Last Updated on 27 June 2023 by Daniel
There are several signs that can indicate if a website has been hacked or compromised. Here are some common indicators to look for:
- Unexpected changes in website content: If you notice unauthorized modifications to your website’s content, such as new pages, defaced pages, or unfamiliar links, it may be a sign of a hack.
- Malicious redirects: If your website is redirecting visitors to unrelated or malicious websites, it could be an indication of a compromise. This is often done through injected code or modified configuration files.
- Slow performance or unusual server load: A hacked website may experience decreased performance or an unusually high server load due to malicious scripts or unauthorized activities running in the background.
- Unusual user accounts or activities: If you observe unfamiliar user accounts, new administrator accounts, or suspicious user activities, such as unauthorized login attempts or changes in user privileges, it could signify a breach.
- Unwanted advertisements or pop-ups: If your website displays unexpected advertisements or pop-ups, especially those leading to questionable or malicious content, it could be a sign of a compromise.
- Unexpected emails or spam: If your website starts sending out a large volume of spam emails or if you receive complaints from users about receiving suspicious emails from your domain, it might indicate a security breach.
- Search engine warnings or blacklisting: If your website appears in search engine results with a warning message or if it gets blacklisted by search engines due to malicious content, it suggests a compromise.
- Anomalies in website logs: Monitor your website logs for any unusual or suspicious activities, such as frequent access to sensitive files, abnormal POST requests, or unusual user agents.
- Security warnings from web browsers: If your website triggers security warnings when accessed by users, such as “This site may be hacked” or “This site contains malware,” it’s crucial to investigate the issue promptly.
- Unexpected file changes or new files: Check for any unauthorized changes to your website’s files, such as modified core files, new files, or unfamiliar scripts or executables.
If you suspect that your website has been hacked, it’s essential to act quickly to mitigate the damage. Begin by isolating and securing the affected website, and consider consulting with a security professional to conduct a thorough investigation and cleanup process.
