While the web may be more secure than ever, there is still a long way to go and our date is still vulnerable to hackers. Technology and online security have gotten stronger with time, no doubt about it. The problem is that hackers also use the same technology and have evolved with time. Even giants like Facebook and Google face damages from the hands of hackers almost every year. It wouldn’t be a surprise if your website was also hacked. However, you need to make sure that the damage doesn’t exceed what’s already been done.
Here’s what you need to do to secure your website if it has been hacked.
Backup All Your Data
Data is the most important asset of any business. Your first priority should be to ensure that it’s safe and sound. Make a backup of your data if you don’t already have it. You should also check if the hacker has also affected the backup of your data. Even if the worst comes to worst, your damage will be minimal if you have a secure backup of the data.
Start Using a VPN
VPNs are used to build a secure connection when you access the internet. It encrypts all your data and connects to a server of its own before connecting to the requested website. Use of a VPN will strenghten your online privacy and data security. There are free options available, but for top quality services most VPN providers offer monthly and yearly plans.
Inform Hosting Provider
The hacker will most probably have your personal information to access your website. However, there is a slight possibility that he may have hacked the servers of your hosting provider. The latter is very unlikely because hosting providers have an extremely secure network. It would take an organization and a lot of resources to bring their system down. However, it’s crucial that you inform the hosting provider of the issue to look into the matter. They will conduct their own research to ensure nothing of the sort happens again.
Use Premium Antivirus to Scan PC
As the hacker has most probably hacked into your system, you need to find how it was done. You may have fallen victim to a phishing trap, or unintentionally installed a virus on your PC. Whatever the threat was, you have to make sure it’s not on the computer you use. Use a premium antivirus to scan the entire system and delete the viruses. There are free antiviruses, but they don’t have much help to offer, especially after the virus has done its work. Restore the entire system and install a new operating system if needed. Just be 100% sure there is longer a virus in the system before you use it for any important task.
Change All Passwords
If a hacker can get into your system, it puts all your data and accounts into risk. If he has hacked an email, he can gain access to all profiles and accounts associated with it. If he had used spyware, then he must have recorded everything you typed. So every password you typed, hacker most probably has it. Use a secure computer to change all your passwords.
Look for Changes in Website
Check the code of the website to look for any changes. If you’re not a programmer, acquire help of a professional to look for any malicious code that the hacker may have installed in your website. Many exploiters install a “.htaccess” file to redirect all website traffic to another link which might also be malicious.