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The Japanese keyword hack is a common type of malware attack that injects spammy Japanese text and pages into a website, primarily affecting WordPress sites. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities to create thousands of auto-generated Japanese pages, which are then indexed by Google, damaging the site’s SEO, credibility, and user experience. These spam pages often contain links to scam or counterfeit websites, leading to significant traffic loss, deindexing from search engines, and potential security warnings in Google Search Console. Website owners may first notice this issue when Japanese characters appear in their search results or if they receive alerts about unusual activity. If left unchecked, the hack can worsen, making it harder to restore the site’s reputation and rankings. 

The presence of hidden administrator accounts, malicious PHP files, or unauthorized redirects further indicates that a website has been compromised. Immediate action is crucial to remove the malware, clean spam URLs from Google, and reinforce website security. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of identifying, removing, and preventing the Japanese keyword hack, ensuring your website remains safe from future attacks. By taking the right steps, you can reclaim your site’s authority and protect it from cyber threats.

Understanding the Japanese Keyword Hack

The Japanese keyword hack is a type of cyber attack that specifically targets WordPress and other CMS-based websites, injecting spammy Japanese pages into the site’s index. Hackers exploit security vulnerabilities to create thousands of auto-generated pages filled with Japanese text, which appear in search engine results. These spam pages are designed to redirect users to fraudulent e-commerce websites selling counterfeit or low-quality products, often involving phishing schemes. This attack can severely damage a website’s SEO, credibility, and security, making it essential to address the issue immediately.

HJapanese Keyword Hack Explained: How It Works, Signs, Risks, and Detection

The Japanese keyword hack is a widespread SEO spam attack that targets websites—particularly WordPress-powered sites—by injecting malicious content designed to manipulate search engine results. This attack does not just affect website security; it directly damages search visibility, credibility, and user trust. Many website owners remain unaware of the issue until they notice unfamiliar Japanese text appearing in Google search results or receive warnings from Google Search Console.

Understanding how this hack works, how attackers gain access, and why it is so dangerous is essential for early detection and effective recovery.

How the Japanese Keyword Hack Operates

Hackers begin by exploiting weaknesses in a website’s security framework. Common entry points include outdated plugins, unpatched WordPress cores, weak administrator passwords, or improperly configured file permissions. Once access is achieved, attackers quietly inject malicious scripts that operate in the background, often going unnoticed for weeks or even months.

The primary goal of this attack is search engine manipulation, not just site defacement. Hackers use your website’s authority to rank spam pages in Google, redirecting traffic to counterfeit or malicious online stores.

Core Techniques Used by Hackers

1. Injection of Fake Pages Into Google Search Results

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Japanese keyword hack is the sudden appearance of spam pages containing Japanese characters in Google search results.

These pages are rarely visible to normal users browsing the website. Instead, attackers rely on cloaking techniques, which show one version of a page to search engine crawlers and a completely different version—or no page at all—to human visitors.

When users click these spammy search results, they are often redirected to external websites selling fake products, pharmaceuticals, or low-quality counterfeit goods. This allows hackers to profit while your website unknowingly serves as the ranking vehicle.

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2. Manipulation of Core WordPress Files

To maintain persistence, attackers frequently modify critical WordPress system files such as:

• wp-config.php
• .htaccess
• index.php

These files are injected with malicious PHP scripts, often encoded using base64 or similar obfuscation techniques. This encoding hides the true intent of the code, making it difficult for non-technical users to detect.

Once injected, these scripts dynamically generate spam content, control redirects, and reinfect the website even after partial cleanups.

3. Database-Level Spam Injection and Backdoors

In many cases, the attack goes beyond file-based malware. Hackers also inject spam content directly into the WordPress database, targeting tables such as:

• wp_posts
• wp_postmeta
• wp_options

This allows malicious content to be served dynamically, bypassing theme files altogether. Additionally, attackers often create hidden administrator accounts within the WordPress dashboard. These accounts may not be easily visible, allowing hackers to regain access even after passwords are changed or files are restored.

4. Abuse of Google Search Console and Indexing Systems

More advanced attackers take control a step further by adding the compromised website to their own Google Search Console accounts. This gives them insight into indexing behaviour and allows them to submit thousands of spam URLs directly to Google.

As a result, your legitimate content becomes diluted among low-quality pages, causing ranking drops, crawl budget issues, and long-term SEO damage.

