I noticed something fishy when my WordPress control panel looked all messed up. There were strange PHP files in my main folder that I didn’t recognize. Even weirder, I got a message saying some random email was added as an admin in Google Search Console. The hacker put an HTML file in my main folder to do this.
I couldn’t delete or rename anything because the folder was set to read-only. This happened even though I had extra security measures in place like blocking directory listing and limiting wp-admin access to one IP.
To fix it, I had to take the whole site down for 8 hours. I restored from a backup from 2 weeks ago. Then I installed a security plugin with a firewall, changed my admin login info, and set up 2-factor authentication.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this? What other steps should I take to prevent it from happening again? I’m worried the hacker might try to get back in somehow.
I’ve been through a similar ordeal, and it’s definitely unnerving. One crucial step I took was implementing regular malware scans using a reputable security plugin. This helps detect any suspicious files or changes early on. Additionally, I switched to using a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for all my accounts related to the website. This minimizes the risk of credential compromise. Another effective measure was setting up IP whitelisting for wp-admin access, restricting it to only trusted IP addresses. Lastly, I found that keeping detailed logs of all site activities and regularly reviewing them helped me spot any unusual behavior quickly. Stay vigilant and keep learning about new security threats and practices.
I’ve experienced a similar issue with my WordPress site. What helped me immensely was setting up a robust backup routine, which now includes daily automated backups to secure off-site locations. I also implemented a comprehensive Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic preemptively. Upgrading to a managed WordPress hosting provider that emphasizes security has significantly reduced risks by handling server-level protections and updates. Ensuring that all plugins and themes are regularly audited and updated is crucial. Vigilance and proactive measures have kept my site secure.
been there, done that. sucks big time! imo, u should install a security plugin ASAP if u havent already. also, keep everything updated - core, plugins, themes. i learned the hard way that outdated stuff is like an open invitation for hackers. oh, and change ALL ur passwords, not just admin. better safe than sorry, right? good luck!