How to Identify If Your WordPress Website Is Hacked with Malware ?

As someone who’s been working in website security for years at Upniche.com, I’ve seen the damage a hacked WordPress site can cause to businesses—lost traffic, damaged reputation, and even data theft. The scariest part? Many site owners don’t realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to spot the signs of malware on your WordPress website, based on real-world client cases we’ve worked on.

I’ve seen countless websites fall victim to malicious attacks. It can be alarming to realize that your site might be hacked, but understanding the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference in protecting your business. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to spot if your WordPress site is compromised with malware and how we at Upniche.com can help you get it back to safety.

1. Sudden Decrease in Website Speed

One of the most noticeable signs that your WordPress site may be infected with malware is a sudden drop in speed. If your website is taking longer to load than usual, malware could be lurking in the background, using up server resources. I had a client once, whose site suddenly slowed down, and after a thorough security check, we found malware running scripts that were slowing everything down.

How we help: At Upniche, we offer WordPress speed optimization services, which not only address performance issues but also identify and remove any malicious code that might be causing the slowdown.

2. Unexpected Redirects to Unfamiliar Websites

Have you noticed your visitors being redirected to other websites, especially suspicious or unfamiliar ones? This is a classic sign that your WordPress website might have been compromised with malware. Often, hackers will inject malicious code to redirect visitors to phishing sites or sites that are spreading further malware.

Personal Experience: I once worked with a small business owner whose website was redirecting visitors to spammy sites. After a detailed malware scan and clean-up, the issue was resolved. 

If you’re noticing anything similar, don’t ignore it.

How we help: Upniche.com specializes in WordPress malware removal services. We can perform a comprehensive scan to clean your site from malware and protect it against future attacks.

3. Unusual User Activity or Admin Login

If you notice unfamiliar user accounts or suspicious logins in your WordPress admin panel, this is a clear sign that your site has been hacked. Hackers often create admin accounts or log in with stolen credentials to gain control over your website.

My Tip: Regularly review your WordPress user accounts and remove any unfamiliar ones. Also, ensure you’re using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for better security.

How we help: As part of our WordPress yearly maintenance services, we ensure that your user permissions are regularly audited and your site’s security is tightened to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Increased Spam Content or Pop-Ups

Spam content or pop-ups appearing out of nowhere is another sign that your site has been compromised. If you suddenly see fake comments, strange content, or an influx of pop-up ads on your website, it might be malware attempting to hijack your site for advertising purposes.

Personal Experience: A client once came to us with their website filled with spammy content and a flood of pop-ups. After a clean-up and malware removal, we also performed security enhancements to prevent future spam attacks.

How we help: With our WordPress malware removal services, we not only get rid of the malware but also set up stronger defenses to prevent these attacks from reoccurring.

5. Website Appears on Google’s Malware Warning List

Another indicator that your WordPress site may be infected is if Google starts showing a warning when users try to access your site. Google’s Safe Browsing service flags websites that have been compromised with malware and issues a warning to visitors.

My Tip: If you receive a message from Google that your site is marked as harmful, take immediate action. It’s important to clean your site before it negatively impacts your SEO rankings and user trust.

How we help: At Upniche.com, we can assist with removing malware and getting your site off Google’s warning list. Additionally, we can ensure that your website is better protected in the future.

6. Unusual Files or Code in Your WordPress Files

If you have access to your WordPress files, it’s worth taking a look for any suspicious files or code. This can be tricky, as malware often hides in plain sight or disguises itself in legitimate-looking files. If you don’t have the technical expertise, it’s easy to miss.

My Tip: If you’re unsure what’s safe and what’s not, get in touch with a professional. In many cases, malware is hiding in files that you wouldn’t even think to check.

How we help: Our team at Upniche.com will perform a full security audit and remove any suspicious files or code. We’ll also enhance your website’s security to prevent future infections.

7. Search Engine Rankings Drop Dramatically

A sudden and unexplained drop in your search engine rankings could be a sign that malware is affecting your website’s performance. Hackers often target websites to manipulate SEO results or damage their search engine visibility. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your site’s performance in search engines.

Personal Experience: A client came to us complaining about a sharp drop in their site’s rankings. After cleaning their site of malware and securing it, their rankings began to recover over time.

How we help: With Upniche’s WordPress maintenance services, we monitor your site’s performance and ensure it’s fully optimized for search engines. We can also help recover lost rankings caused by malware attacks.

8. Receiving Emails About Suspicious Activity

If you’re receiving emails from your hosting provider or security services about suspicious activity on your website, this could indicate that your WordPress site is compromised. Whether it’s unusual login attempts, file changes, or unauthorized access, these emails are often the first alert.

How we help: We offer proactive security monitoring and malware removal services, so you don’t have to wait for the emails to pile up. Our team keeps an eye on your website 24/7 to detect and resolve any security issues as soon as they arise.

How to Check (Actionable Steps) If your website gets hacked or not:

1. Checking Google Search Console:

• How:
  1. Go to https://search.google.com/search-console and log in with the Google account associated with your website.
  2. Select your website property.
  3. In the left-hand navigation menu, look for the “Security & Manual Actions” section.  
  4. Click on “Security issues”.
  5. What to Look For: Google will list any security issues they’ve detected, such as malware, hacked content, or phishing attempts. Follow their instructions for remediation.  

2. Checking Google Safe Browsing Status Directly:

• How:
  1. Go to https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search.
  2. Enter your website’s URL in the search bar and press Enter.
  3. What to Look For: The report will tell you if Google currently considers your site unsafe.