Common Warning Signs of the Japanese Keyword Hack

Japanese Text Appearing in Search Results

One of the easiest ways to identify the attack is by running a search query such as:

site:yourwebsite.com

If Japanese characters or unfamiliar page titles appear, your site has likely been compromised.

Security Alerts in Google Search Console

Google may flag hacked or deceptive content under the Security Issues section of Search Console. Warnings such as “This site may be hacked” or “Deceptive site ahead” indicate serious problems that require immediate action.

Spam URLs and Unexpected Redirects

Visitors clicking on certain pages may be redirected to unrelated or suspicious third-party websites. These redirects often occur only for search engine traffic or first-time visitors, making them harder to detect.

Unknown or Recently Modified PHP Files

Malicious files are commonly hidden within directories like:

• /wp-content/plugins/
• /wp-content/themes/
• /wp-includes/

Files with random names, recent modification dates, or unreadable code should be treated as red flags.

Unfamiliar Administrator Accounts

Hackers frequently create admin-level users to maintain long-term access. These accounts may not be obvious unless all users are carefully reviewed.

Increased Server Load or Abnormal Behaviour

A sudden spike in CPU usage, memory consumption, or database queries may indicate malware executing background processes such as spam generation or automated indexing requests.

Why the Japanese Keyword Hack Is Extremely Dangerous

Severe SEO and Ranking Damage

Once spam pages are indexed, Google may consider your site compromised. This can result in:

• Significant ranking drops
• Deindexing of important pages
• Loss of organic traffic

Spam URLs often outnumber legitimate pages, pushing valuable content further down search results.

Loss of User Trust and Brand Credibility

When users encounter spam, redirects, or browser warnings, trust is immediately broken. Even after cleanup, reputational damage may persist, affecting conversions, leads, and long-term brand perception.

Browser Warnings and Google Blacklisting

Web browsers such as Google Chrome may display warnings indicating that your website is unsafe. In severe cases, Google may blacklist your domain entirely until the issue is resolved and reviewed.

Serious Security and Data Risks

If attackers gain deeper access, they may steal sensitive user data, login credentials, or payment information. For websites handling customer transactions, this can lead to compliance violations, legal consequences, and financial loss.

How WordPress Vulnerabilities Enable This Hack

WordPress’s popularity makes it a frequent target for automated attacks. The Japanese keyword hack commonly exploits:

• Outdated WordPress core installations
• Vulnerable or abandoned plugins and themes
• Weak or reused administrator passwords
• Incorrect file permission settings
• Absence of security plugins or firewalls

Even a single outdated plugin can provide an entry point for attackers.

Can Google Detect the Japanese Keyword Hack Automatically?

Google uses automated systems to detect hacked content, but detection is not always immediate. When suspicious behaviour is identified, Google may display warnings such as:

• “This site may be hacked”
• “Deceptive site ahead”

However, advanced cloaking methods can delay detection, allowing spam pages to remain indexed for extended periods. This is why proactive monitoring is critical.

Website owners should regularly review:

• Google Search Console reports
• Server access and error logs
• File modification timestamps
• Indexed URL patterns

Early detection significantly reduces long-term SEO and security damage.

How to Identify the Malware on Your Website

Detecting malware on your website is a crucial step in fixing the Japanese keyword hack. Since hackers use cloaking techniques and hide malicious files deep within your website’s core files and database, you need a structured approach to identify all infected elements. In this section, we’ll cover multiple methods—both manual and automated—to help you find the source of the infection and remove it effectively.

1. Check for Japanese Keywords in Google Search Results

A quick and easy way to spot the Japanese keyword hack is by checking how your website appears in Google search results. Hackers often inject thousands of spammy pages filled with Japanese text, and these pages may show up when Google indexes your website.

How to Perform a Google Site Search:

Go to Google and enter the following search query:
site:yourwebsite.com

1. Look for unusual or spammy Japanese text in the search results.
2. If you find pages with Japanese characters that you didn’t create, your website is likely infected.

To get more specific results, you can refine the search with additional parameters:

Finding indexed Japanese pages only:
site:yourwebsite.com 日本

Checking for spammy subdomains:

site:yourwebsite.com inurl:keyword

This method helps you quickly identify how many pages have been compromised and gives insight into the scale of the attack.

2. Use Google Search Console for Security Issues

Google Search Console (GSC) can provide direct alerts if Google detects a security issue on your website.

