What to Do After Your WordPress Site is Hacked: Key Steps for Recovery

Running a business in today’s digital landscape means understanding the risks that come with having a WordPress site. And when things go south—like a hack—it can feel like the sky is falling. But we’re here to tell you: it’s not the end of the world. We’ve helped businesses from San Antonio and beyond recover from these digital disasters, and today, we’re breaking down what you can do to protect your site.

While we might not be cybersecurity experts, years of experience with countless websites—each with its own set of challenges—have taught us a thing or two. If your WordPress site has been hacked, here’s what you need to know to get it back up and running and, more importantly, how to secure it for the future.

Step 1 - Update Everything

The most common reason WordPress sites get hacked? Outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress versions. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in older software, which means keeping everything updated is your first line of defense. From our experience, the easiest way to avoid unnecessary stress is to set your updates to run automatically. Web design agencies in San Antonio have seen this happen time and time again—businesses running on outdated software. Don’t let that be you.

Step 2 - WooCommerce: Take Extra Precautions

If you’re using WooCommerce, extra caution is a must. A hacked e-commerce site means not just lost sales, but potentially compromised customer data. The stakes are higher, so your security measures should be, too. Consider investing in a security plugin that monitors your site for unusual activity. Our go-to? Wordfence. It keeps an eye out for suspicious activity and ensures your store stays up to date.

Step 3 - Change Your Login URL

Here’s a hack prevention tip: change your login URL from the default "/wp-admin" or "/wp-login.php." Hackers target this pathway with brute-force attacks because they already know it exists. By changing it, you put a serious roadblock in their way. Tools like the Custom Login URL WordPress Plugin can help you make this tweak in no time.

Step 4 - Use Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication

We can’t emphasize this enough: strong passwords matter. Weak passwords are like an open door for hackers. But passwords alone aren’t enough. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your site to add another layer of protection. Even if someone manages to steal your password, 2FA will prevent unauthorized access. Most security plugins, including Wordfence, offer built-in 2FA options.

Step 5 - Audit Credentials

After a hack, do a complete audit of all credentials tied to your site. This includes WordPress logins, FTP credentials, hosting accounts, and even database access. Reset them all to be safe and ensure that no unauthorized users or hidden backdoors remain.

Step 6 - Clean Up Inactive Users

Inactive users, especially those with admin privileges, are an easy target for hackers. Regularly audit your user list and delete old accounts that are no longer needed. This simple step can reduce your site’s vulnerability to future attacks.

Step 7 - Run a Full Security Scan

Use a plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your site for any hidden malware. This scan will reveal any lingering threats that could still be lurking on your site. Cleaning up after a hack is like disinfecting after an illness—it’s crucial for long-term health.

Step 8 - Back Up Regularly

We’ve learned this the hard way—regular backups are a lifesaver. If you get hacked again (or something else goes wrong), a recent backup can help you restore your site quickly. Make sure your backup solution automatically creates backups and stores them securely, whether off-site or in the cloud.

Step 9 - Choose a Hosting Provider with Strong Security

Not all hosts are created equal. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer strong security support, you might need to reconsider. Look for hosts that provide automatic backups, built-in security scans, and a fast response time. We’ve seen many businesses thrive after switching to a more secure host.

Step 10 - Install a Security Plugin

Finally, if you’re not already using one, install a security plugin to prevent future hacks. Wordfence and Sucuri are industry leaders, offering real-time protection against common threats. These plugins block malicious traffic, scan for vulnerabilities, and keep you updated when things go wrong.

Final Thoughts: Securing Your WordPress Site for the Future

We’ve been in the trenches with WordPress hacks, and while it’s never fun, taking proactive steps today can save you a major headache tomorrow. Whether you’re running a San Antonio-based business or serving customers nationwide, following these tips will help you secure your site and protect your investment.

Remember, WordPress security isn’t a one-time deal—it’s an ongoing commitment. Need help want to strengthen your digital presence? At Tribu, we offer tailored website services, including web design, digital advertising, and SEO. Reach out to us today here to learn more about how we can help grow your brand.