3. Using Online Website Security Scanners (Initial Check):

• How:
  1. Go to reputable online scanners like:
     • Sucuri SiteCheck: https://sitecheck.sucuri.net/
     • VirusTotal: https://www.virustotal.com/ (Enter your website URL)
  2. Enter your website’s URL and initiate the scan.
  3. What to Look For: These scanners will check for known malware, blacklisting status, and some basic security issues. Be aware that these are external scans and have limitations.  

4. Inspecting Website Files (Requires Server Access – FTP or Hosting Control Panel File Manager):

• How:
  1. Access your server: Use an FTP client (like FileZilla, Cyberduck) or your hosting control panel’s file manager. You’ll need your FTP credentials (hostname, username, password, port).
  2. Sort by Modification Date: Look for files that have been modified recently but you don’t recall editing. Pay close attention to core CMS files (if you use one), configuration files, and script files (.php, .js, .py).
  3. Examine File Contents (Carefully!): Open suspicious-looking files and examine their code. Look for:
     • Obfuscated code (difficult to read, often using base64 encoding or unusual characters).  
     • Unfamiliar functions or code blocks (especially in core files where you wouldn’t expect them).
     • Code that attempts to include files from remote or unusual locations.
     • Hidden iframes or JavaScript that could redirect users.
  4. Look for New or Unexpected Files: Check for files or directories you don’t recognize, especially in sensitive areas like your website’s root directory or administrative folders. Common backdoor filenames might be disguised, but unusual names are a red flag.
  5. Check .htaccess (Apache Servers) or web.config (IIS Servers): These configuration files can be manipulated for redirects or other malicious purposes. Look for unusual RewriteRule directives in .htaccess or <httpRedirect> sections in web.config that you didn’t create.

5. Reviewing User Accounts (CMS like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal):

• How (Example for WordPress):
  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Go to “Users” > “All Users”.
  3. What to Look For: Check for any user accounts with administrator privileges that you don’t recognize. Also, look for accounts with unusual usernames or email addresses. Remove any suspicious accounts immediately.

6. Examining Server Logs (Requires Access to Server Logs – Hosting Control Panel or SSH):

• How:
  1. Access your logs: Your hosting provider usually provides access to server logs through your control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) or via SSH. Look for sections like “Raw Access Logs,” “Error Logs,” or “Apache Logs.”  
  2. Analyze Access Logs:
     • Unusually high numbers of requests from specific IP addresses (potential DDoS or brute-force).  
     • Requests for files that don’t exist or are known to be vulnerable.
     • Access to administrative or sensitive URLs from unfamiliar IPs.
     • Suspicious user-agent strings (identifying the browser/bot making the request).
  3. Analyze Error Logs: Look for recurring errors that might indicate malicious activity or failed attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.

7. Checking Database Content (Requires Database Access – phpMyAdmin or similar tool):

• How:
  1. Access your database using a tool like phpMyAdmin (usually provided by your hosting provider).
  2. Examine User Tables: Check for unexpected user accounts or modifications to existing administrator accounts.
  3. Inspect Content Tables: Look for injected spam links, unusual HTML or JavaScript code embedded in your content. This can sometimes be hidden within seemingly legitimate data fields.

8. Using Website Security Plugins (For CMS like WordPress):

• How:
  1. Install a reputable security plugin (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri Security, MalCare).
  2. Run a full scan.
  3. What to Look For: The plugin will identify potential malware, file changes, security vulnerabilities, and other suspicious activity. Follow the plugin’s recommendations for cleaning and hardening your site.

Important Considerations:

• Be Cautious When Editing Files: If you’re not comfortable with code, be very careful when editing files directly. Incorrect changes can break your website. Consider creating backups before making any modifications.

• Note Down Suspicious Findings: Keep a record of anything unusual you find, including filenames, code snippets, IP addresses, and timestamps. This information can be helpful for further investigation.
• If You Suspect a Hack, Act Quickly: As mentioned before, isolate your site if possible, change all passwords, and seek professional help if you’re unsure how to proceed with cleaning and securing your website.

• Professional Tools Offer More Depth: For a more comprehensive analysis, consider using professional-grade security scanners and services that perform deeper server-side scans and forensic analysis.

By systematically working through these checks, you can gain a better understanding of your website’s security status and identify potential compromises. Remember that ongoing monitoring and proactive security measures are crucial for preventing future incidents.

What to Do Immediately If You Suspect a Hack

Time is of the essence—here’s a quick action plan:

1. Isolate the Problem – Take the site offline or restrict access.
2. Change All Passwords – Start with your CMS, hosting, database, and FTP.
3. Scan for Malware – Use tools like Sucuri, Wordfence, or contact Upniche for a deep scan.
4. Restore from Backup – Only if you’re sure the backup is clean.
5. Clean Infected Files – Remove or fix compromised code.
6. Notify Users If Affected – Especially if data or privacy is at risk.
7. Submit for Google Review – If you’ve been blacklisted, request a security review after cleanup.

Stay One Step Ahead with Upniche

At Upniche, we help business owners like you stay ahead of digital threats with our:

• Malware Removal Services
  
• WordPress Security Maintenance
  
• Hosting Migration
  
• Speed Optimization
  
• Site Recovery and Cleanup
  

If your website feels “off,” don’t wait. Reach out, and we’ll help you get back on track.

Conclusion: How Upniche.com Can Help You Keep Your WordPress Site Safe

Identifying if your WordPress website has been hacked with malware can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to act fast. Whether it’s unusual user activity, a sudden drop in performance, or malware warnings from Google, the key is to address the issue before it becomes worse.

At Upniche.com, we understand how frustrating and damaging a hacked website can be. That’s why we offer specialized WordPress malware removal services, yearly maintenance services, speed optimization, and more to ensure your website is secure, fast, and performing at its best. 

If you suspect that your WordPress website has been compromised, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you get back on track!