Steps to Check for Malware in Google Search Console:

1. Log in to Google Search Console and select your website.
2. Navigate to Security & Manual Actions → Security Issues.
3. Look for any warnings such as:
   • “This site may be hacked”
   • “Deceptive site ahead”
   • “Unwanted software detected”
4. If Google flags your site, click on the alert to get more details. It may also show sample URLs that are infected.

Even if GSC doesn’t show an immediate warning, it’s still a good practice to check manually using the site search method mentioned earlier.

3. Scan Your Website for Malware Using Online Security Tools

Automated scanning tools can help detect malicious code, hidden backdoors, and spam injections. Here are some recommended free and paid scanners:

• Sucuri SiteCheck (https://sitecheck.sucuri.net/)
• Google’s Safe Browsing Tool (https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search)
• VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/url)
• Wordfence Security Scan (for WordPress users)

How to Perform a Security Scan Using Sucuri SiteCheck:

1. Visit Sucuri SiteCheck and enter your website URL.
2. Click Scan Website and wait for the results.
3. If malware is detected, Sucuri will display a report with infected pages or files.
4. If the scanner doesn’t find anything but you still suspect an issue, proceed with manual checks.

4. Check Your Website Files for Unusual Activity

Hackers often modify core WordPress files and inject malicious scripts. Checking file integrity can help you spot unauthorized changes.

Manually Check Key Files and Folders:

1. Connect to Your Website via FTP/SFTP
   
   • Use FileZilla or cPanel’s File Manager to access your website files.
2. Look for Recently Modified Files
   
   • Sort files by “Last Modified” date to see any recent suspicious changes.
   • Pay attention to changes in the following directories:
     • /wp-content/themes/
     • /wp-content/plugins/
     • /wp-includes/
     • /wp-admin/
3. Examine Critical WordPress Files
   
   • .htaccess file: Hackers may add hidden redirects.
   • index.php file: Commonly modified for malware execution.
   • wp-config.php file: Check for unknown code insertions.
4. Look for Suspicious PHP Files
   
   • Search for files with random names like rxdrt.php or abc123.php.
   • Open them in a text editor and check for encoded (base64) or obfuscated code.

5. Inspect Your Website’s Database for Malicious Entries

Hackers may inject spammy content directly into your WordPress database, making it harder to detect.

How to Check Your Database Manually:

1. Log in to phpMyAdmin (via your hosting control panel).
2. Select your WordPress database.
3. Look for suspicious changes in key tables:
   • wp_posts: Spam posts may be injected here.
   • wp_options: Hackers may modify site settings.
   • wp_users: Check for unauthorized admin accounts.

Run an SQL Query to Find Suspicious Data

SELECT * FROM wp_posts WHERE post_content LIKE ‘%<script%’ OR post_content LIKE ‘%eval(%’;

4. • This query helps find injected scripts inside posts.

6. Check for Unauthorized Admin Users

Hackers often create new admin accounts to maintain access to your website even after an initial cleanup.

Steps to Check for Unauthorized Admins:

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Users → All Users.
3. Look for unfamiliar administrator accounts.
4. If you find a suspicious user:
   • Click Delete and ensure “Delete all content” is selected.
   • Change passwords for all remaining admins.

7. Review Your Website Logs for Suspicious Activity

Website logs record all activity, including login attempts and file modifications.

How to Check Server Logs for Suspicious Requests:

1. Access your logs via cPanel → Metrics → Raw Access Logs or via FTP (/var/logs/).
2. Look for:
   • Repeated login attempts from unknown IP addresses.
   • Requests to unusual PHP files.
   • Unexpected 301/302 redirects.

A high number of failed login attempts or access requests to random PHP files often indicate an attack.

8. Identify If Your Website is Blacklisted

If your website has been infected for a long time, Google or other security services may have blacklisted it.

How to Check Blacklisting Status:

Google Safe Browsing:
https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search

Norton Safe Web:
https://safeweb.norton.com/

McAfee SiteAdvisor:
https://www.siteadvisor.com/

Blacklist Check Tool

https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx

If your site is blacklisted, you will need to request a review after cleaning it up.

Backup Your Website Before Making Changes

Before making any modifications to your website to remove the Japanese keyword hack, it’s crucial to back up all your data. Malware removal involves deleting or altering infected files, updating plugins, modifying databases, and restoring clean versions of core system files. A single mistake during this process can break your website, cause data loss, or lead to further complications. A full backup ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can restore your site to its previous state quickly.

