Help CenterWordPressMy WordPress website has been hacked — what should I do?

My WordPress website has been hacked — what should I do?

Step-by-step recovery guide if your WordPress website has been compromised or shows malware warnings.

Don't Panic — Act Quickly

A hacked site can be recovered. The key is to act fast before more damage is done.

Step 1 – Take the Site Offline Temporarily

Add a maintenance mode or put an .htaccess password on your site to prevent visitors landing on malicious content.

Step 2 – Change All Passwords Immediately

  • WordPress admin password
  • cPanel / hosting password
  • FTP/SFTP password
  • Database password (update wp-config.php too)
  • Email account passwords

Step 3 – Restore from a Clean Backup

If webzworld's daily backup is clean (before the hack):

1. Log in to cPanel → Backup or JetBackup

2. Restore files and database from a clean date

3. After restore, change all passwords again

Step 4 – Scan for Malware

If no clean backup exists, use these tools:

  • Wordfence plugin (free) — does a full file scan
  • MalCare plugin — scan and clean in one click
  • Sucuri SiteCheck (sitecheck.sucuri.net) — external scanner

Remove all flagged files and follow the cleanup report.

Step 5 – Update Everything

  • WordPress core
  • All themes
  • All plugins

Delete unused themes and plugins entirely.

Step 6 – Harden Your Site

  • Change your login URL using WPS Hide Login plugin
  • Enable two-factor authentication (miniOrange or Google Authenticator plugin)
  • Limit login attempts (Limit Login Attempts Reloaded plugin)
  • Install Wordfence Firewall

Step 7 – Request Google Review

If Google has flagged your site:

1. Go to Google Search Console

2. Security Issues → Request Review

Google typically reviews within 24–72 hours.

webzworld Security Assistance

Open a priority support ticket at support@webzworld.com. Our team will scan, clean, and harden your WordPress site.

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