Do you suspect something fishy is happening behind the scenes of your WordPress website? Hacking is an unfortunate reality for all websites, whether you run a cleaning business, manage a local charity or sell handmade jewellery. If you think you’re dealing with a WordPress hack, this article is for you.
Read on to find out more about warning signs your WordPress site is hacked, how to troubleshoot security issues, and the benefits of WordPress support packages.
Unusual activity
Unusual user activity is one of the biggest red flags associated with WordPress hacks. Things to look out for include the creation of new user accounts, including moderator accounts with the power to make serious changes or access sensitive data.
Password change requests
Passwords are the first line of defence for your WordPress management account. They’re also one of the first things criminals target when attempting to hack WordPress websites. If you’ve received a password reset request email that wasn’t triggered by you, chances are a hacking attempt is unfolding.
Unregulated new content
Alarm bells should start to wail if unregulated new content appears on your WordPress website. Under no circumstances should content be published on your website without your permission.
Mistakes happen, so check with your website manager and other approved users before launching a full-scale hacking investigation. If no one can confirm where the content came from, it’s time to take a closer look at your WordPress security. Modifications to existing content is another WordPress hack red flag.
Unexpected drop in website traffic
An unexpected drop in website traffic can be a warning sign your WordPress site is hacked. For example, hackers may have installed malware that redirects browsers to a counterfeit website or opens unauthorised advertising pop-ups. Traffic slumps can also be caused by warnings from Google’s safe browsing tool, which detects the use of malware on your website. Google blacklists tens of thousands of websites every day to protect browsers. If yours is one of them, you need to act fast.
Bad links
WordPress hackers often resort to unauthorised data injection to redirect browsers to spam websites. They do this by installing a ‘backdoor’ that allows them to modify your website content and create unauthorised links.
Is my WordPress site hacked?
Worried about a WordPress hack? The best way to get to the bottom of the issue is to run a complete health and security check on your website. Hackers are a clever bunch and issues like data injection, unapproved new content and the installation of malware often fly under the radar for days, weeks and even months. Regular security checks carried out by an experienced professional help keep hackers at bay. This is the best way to protect your website, your clients and your reputation as a business.
WordPress support for small businesses
Hacking happens. Fortunately, I’m here to help. If you think you may have fallen victim to a WordPress hack, it’s important to act fast. My WordPress Support Packages are designed to help you get to the root of security issues and stop hackers in their tracks.
Give me a call on 07964 674 649 to discuss your options and kickstart your security check.