In this section, we will cover why backups are important, different backup methods, and step-by-step instructions on creating a full website backup before proceeding with malware removal.

WWhy Website Backups Are a Critical Part of Security and Recovery

Backing up your website is not just a technical best practice—it is a fundamental safeguard against data loss, security breaches, and operational downtime. Whether you are running a personal blog, a business website, or a large eCommerce platform, regular backups ensure that your digital assets remain protected when unexpected issues arise. During malware removal or system repairs, having a clean backup can be the difference between a quick recovery and a complete rebuild.

The Importance of Website Backups

Protection From Permanent Data Loss

Malware cleanup often requires removing infected files, directories, or even entire sections of a website. Without a recent backup, important content, configurations, or user data may be lost permanently. A complete backup allows you to restore essential files without having to recreate your website from scratch.

Safeguard Against Human Error During Cleanup

Even skilled developers and system administrators can make mistakes when manually removing malware or repairing corrupted files. Accidentally deleting a critical configuration file or database entry can cause site failures. A backup provides a reliable fallback, allowing you to revert your website to its last stable state within minutes.

Defense Against Hidden or Persistent Threats

Hackers often modify files and database entries in subtle ways that are not immediately visible. Some malicious changes remain dormant until triggered. With a backup, you can compare compromised files against clean versions to identify exactly what was altered, helping ensure a thorough cleanup and preventing reinfection.

Confidence and Peace of Mind

Knowing that a secure and restorable copy of your website exists gives you the confidence to proceed with malware removal, updates, and repairs. Backups remove uncertainty, allowing you to focus on resolving issues without the fear of irreversible damage.

Essential Components of a Complete Website Backup

To ensure full recovery when needed, your backup must include all critical website elements. Partial backups can leave gaps that cause errors after restoration.

Website Files and Directories

All website files should be included in your backup. For WordPress and other CMS platforms, this typically covers:

• Core application files
• Theme directories (such as /wp-content/themes/)
• Plugin directories (such as /wp-content/plugins/)
• Media and uploads folders (such as /wp-content/uploads/)
• Configuration and environment files like .htaccess, wp-config.php, or .env

These files define how your website functions, displays content, and interacts with users.

Website Database

The database stores posts, pages, user accounts, comments, settings, and dynamic content. If compromised, attackers can inject spam, malicious scripts, or backdoors directly into database tables. Backing up your database ensures that you can restore clean content, settings, and user data without rebuilding everything manually.

Custom Code and Integrations

Websites often include custom scripts, third-party integrations, or tailored functionality that is not part of the default CMS installation. These custom elements should always be included in your backup to preserve functionality and avoid redevelopment after restoration.

Email Data (If Hosted on the Same Server)

If your email accounts are hosted on the same server as your website, backing them up is essential. Losing email data could mean losing critical communication, invoices, or customer correspondence.

Server-Level Configuration Files

Custom server configurations—such as changes made in .htaccess, php.ini, or similar configuration files—play a crucial role in how your website operates. Including these in your backup helps prevent compatibility or performance issues after restoration.

Common Methods to Back Up Your Website

The best backup method depends on your hosting environment, technical expertise, and preferences. Each approach offers different levels of control and convenience.

Using Hosting Provider Backup Solutions

Many hosting providers include built-in backup tools as part of their hosting packages. These tools are often designed for ease of use, making them ideal for non-technical users.

Typical cPanel Backup Process

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel).
2. Navigate to Files → Backup or Backup Wizard.
3. Select Full Backup to include website files, databases, and emails.
4. Generate the backup and wait for completion.
5. Download the backup file and store it securely on a local device or cloud storage.

Some hosting providers also offer automated daily backups. It is important to verify how frequently backups are created and how long they are retained.

Manual Backup Using FTP and phpMyAdmin

For users who prefer direct control or whose hosting plans do not include backup tools, manual backups are a reliable alternative.

Backing Up Website Files via FTP

1. Install an FTP client such as FileZilla.
2. Connect to your server using FTP credentials.
3. Access your website’s root directory (commonly /public_html/).
4. Download the entire directory to your local computer.

This ensures all files, themes, plugins, and uploads are preserved.

Backing Up the Database Using phpMyAdmin

1. Log in to phpMyAdmin through your hosting dashboard.
2. Select the relevant database.
3. Click Export and choose the Quick Export option.
4. Select SQL as the format.
5. Download and securely store the exported database file.

