What is malware and how do I clean a hacked WordPress site?
WordPress malware includes PHP backdoors, redirects to spam sites, SEO spam (injected hidden links), cryptominers, and phishing pages. Signs of infection: Google Search Console shows security warnings, site redirects visitors to unknown sites, hosting account suspended, or antivirus flags your site. Cleaning process: 1) Take your site offline temporarily (maintenance mode). 2) Run Wordfence scan: Wordfence > Scan > Start Scan — quarantine or delete flagged files. 3) Use fresh WordPress core: download clean copy, replace wp-admin and wp-includes (keep wp-content and wp-config.php). 4) Check wp-content/uploads for .php files (there should be none) — delete all PHP files found there. 5) Check themes and plugins against fresh copies. 6) Change ALL passwords: WordPress admin, FTP, cPanel, database. 7) Delete unused plugins and themes. 8) Update everything. 9) Connect Quest Imunify360 provides automated malware removal — enable in cPanel. 10) Install Wordfence for ongoing protection. Prevention: keep everything updated, use strong passwords, 2FA on admin. Support at +91 2269711150.