Top 10 Signs Your Website Has Been Hacked

Ever felt like something’s just off with your website? Maybe it’s running slower than usual, or you’re seeing strange links and content that you didn’t add. If that’s the case, your site might be under attack — yes, a website hack. And if you’ve ever Googled your site and seen Japanese text, you might be facing the notorious Japanese Keyword Hack.

This guide is here to help you spot the red flags and fix them before things get worse. Don’t worry — we’ll break it all down in simple language, no tech degree required.

Table of Contents

What is a Website Hack?

A website hack is when an unauthorized person — often called a hacker in Japanese or otherwise — gains access to your site. They might steal data, mess with your content, or sneak in malicious code to use your site for spam or worse.

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times? Not so much. That’s why spotting the early signs can save your business from a lot of headaches (and money).

Sign #1: Strange Japanese Text in Google

When your site shows Japanese characters in Google search results, but your site is in English — that’s a huge red flag. This is known as the Japanese Keyword Hack.

What it means: Hackers have added fake pages to your site using hacking keywords in Japanese to sell counterfeit products or boost shady SEO.

Check this:
Search your site on Google using:
site:yourdomain.com

If you see Japanese titles or meta descriptions, your site is likely compromised.

Sign #2: Your Traffic Suddenly Drops

Have you checked Google Analytics and noticed a sudden drop in traffic?

Hackers often use redirects or block your site from appearing in search results (using noindex tags or sneaky meta tags).

Why it matters: If Google detects something suspicious, it may de-rank your site or display warnings to visitors, crushing your visibility.

Sign #3: Browser Warnings or Blacklisting

You visit your own website, and BAM — you’re met with a big red warning saying “Deceptive site ahead.”

Cause:
Google or your browser flagged your site for malware or phishing content.

What to do:
Check Google Search Console for any security alerts and review your Security Issues tab.

Sign #4: New Admin Users in WordPress

If you see a WordPress admin user you didn’t create — that’s a flashing neon sign that your site has been hacked.

Tip:
Regularly review your WordPress users. Hackers often add themselves as administrators using backdoors in themes or plugins.

Sign #5: Unfamiliar Pages or Redirects

Are visitors being sent to weird websites when they click your links? That’s a common tactic in hacking SEO strategies.

Example:
Your site might redirect to a Japanese shopping site — classic Japanese SEO spam.

Use tools like:
Sucuri SiteCheck to scan for malware and suspicious redirects.

Sign #6: Your Yoast SEO Looks Weird

If your Yoast SEO plugin shows odd titles or keywords (especially in Japanese), it could be that Yoast SEO was hacked.

Check for:

• Strange meta titles or descriptions

• Unusual focus keywords

• Pages you never created

Update or reinstall Yoast if you suspect it’s compromised.

Sign #7: Suspicious .htaccess File

A hacked .htaccess file can:

• Redirect pages

• Hide malicious scripts

• Block Google from indexing your site

This is common in htaccess hacked WordPress cases.

Fix it by:

1. Backing up the file

2. Replacing it with a clean default version

3. Checking for Redirect, RewriteRule, or User-Agent hacks

Sign #8: Hosting Account Alerts

Many hosting providers (like Bluehost or SiteGround) run malware scans and will email you if something is wrong.

Watch for:

• Emails about excessive resource usage

• Suspicious login attempts

• Malware alerts

Always take these seriously. They often catch things before you do.

Sign #9: Outdated Plugins and Themes

Old plugins and themes are hacker goldmines. Outdated code can be exploited to inject malicious scripts.

Quick fix:

• Regularly update everything

• Delete plugins/themes you don’t use

• Use only trusted sources from the WordPress repository

Sign #10: You’re Not Ranking Anymore

You used to rank on page one — now you’re buried on page 10?

Google penalizes hacked sites or those with hacking keywords and Japanese SEO spam.

Check your site’s ranking using:

• Ahrefs

• SEMrush

• Google Search Console

Final Thoughts

A website hack isn’t just a digital problem — it’s a real business risk. From lost traffic to damaged reputation, it can hit hard. But the good news? You’re not helpless.

By recognizing these 10 signs early, and taking immediate action — especially when it comes to sneaky threats like the Japanese Keyword Hack or a htaccess hacked WordPress site — you can protect your site, your brand, and your visitors.

FAQs

1. What is the Japanese Keyword Hack and how does it affect SEO?
The Japanese Keyword Hack injects Japanese text and fake pages into your site to manipulate SEO rankings for counterfeit product sites. It hurts your site’s SEO and reputation.

2. How can I tell if my Yoast SEO plugin is hacked?
Look for strange titles, keywords, or meta descriptions that you didn’t add. These are signs that your Yoast SEO is hacked.

3. What should I do if my .htaccess file is hacked?
Back it up, delete the malicious rules, and replace it with a default clean version. Always review for redirects and cloaking rules.

4. How long does it take to recover from a website hack?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity. Google reindexing and SEO recovery may take weeks.

5. Can I fix a website hack without a developer?
If it’s a mild case, yes — using security plugins and following cleanup guides. But for deep infections or Japanese SEO spam, hiring an expert is recommended.

Also Read:

• How to Fix Japanese Keyword Hack: Step-by-Step Guide