This method captures all database content in a restorable format.

Using Backup Plugins for WordPress Websites

For WordPress users, backup plugins provide an efficient and user-friendly solution. These tools automate backups and often integrate with cloud storage services.

Popular WordPress Backup Plugins

• UpdraftPlus
• BackupBuddy
• Jetpack Backup
• WPVivid

General Backup Process Using a Plugin

1. Install and activate the backup plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page.
3. Select backup components (files, database, or both).
4. Initiate the backup process.
5. Download the backup or store it in connected cloud services.

These plugins often allow scheduled backups, reducing the risk of outdated copies.

Enhancing Backup Security With Cloud Storage

Storing backups only on a local computer is risky due to potential hardware failure, accidental deletion, or malware infection. Cloud storage provides an additional layer of safety.

Recommended Cloud Storage Options

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Amazon S3
• OneDrive

By storing backups in the cloud, you ensure that your data remains accessible even if your local system or hosting server encounters issues.

Best Practices for Backing Up Your Website

1. Keep Multiple Backups – Maintain at least 3 copies of your backup in different locations.
2. Automate Regular Backups – Schedule automatic backups weekly or daily.
3. Test Your Backup – Ensure backups work correctly by restoring them on a test server.
4. Keep Your Backup Secure – Store backups in encrypted cloud storage to prevent unauthorized access.

Removing the Malware from WordPress

Once you’ve identified the Japanese keyword hack and backed up your website, the next critical step is to remove the malware from your WordPress site. Hackers typically inject malicious code into core WordPress files, themes, plugins, and the database, which enables them to generate spam pages and redirect your website traffic to unauthorized sites. To completely eliminate the malware, you need a systematic approach that includes scanning your website, removing infected files, cleaning the database, and securing your site against future attacks.

In this section, we’ll go through the step-by-step process to remove the Japanese keyword hack from your WordPress website.

Step 1: Put Your Website in Maintenance Mode

Before making any changes, it’s a good practice to put your website into maintenance mode to prevent visitors from accessing infected pages. You can do this using a plugin like WP Maintenance Mode or by manually adding a maintenance message in your .htaccess file.

Step 2: Scan Your Website for Malware

Before removing infected files, you need to scan your website to locate malicious code. Use a combination of security plugins and manual checks to ensure no malicious files are left behind.

Recommended WordPress Security Plugins for Scanning:

• Wordfence – Provides deep scans and firewall protection.
• Sucuri Security – Detects malware infections and hidden backdoors.
• MalCare – Offers one-click malware removal (paid feature).
• iThemes Security – Helps identify vulnerabilities.

How to Scan Using Wordfence:

1. Install and activate Wordfence Security.
2. Go to Wordfence → Scan and click Start New Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. Wordfence will flag infected files and vulnerabilities.
4. Take note of all flagged files and locations for further manual removal.

If you don’t have access to the WordPress admin panel, you can use Sucuri’s Free SiteCheck scanner by entering your website URL at https://sitecheck.sucuri.net/.

Step 3: Manually Remove Malicious Files

Now that you’ve identified the infected files, it’s time to delete or replace them.

1. Remove Suspicious PHP Files

1. Access your website via FTP (FileZilla) or cPanel File Manager.
2. Navigate to /public_html/ (your website’s root directory).
3. Look for suspicious PHP files (e.g., wp-feed.php, wp-temp.php, new.php). These are often backdoors left by hackers.
4. Delete these files permanently.

2. Replace Core WordPress Files

Since hackers modify core WordPress files, it’s safer to replace them with fresh copies:

1. Download a fresh version of WordPress from WordPress.org.
2. Extract the files on your computer.
3. Upload and overwrite the following folders via FTP or cPanel:
   • /wp-admin/
   • /wp-includes/
4. Do not replace the /wp-content/ folder, as it contains your themes and uploads.

Step 4: Clean Your WordPress Database

The Japanese keyword hack often injects spammy links and scripts into your WordPress database, especially in the wp_posts and wp_options tables.

