My Website Got Hacked - Now What?
What Just Happened?
Think of your website like an apartment in a building. Someone found an unlocked window - maybe an outdated plugin you forgot about - climbed in, and now they're using your space to send spam, redirect your visitors, or steal information.
The good news? This is fixable. Here's what to do right now.
Step 1: Don't Panic (But Don't Ignore It)
A hacked website doesn't mean your business is over. It means someone found a vulnerability - like a broken lock - and exploited it. Think of it like coming home to find your front door open. You need to:
- Check the damage - Is your site showing warnings? Redirecting? Sending emails?
- Don't try to fix it yourself - Poking around can make it worse
- Contact your hosting provider - Or a security service like Delvok
Step 2: Understand How This Happened
Most websites get hacked because of one of three things:
- Outdated software - Like leaving your windows unlocked. Plugins and themes need regular updates.
- Weak passwords - Like using "1234" as your apartment key code
- Shared hosting - Like living in a building where one tenant's problem becomes everyone's problem
Step 3: Get Professional Help
Here's the thing most people don't realize: just "cleaning" the malware isn't enough. It's like killing the bugs but leaving the hole they came through.
A proper fix involves:
1. Scanning everything - Database, files, code, the works
2. Removing all threats - Not just the obvious ones
3. Closing the holes - Hardening your site so it can't happen again
4. Moving to safety - Isolated hosting where your neighbors can't affect you
What Should You Do Right Now?
- Write down what you're seeing - Screenshots help
- Don't change your passwords yet - If there's a keylogger, they'll just steal the new ones too
- Contact a professional - Delvok offers same-day rescue for hacked WordPress sites