Don’t Panic — Here’s How to Take Control
Seeing your WordPress site hacked is terrifying. One minute everything’s running smoothly, and the next—bam—your site is redirecting to suspicious pages, you’re locked out of your admin dashboard, or worse, it’s flagged by Google.
But don’t worry. You’re not alone, and the good news is: it can be fixed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to fix a hacked WordPress site, step-by-step. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you clean your site, secure it, and prevent future attacks. Plus, I’ll show you how to choose a reliable hosting provider like Hostinger, which adds a crucial layer of protection.
🔍 Signs Your WordPress Site Has Been Hacked
Before you dive into recovery, it’s important to confirm the hack. Look for these telltale signs:
-
Sudden drop in traffic
-
Site redirects to unknown URLs
-
Suspicious new admin users
-
Inability to log into your dashboard
-
Google warning about malware
-
Unexpected files or code in your server
-
Emails sent from your domain without your knowledge
If one or more of these signs show up—there’s a good chance your site has been compromised.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Hacked WordPress Site
1. Backup Your Site Immediately (Even If It’s Hacked)
Before you make any changes, create a full backup. This allows you to restore your site if anything goes wrong during the cleanup.
Pro Tip: Use tools like UpdraftPlus or your hosting provider’s backup feature if available.
2. Put Your Website in Maintenance Mode
This step keeps visitors away while you’re fixing things and prevents further damage or data leaks.
You can use a plugin like WP Maintenance Mode or manually place a temporary index.html file.
3. Scan for Malware and Infected Files
Use a reputable security plugin to identify malicious code. Some popular options include:
-
Wordfence Security
-
Sucuri Security
-
MalCare
These plugins scan your core files, themes, and plugins for malware. If you’re unable to log into WordPress, use an external tool like Sucuri SiteCheck.
4. Clean the Hacked Files
Once the malicious files are identified, you can:
-
Manually remove suspicious code (if you’re comfortable editing PHP/HTML)
-
Replace core files with fresh WordPress files from wordpress.org
-
Reinstall themes and plugins from trusted sources only
If you’re unsure, consider hiring a malware cleanup service or using the one-click clean-up feature in plugins like MalCare.
5. Change All Passwords and Remove Suspicious Users
Change passwords for:
-
WordPress admin accounts
-
FTP/SFTP
-
Hosting control panel
-
Database (and update your
wp-config.phpfile accordingly)
Also, delete any unknown or suspicious users—especially those with admin privileges.
6. Check User Roles and Permissions
Sometimes hackers change existing user roles to gain higher access. Make sure each user has the correct permissions and roles.
7. Restore a Clean Backup (If Available)
If you have a clean backup from before the hack, consider restoring it. Make sure it’s not infected by checking the files first.
If you’re using Hostinger, their control panel makes it incredibly easy to restore backups with just a few clicks.
🔐 Strengthen Your Site’s Security After Recovery
Once you’ve removed the hack, it’s crucial to prevent it from happening again.
✅ Install a Security Plugin
Set up a plugin like:
-
Wordfence (free and premium)
-
iThemes Security
-
All In One WP Security
These tools help with brute force protection, firewall setup, and login monitoring.
✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add 2FA for all admin users to block unauthorized login attempts.
✅ Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid using “admin” as your username, and use complex passwords for everything—from WordPress to your database.
✅ Keep Everything Updated
Outdated plugins and themes are the #1 cause of hacks. Set auto-updates where possible.
🧩 Bonus Tip: Choose a Secure Hosting Provider (Why Hostinger is a Great Option)
Your hosting plays a HUGE role in your site’s security. If your host has weak server-level security, even the most secure plugin won’t help.
That’s why I recommend switching to Hostinger. Here’s why:
-
Built-in malware scanner and server-level firewall
-
Free weekly backups
-
DDoS protection and Cloudflare integration
-
Isolated hosting environments for better protection
-
Affordable, fast, and secure—perfect for WordPress users
👉 Click here to get started with Hostinger and enjoy peace of mind with a safe, secure hosting solution.
Hosting is the foundation of your website. If it’s not secure, nothing else matters.
🧹 Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Hacks
Here are some extra tips to keep your WordPress site secure:
-
Disable file editing in
wp-config.php -
Limit login attempts to prevent brute force attacks
-
Set proper file permissions on your server
-
Regularly audit your website files and users
-
Add an SSL certificate (Hostinger provides this for free)
🔗 Internal Resources for Further Reading
Let’s Recap: Stay Calm, Stay Secure
Fixing a hacked WordPress site can feel overwhelming—but it’s completely doable with the right steps. The key is acting fast, staying calm, and securing your site for the future.
And don’t forget, your hosting environment matters more than you might think. If you’re tired of worrying about your site’s safety, make the smart move and switch to Hostinger—a host built for speed, security, and simplicity.