How to Remove Malware from the Database via phpMyAdmin:

1. Log in to cPanel and go to phpMyAdmin.
   
2. Select your WordPress database from the left panel.
   
3. Look for wp_posts, wp_options, wp_terms, and wp_comments tables.
   

Search for suspicious entries by running the following SQL query:

SELECT * FROM wp_posts WHERE post_content LIKE ‘%<script%’ OR post_content LIKE ‘%eval(base64_decode(%’;

If you find any malicious entries, delete them manually or use this query to remove them:

DELETE FROM wp_posts WHERE post_content LIKE ‘%<script%’;

4. Check the wp_options table for fake admin users and spam site URLs. Delete any unknown entries.
   

Step 5: Remove Hidden Backdoors

Hackers often create backdoors that allow them to regain access even after you remove the malware. These files can be hidden in wp-content/uploads, theme folders, or plugin directories.

Manually Find and Delete Backdoors:

1. Navigate to /wp-content/uploads/. Look for PHP files—this directory should only contain images, not .php files.
2. Check the /wp-content/themes/ and /wp-content/plugins/ directories for unknown files.
3. If you find suspicious files with random names (xyz123.php), delete them immediately.

A common backdoor method is using the functions.php file in your active theme. Open it and look for:

eval(base64_decode(

If you find this code, remove it, as it’s often used to execute malicious scripts.

Step 6: Reset All Passwords and Remove Fake Users

After cleaning your site, reset all passwords to prevent hackers from accessing it again.

1. Change your WordPress admin password.
2. Reset your database password (this can be done in cPanel → MySQL Databases).
3. Check for unauthorized admin users by going to Users → All Users in your WordPress dashboard.
4. Delete any suspicious users that you didn’t create.

Step 7: Reinstall and Update Plugins & Themes

Some plugins and themes might be compromised. To ensure your site remains secure:

1. Delete unused or outdated themes and plugins.
2. Reinstall fresh copies of essential plugins from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
3. Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.

Step 8: Submit Your Website for Google Reindexing

Since the Japanese keyword hack affects your site’s search ranking, you must request a reindex in Google Search Console.

Steps to Request Reindexing:

1. Go to Google Search Console → Security Issues.
2. If Google detected malware, click Request a Review after fixing the issues.
3. Submit your sitemap again under Sitemaps.
4. Use the URL Inspection tool to check if spam URLs are still indexed.
5. If spam pages still exist, submit a URL Removal Request under Google Search Console → Removals.

Google will review your site, and it may take a few days for spam pages to be removed from search results.

Securing Your Website After Cleanup

After successfully removing the Japanese keyword hack, your next priority should be securing your WordPress site to prevent future infections. Hackers often find loopholes to reinfect websites, so implementing strong security measures is crucial to safeguarding your data and maintaining your search rankings.

1. Update Everything: WordPress, Plugins, and Themes

• Always use the latest version of WordPress to patch vulnerabilities.
• Keep themes and plugins updated to prevent exploits.
• Remove any unused or outdated themes and plugins.

2. Install a Security Plugin

A reliable security plugin provides real-time protection and blocks suspicious activity. Popular security plugins include:

• Wordfence Security (firewall and malware scanner)
• Sucuri Security (website monitoring and malware removal)
• iThemes Security (brute force attack protection)

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA for WordPress login prevents unauthorized access even if hackers steal your password. You can enable this using plugins like Google Authenticator or WP 2FA.

4. Change All Passwords and User Credentials

• Change the WordPress admin password to a strong one.
• Update your database password in the wp-config.php file.
• Ensure no unauthorized users exist under Users → All Users.

5. Implement File Permissions and Hardening Measures

• Set wp-config.php to read-only mode (chmod 400).

Disable PHP execution in /wp-content/uploads/. Add this to .htaccess:

<Files *.php>

deny from all

</Files>

• Restrict access to the WordPress dashboard by allowing only specific IP addresses in .htaccess.

6. Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Services like Cloudflare WAF and Sucuri Firewall add an extra layer of protection.

7. Schedule Regular Backups

Use UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup to automate daily website backups. Store backups in secure locations like Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external server.

8. Monitor Website Activity

• Enable WordPress activity logs to track admin changes.
• Use Google Search Console → Security Issues to detect malware early.
• Set up Google Alerts for your website URL to monitor unexpected indexed pages.

By following these security measures, you can fortify your website against future cyberattacks and ensure it remains malware-free.

Removing Indexed Spam URLs from Google

After cleaning your site, the next step is to remove spam URLs that were indexed by Google due to the Japanese keyword hack. If left unattended, these URLs may continue appearing in search results, damaging your SEO and reputation.

