As a website owner, one of your worst nightmares is discovering your website has been hacked. A hacked website not only causes inconvenience to your users but also puts your reputation and sensitive information at risk. However, acting quickly and efficiently can mitigate the damage and restore your website to normal functioning. Here are the essential steps to take if your website has been hacked:
1.Quarantine Your Website
When you discover that your website has been hacked, the first step is to isolate it from the internet. Quarantining your website means taking your website offline, disabling any access to the server or database, and restricting access to any backend login pages. By doing this, you prevent any further damage from the hacker.
2.Assess The Damage
Next, you need to determine the extent of the damage that the hacker has caused. Assessing the damage includes:
- Identifying the entry point used by the hacker.
- Identifying any files that have been altered or deleted.
- Checking any log files to determine the hacker’s activities.
3.Change Your Passwords
Once you have assessed the damage, change all your website passwords, including your hosting account, FTP, database, and any other passwords that are associated with your website. Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess, and do not use the same password for multiple accounts.
4.Scan Your Website
Perform a thorough scan of your website to identify any malware or malicious code that may have been injected into your website. Use a reliable security tool to scan your website and identify any vulnerabilities or security issues.
5.Remove Malware & Malicious Code
Remove any malware or malicious code that has been identified during the scanning process. Removing malware and malicious code may involve:
- Deleting or editing infected files.
- Cleaning up your database.
- Applying security patches or updates.
6.Restore Your Website From backup
If you have a recent backup of your website, restore it to a clean state. Using your website’s backup will remove any malicious code the hacker may have inserted. Ensure you fully back up your website after restoring it to its clean state.
7.Implement Security Measures
You must implement security measures on your website to prevent a future attack. Implement security measures include using strong passwords, regularly updating your website and plugins, installing security plugins, and using SSL encryption. In addition, regularly monitor your website for any suspicious activity and keep your website software current.
8.Notify Appropriate Parties
It is important to check state and federal laws or regulations for specific requirements for your business. For the complete requirements, please follow the link for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
In conclusion, a hacked website can be a stressful and challenging experience, but it’s not the end of the world. The above steps can restore your website to normal functioning and prevent future attacks. Remember to act quickly, thoroughly assess the damage, and implement robust security measures to protect your website from future attacks.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We always recommend consulting with a cybersecurity professional if you experience a hack attack on your website. We look forward to meeting you.
For more references, follow the link below.
“What To Do If Your Website Has Been Hacked?” By Site Guarding
“What To Do If Your Website Is Hacked & How To Fix It” By Sucuri
