Random blog posts I did not write appearing – help!

  • Resolved helenblueriver

    (@helenblueriver)


    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hello. I logged into my site today and discovered with horror that several blog posts had appeared that I did not write. They were all vaguely linked to the theme of my site which is proofreading, but I did not post them. They were written in very poor English. I thought they may be connected to a plugin so I’ve disabled it but that made no difference. I have now deleted them and so far no more have appeared but can anyone advise me why this happened? Have I been hacked into? They said that they had been posted by me, i.e. they had my site pen name as the author … this has really worried me. Advice much appreciated. Thank you

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    Go to https://sitecheck.sucuri.net and see if your site is serving malware.

    Thread Starter helenblueriver

    (@helenblueriver)

    Thank you steve. I’ve done this. No malware detected. Any other ideas?

    Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    Change all passwords related to your site and monitor closely. Edit wp-config.php and replace those authorization keys; there’s a link in the file that shows you where to get new random strings.

    Thread Starter helenblueriver

    (@helenblueriver)

    Thanks steve. I’m afraid this is a bit too technical for me. I don’t understand what you mean by authorization keys?

    Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    Download wp-config.php from your site. You’ll see a bunch of randomized keys in there. Replace them with a new set, using the link in the comments in that file. Then, upload the results.

    This will force a logout for anyone already logged into your system. If you do that in combination with changing the passwords of ALL USERS on your site, it should keep anyone out who may have been logging in as an existing user.

    In addition, install the plugin “WordFence“. Check all the scan options except “high sensitivity scan” and scan your site to see if there have been any compromises.

    You could also use the Salt Shaker plugin to update keys and salts.

    Thread Starter helenblueriver

    (@helenblueriver)

    OK thank you all. I think I’ve fixed it now but I will leave this open a little longer in case any one else has advice.

    Thread Starter helenblueriver

    (@helenblueriver)

    closing this now. I resolved it by changing my wordpress and cpanel passwords. No more random blogs. Iwas hacked

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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