1. Check for Indexed Spam URLs in Google Search

To see if spam pages are still indexed:

Go to Google and search:

site:yourwebsite.com  

1. Look for suspicious URLs with Japanese text or unknown pages.

2. Request URL Removal via Google Search Console

If spam pages are indexed:

1. Open Google Search Console and go to Removals.
2. Click “New Request” → “Temporarily Remove URL”.
3. Enter the spam URL and submit the request.
4. Repeat this for all spam URLs.

This removes URLs temporarily (for 6 months), but you should also delete them from your site to prevent reindexing.

3. Remove Spam URLs from Your Sitemap

• Go to SEO Plugin (Yoast, Rank Math, or All in One SEO) and generate a new sitemap.
• Submit the updated sitemap in Google Search Console → Sitemaps.

4. Use the URL Inspection Tool

• Go to Google Search Console → URL Inspection.
• Enter spam URLs and check if they are still in Google’s index.
• If a page is removed, you’ll see “URL is not on Google”.

5. Block Spam URLs via Robots.txt and .htaccess

To prevent reindexing:

Block spam directories in robots.txt:

User-agent: *

Disallow: /spam-directory/

Deny access to known spam URLs in .htaccess:
 

Redirect 410 /spam-url  

6. Use Google’s Fetch as Google for Faster Cleanup

• In Google Search Console → URL Inspection, enter spam URLs.
• Click Request Indexing to force Google to update its index.

It may take a few weeks for all spam pages to disappear. Continue monitoring your Google Search Console Security Issues page to ensure your site remains clean.

Preventing Future Attacks

Once your site is cleaned and secured, the final step is to prevent future cyberattacks. WordPress sites are common targets, so proactive security measures are necessary to avoid reinfections.

1. Switch to a Secure Hosting Provider

Many hacks occur due to insecure hosting. If your site is frequently attacked, consider switching to managed WordPress hosting like:

• Kinsta
• WP Engine
• SiteGround

These providers offer built-in security, firewalls, and malware protection.

2. Install a Security Plugin with Firewall Protection

A security plugin blocks malware before it can infect your site. The best options include:

• Wordfence Security (Real-time firewall protection)
• Sucuri Firewall (Cloud-based protection)
• MalCare (Automatic malware removal)

3. Disable XML-RPC to Prevent Brute Force Attacks

XML-RPC is commonly exploited by hackers for brute force attacks. Disable it by adding this code to your .htaccess file:

<Files xmlrpc.php>

Order Deny,Allow

Deny from all

</Files>

Alternatively, use the Disable XML-RPC plugin.

4. Enable HTTP Security Headers

Security headers prevent cross-site scripting (XSS), clickjacking, and injection attacks. Add the following lines to .htaccess:

Header set X-Frame-Options “SAMEORIGIN”

Header set X-XSS-Protection “1; mode=block”

Header set X-Content-Type-Options “nosniff”

5. Set Up a Website Monitoring System

Regular monitoring helps detect security threats early. Use tools like:

• Google Search Console (Security alerts)
• Sucuri Security Scanner (Daily malware scans)
• WP Activity Log (Monitors admin activity)

6. Restrict User Permissions

• Allow only trusted users to have admin access.
• Set editor/contributor roles for writers to limit permissions.

Disable file editing by adding this to wp-config.php:

define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

7. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA for all users to prevent unauthorized logins. The Google Authenticator plugin makes this easy.

8. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Schedule monthly security audits to check for:

• Unusual admin activity
• Unauthorized file modifications
• Malware infections

Regular security audits ensure ongoing protection and early threat detection.

Best Practices for Maintaining Reliable and Secure Website Backups

Creating a backup is only the first step. To truly protect your website, backups must be part of an ongoing, well-managed strategy. Poorly maintained backups—outdated, incomplete, or inaccessible—can be just as risky as having no backup at all. Implementing best practices ensures your backups remain usable, secure, and effective when you need them most.

Establishing a Consistent Backup Schedule

Frequency Matters More Than Many Realise

How often you back up your website should depend on how frequently your content changes. Websites that publish content daily, process transactions, or update user data should have daily backups, while static or informational websites may require weekly backups.

Regular backup schedules ensure that even if something goes wrong, the amount of lost data is minimal. Relying on occasional or manual backups increases the risk of restoring outdated content.

Automating Backups to Avoid Human Error

Manual backups are useful, but they are often forgotten during busy periods. Automated backups eliminate this risk by ensuring your website is backed up at predetermined intervals without manual intervention.

Automation also helps maintain consistency, which is critical during security incidents when quick restoration is required.

