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How to Handle a Hacked Domain?

A hacked website can hurt your business and damage your online reputation. This guide details important steps to handle a hacked domain. You will learn to check for warnings, change passwords, restore backups, and fix your site. We will also discuss key security solutions for your domain and the documents needed for recovery. 



Check for Warnings

If they have seen "This site contains malware" or "The site you are about to visit contains harmful programs" in relation to their website, there is definitely a problem. To check further, enter their domain name at https://sitecheck.sucuri.net

  •  If their website has been compromised, a warning will appear here.
  •  No caution? It is less likely that their website has been compromised, but it is still possible.

Change Password

If their domain/website has been compromised, request that they change their passwords immediately.

Restoring a Backup

If they have a non-corrupted backup of their website (and database), instruct them to re-upload it to their hosting account. 

Unhack

It is nearly impossible to manually remove malware from a website in a reliable manner. Consider recommending a service like Website Security to remove the compromise from their files.

Gather Documents

They should have the ownership proof they'll need to enlist the support of this formidable organization in their recovery process, which we may need before escalating to the ownership team. It’s a good idea to obtain this documentation proactively:

  • Domain's registration history - Copies of documents proving their identity as the registered owner of the domain.
  • Billing records - Payment records show that you have been paying for the domain and that the account is currently paid up.
  • Payment history - Records of payments that attest to the fact that they have been paying for the domain and that the account is fully funded.
  • Site Logs - Weblogs and archives of the content from their website that serve as evidence of their connection to the domain.
  • Listings - Directory listings or marketing materials that link them or their business to the domain include brochures, ads, and directories.
  • Contact from the registrar via phone or text message - Any correspondence they may have had with the registrar on an administrative or technical matter, such as a WHOIS reporting notice or a DNS change alert.
  • Tax and legal paperwork - Any business contracts that mention the domain name and tax returns and notices that link them to the domain.

Summary

Knowing how to handle a hacked domain becomes very crucial in maintaining the online presence. By doing these, you can really recover your hacked domain and, subsequently, fix the hacked website. Always look for warnings and change your passwords. Restoring a backup is also important for protecting your data. Use strong security solutions for your domain and gather the necessary documents. These proactive measures will help you to "unhack" your site and improve overall security for your website, protecting your digital assets from future threats.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

  • Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
  • Phone Support -
    • US: 888-401-4678
    • International: +1 801-765-9400

You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.

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