Have you ever visited your website and noticed something…off? Maybe your homepage is displaying strange ads, or you’re getting error messages that don’t make sense. If so, your website might be hacked. In a recent interview, James Hoff, Boomtown’s Web Development expert, shared valuable insights on how to identify, address, and prevent website hacks.
How Do You Know If Your Website Is Hacked?
“People usually know because their customers go on their site and something doesn’t act right,” says James Hoff, Boomtown’s Web Development expert. “There’s something about the user experience that’s terribly wrong.”
Recognizing a hacked website can range from spotting glaring alterations to noticing subtle, yet concerning, irregularities. One of the most obvious signs is when your homepage undergoes overt changes, such as displaying unwanted advertisements, particularly those related to pharmaceuticals, or when the core content is entirely replaced or modified without your consent. More discreet indicators include the appearance of unexpected error messages, warnings about outdated browsers, or the sudden emergence of unusual pop-up windows. These seemingly minor issues can signal deeper security breaches.
Additionally, be vigilant for the presence of strange, unfamiliar characters, especially in less prominent areas of your website like the footer. Text in Eastern European or Far Eastern languages, when you have no reason for it to be there, should raise immediate suspicion. Utilizing security scanners is crucial, as they can detect malware, a significant telltale sign that your website’s security has been compromised. These tools provide a technical analysis that can uncover hidden threats, making them an indispensable part of your website’s health check.
Can Anyone Check for Website Hacks?
Yes! Publicly available tools can scan websites for vulnerabilities. James recommends using security scanners, such as Sucuri SiteCheck, although he acknowledges that they aren’t foolproof. Boomtown uses such tools to initially scan potential issues.
How Do Website Hackings Happen?
Understanding how hacks happen is the first step to preventing them. James Hoff emphasizes, “It can happen to anyone. There’s no such thing as a completely impervious website.” Website vulnerabilities are a universal concern, and several common factors contribute to security breaches.
One of the most prevalent causes is the use of weak passwords. Simple, easily guessable passwords, such as “admin123,” provide minimal protection and are quickly compromised by automated hacking tools. Furthermore, outdated WordPress installations and plugins pose significant risks, as older versions often contain known security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
The use of vulnerable plugins, particularly those that are poorly coded or outdated, can create backdoors, allowing unauthorized access to your website. Finally, relying on cheap hosting providers can also increase susceptibility to hacks. Budget hosting services frequently lack the robust security measures offered by more reputable providers, making websites hosted on these platforms more attractive targets for malicious actors. These factors collectively underscore the importance of proactive security measures to safeguard your website from potential threats.
Key Tips To Preventing Website Hacks
- Strong Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords and a password manager.
- Regular Updates: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date.
- Secure Hosting: Choose a reputable hosting provider with robust security features.
- WordPress Care Plan: Boomtown’s WordPress Monthly Care Plan provides ongoing updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins, ensuring your site remains secure and up-to-date.
What to Expect After a Hack
“I would say four out of five hacks, your website just returns to normal,” James explains. Boomtown removes the infection, and your site is often back to normal quickly.
However, in some cases:
- Data loss may occur, requiring rebuilding or reverting to a previous backup.
- You may need to reset user passwords and FTP access.
- Blacklisting can happen, which can affect SEO and website reputation.
If your website has been hacked, Boomtown Internet Group offers comprehensive solutions to restore your site and prevent future attacks. Even in situations where there’s irreversible damage or data loss (approximately 20% of cases), Boomtown works with clients to rebuild lost information and can often revert the website to a previous, uninfected state. Their infection removal process resets all user passwords and FTP access for security reasons.
Boomtown also assists with removing websites from blacklists, although the actual removal process is controlled by the blacklist providers. They proactively contact these services to notify them that the site has been cleaned.
Boomtown’s Security Measures
Boomtown Internet Group’s WordPress Care Plan is designed to provide complete peace of mind, ensuring your website remains secure, up-to-date, and performing at its best. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the plan includes:
- Proactive Security Updates: Regular updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Advanced Security Hardening: One-time setup of robust security measures to fortify your site.
- Continuous Security Monitoring: Monthly scans and checks to detect and address potential threats.
- Performance Optimization: Ensuring your site loads quickly, enhancing user experience and SEO.
- Blacklist Removal Assistance: Expert help to restore your website’s reputation if blacklisted.
- Reliable Backups & Uptime Monitoring: Regular backups and 24/7 monitoring to prevent data loss and downtime.
- Expert Support & Reporting: Access to WordPress specialists and detailed monthly reports.
Learn more about Boomtown’s WordPress Care Plan
If you suspect your website is hacked, don’t panic. Contact Boomtown right away to minimize damage and restore your site’s security and reputation.