstand most cyber threats. However, neglecting these best practices can make any site vulnerable to attacks.
Websites using outdated software, weak passwords, or lacking basic security measures are the most vulnerable to hacking. WordPress sites can be targeted frequently due to their popularity, but proper security practices can significantly reduce this risk.
WordPress can be vulnerable if it’s not kept up-to-date or lacks security measures like two-factor authentication or firewalls. While it’s not inherently insecure, poor maintenance or outdated software can make a WordPress site an easy target for hackers.