Are Asian keywords showing up on your website search results? Are you being redirected to shady sites whenever you trying to access your site?
These signs indicate that your website has been being attacked by hackers using Japanese keyword hack malware. In this topic, we will look into what is Japanese keyword hack. And how to fix WordPress Japanese keyword hack.
What is Japanese Keyword Hack Malware?
A dreaded malware infection where hackers target websites and insert bogus Japanese keywords, links, and pages. These attacksare purposefully created to screw search engine results, send users to spammy or harmful websites, and damage the compromised website’s reputation. Hackers sometimes make new spam pages in odd categories or documents on the website to redirect the traffic to fake online stores or scam websites to make money.
How do Hackers Enter into the System?
Cybercriminals do this by exploiting CMS (content management system) like WordPress and other software. They present themselves as the owner in the search console and change sitemaps and geotarget settings of your website. They can have a backdoor entry if you have installed a third-party plug-in or theme into your website. Many times these plug-ins and themes are poorly coded and can give easy access to attackers.
What Damages Does it Cause tothe Website?
Hackers can severely harm a website by diminishing its SEO rankings, as search engines impose penalties on sites that host spammy or malicious content. This not only damages the site’s reputation but also leads to a decline in visitor trust. For businesses, the financial implications are serious, as they may experience reduced traffic, and a decline in customer numbers, which ultimately affects revenue and long-term growth prospects.
Step-by-stepJapanese Keyword Hack Malware Removal Guide
These days malware attackers build sophisticated techniques for specific websites.
Now, we will look into the processto get rid of the attack.
Step 1 Backup your Current Site
Make sure you have a backup of your current site. If anything goes wrong while removing the Japanese keyword hack from the website,you should have a backup to start all over again.
Step 2: Scan the Website
Those who are not tech-savvy can hire professionals offering SEO hack removal services to help you scan your website. They will run a scan of your web server to identify attacking files. Nevertheless, conduct a manual check by yourself for any suspicious files that were not there before.
Step 3: Check .htaccess Files
Attackers usually use .htaccess files to redirect users and searches to scam sites. Review the .htaccess file using the last known clean version from your backups. If you spot any dubious code, you can comment it out by placing a ‘#’ in front of the rule.
Step 4: Remove Malware
Remove malicious files that have been spotted by the scanner. Delete unfamiliar files in critical directories (like /wp-content/uploads/ or /plugins/).
Replace a fresh version of CMS (WordPress) and update the core files while maintaining the integrity of the wp-config.php file and the wp-content directory.
Step 5: Secure Everything
Now, update your CMS (WordPress). Use plugins and themes that support 2FA for added security, and add server software with the new and latest version.
Change all the passwords for CMS admin, FTP, database, and hosting accounts.
Step 6: Remove all Unwanted Plugins
Get rid of all unnecessary plugins or any plugins that cannot be updated.They are not needed as they will give hackers another backdoor entry into the system.
Step 7: Check On-Page SEO
Check manually all the page’s Meta Titles, Meta Descriptions, and Canonical Tags so there won’t be any malicious links and files remaining that can again attack your website.
Step 8: Check The External and Internal Link
Many malware attackers add their URL links to your website’s external and internal links to get the benefit of SEO for their target website. To avoid these, check all your links manually.
Step 9: Check SSL Certificate
Check the website’s SSL certificate. Hackers usually remove the SSL certificate and the website starts running on http rather than https.By doing this, they steal traffic that is coming to your website. Uninstall your SSL certificate and again install it to ensure the security of the website.
Step 10: Clean Google Search Console
It is an important step to clean your Google Search Console as cyber criminals would place many spam URLs to diminish your website’s credibility in front of Google. After scanning the website for Japanese keywords hack malware,consider removing spam pages. These spam URL pages would become 404 error-found pages automatically. Just delete these pages by yourself or hire a professional offering SEO Hack Removal Service.
Step 11: Review Everything
Check every change that you have made so there won’t be anything left behind that later affects your website.
Conclusion
Japanese keyword hack malware is a nasty attack that can impact your website. It can destroy everything that you have built over the years.But the good thing is that it is possible to reverse its side effects. Although it’s a lengthy process that requires time and patience, yet things can be sorted out with the assistance of experts.