Testing Backups Before You Need Them

Why Backup Testing Is Essential

Many website owners assume their backups work—until they try to restore them and discover missing files or corrupted databases. Testing backups periodically ensures they are complete and functional.

A backup that cannot be restored successfully offers no real protection.

How to Test Backup Integrity Safely

Instead of restoring backups on a live site, use a staging or local environment. This allows you to verify:

• File completeness
• Database integrity
• Plugin and theme compatibility
• Site functionality after restoration

Regular testing builds confidence that your backup strategy will work when needed.

Secure Storage and Access Control for Backups

Limiting Backup Access

Backups often contain sensitive data such as user credentials, email addresses, and configuration details. If backups fall into the wrong hands, they can become a security risk.

Only trusted users should have access to backup files. Access should be restricted using strong passwords and role-based permissions.

Encrypting Backup Files

Encrypting backups adds layer of protection, especially when storing them offsite or in cloud environments. Encryption ensures that even if backup files are accessed by unauthorised individuals, the data remains unreadable.

Managing Backup Retention and Storage

Avoiding Backup Overload

Keeping too many backups can consume storage space and complicate management. A retention policy helps balance availability with efficiency.

A common approach includes:

• Daily backups retained for 7–14 days
• Weekly backups retained for 1–2 months
• Monthly backups retained for long-term recovery

This structure ensures you have multiple recovery points without unnecessary storage usage.

Offsite and Redundant Storage

Storing backups on the same server as your website is risky. If the server fails or is compromised, both the site and its backups may be lost.

Maintaining multiple copies across different locations—local storage, cloud platforms, or external servers—greatly improves resilience.

Backup Strategies for Different Website Types

Business and Corporate Websites

Business websites often rely on backups for continuity. Downtime can result in lost revenue and damaged reputation. These sites benefit from:

• Automated daily backups
• Offsite cloud storage
• Regular restoration testing

eCommerce Websites

Online stores handle customer data, orders, and payment details. Even small data losses can have serious consequences.

For eCommerce sites, backups should include:

• Transaction records
• Customer accounts
• Product databases
• Payment-related configurations

Frequent backups—sometimes multiple times per day—are recommended.

Content-Driven Websites and Blogs

Blogs and media sites may not process transactions, but content is their core asset. Losing posts, images, or comments can be frustrating and time-consuming to rebuild.

Scheduled backups combined with media file inclusion ensure content preservation.

Backup Considerations During Malware Cleanup

Restoring Clean Versions Only

When dealing with malware, restoring a backup should be done carefully. Restoring an infected backup can reintroduce the same problem.

Always verify that the backup was created before the infection occurred. If unsure, scan backup files before restoration.

Comparing Clean and Infected Files

Backups can also be used as reference points. By comparing infected files against clean backups, developers can identify exactly what was changed, making malware removal more precise and thorough.

Backup Limitations and Common Misconceptions

Backups Are Not a Replacement for Security

While backups are essential, they do not prevent attacks. Firewalls, strong authentication, regular updates, and security plugins are still required.

Backups are a recovery tool—not a defensive shield.

Not All Backups Are Equal

Some backups exclude critical files or databases by default. Always confirm what is included. Partial backups may restore content but fail to recover functionality.

A backup is only useful if it includes everything needed to fully restore the site.

Building a Long-Term Backup and Recovery Plan

Documentation and Backup Records

Keeping a simple record of:

• Backup frequency
• Storage locations
• Restoration procedures

can save valuable time during emergencies. Documentation ensures that backups can be restored even if the original administrator is unavailable.

Aligning Backups With Website Growth

As websites grow, backup requirements change. New plugins, integrations, increased traffic, and additional content all affect backup size and frequency.

Regularly reviewing your backup strategy ensures it continues to meet your website’s evolving needs.

Wrapping Up 

Recovering from the Japanese keyword hack requires a thorough cleanup, reinforced security measures, and ongoing monitoring to prevent reinfection. By identifying and removing malware, restoring your website’s integrity, and eliminating spam URLs from Google’s index, you can reclaim your SEO rankings and protect your online reputation. Strengthening your website with firewalls, two-factor authentication, regular updates, and security plugins will ensure long-term protection against future attacks. Regular backups and proactive security audits will help detect threats early, keeping your WordPress site safe. By following these steps diligently, you can safeguard your website, maintain user trust, and ensure a secure browsing experience for your visitors.