How to Fix a Japanese Keyword Hack: Remove Malware and Clean Spam URLs from Google

How to Fix a Japanese Keyword Hack: Remove Malware and Clean Spam URLs from Google

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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. 

    Japanese Virus Attacks How to Fix and Remove Spammy URLs from Google

    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.

    How Does the Japanese Keyword Hack Work?

    Hackers gain unauthorized access to a website through outdated plugins, weak passwords, or insecure file permissions. Once inside, they inject malicious code that:

    1. Creates Fake Pages in Google Search Results

    • These pages often appear in Google search results with Japanese characters.
    • The hacker uses cloaking techniques, meaning that search engines see a different version of the page than human users.
    • When visitors try to access these pages, they may be redirected to spammy websites selling fake goods.

    2. Modifies Core WordPress Files

    • Hackers alter crucial WordPress files such as wp-config.php, .htaccess, and index.php to execute malicious scripts.
    • They add encoded PHP scripts (often base64-encoded) that generate spammy content dynamically.

    3. Injects Malicious Entries into the Database

    The hack can modify WordPress database tables like wp_posts and wp_options to insert spam content.

    Hidden admin users may be created, giving hackers backdoor access to the site even if the initial malware is removed.

    4. Abuses Google Search Console and Indexing

    Attackers may register the hacked website in their own Google Search Console accounts, allowing them to manipulate how Google indexes the site.

    They often generate thousands of low-quality spam URLs that dilute the site’s organic rankings.

    Signs That Your Website is Affected

    If your website has been compromised by the Japanese keyword hack, you may notice the following symptoms:

    Unfamiliar Japanese Text in Search Results:

    Run this Google search: site:yourwebsite.com and check for Japanese characters in the indexed pages.

    Google Search Console (GSC) Security Warnings:

    Log in to GSC and navigate to Security Issues to check if Google has flagged your website as hacked.

    Spammy or Redirected URLs:

    Clicking on certain links may redirect visitors to third-party spam sites selling fake goods.

    New or Suspicious PHP Files in Your Website’s Directories:

    Check /wp-content/themes/, /wp-content/plugins/, and /wp-includes/ for unknown or recently modified files.

    Unrecognized Admin Users in WordPress Dashboard:

    Hackers often create hidden administrator accounts to maintain access even after an initial cleanup.

    High Server Load or Unusual Website Behavior:

    A sudden increase in server resource usage could indicate malware executing background processes.

    Why is the Japanese Keyword Hack Dangerous?

    SEO Damage:

    Google may flag your site as hacked, leading to ranking drops or complete removal from search results.

    Spammy pages can push down legitimate content in search rankings, affecting organic traffic.

    Loss of Credibility & Trust:

    Visitors may see spam pages instead of your legitimate content, making your site appear untrustworthy.

    Customers may avoid interacting with your business due to security concerns.

    Potential Blacklisting by Google and Browsers:

    Google Chrome and other browsers may warn users that your site is unsafe.

    Google can blacklist your site, preventing it from appearing in search results until the issue is resolved.

    Security Risks & Data Breaches:

    Hackers may gain access to sensitive user data, login credentials, or even financial information.

    If your website handles customer transactions, this could lead to serious privacy and legal issues.

    How Do Hackers Exploit WordPress Vulnerabilities?

    WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms, making it a common target for hackers. The Japanese keyword hack primarily exploits:

    Outdated WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes

    Older versions may have security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

    Weak or Reused Passwords

    Simple passwords make it easier for hackers to gain admin access.

    Poorly Configured File Permissions

    Incorrect permissions allow hackers to modify important system files.

    Lack of Security Measures

    Websites without a firewall or security plugin are more vulnerable.

    Can Google Detect the Japanese Keyword Hack Automatically?

    Google’s automated systems often detect hacked content, but not always immediately. If Google detects suspicious behavior, it may flag your website under Security Issues in Google Search Console, showing warnings like:

    “This site may be hacked.”

    “Deceptive site ahead.”

    However, if the malware uses advanced cloaking techniques, Google may not immediately recognize the hack, delaying detection. This is why website owners should regularly monitor their Google Search Console reports, website logs, and file changes to catch potential issues early.

    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(%’;

      • 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.

    Why Backing Up Your Website is Essential

    1. Protection Against Data Loss

    Removing malware can involve deleting entire sections of your website that may contain important files. If you don’t have a backup, losing a crucial piece of data could mean starting from scratch.

    2. Recovery from Mistakes

    Even experienced developers can make mistakes when manually removing malware. A backup ensures that if something goes wrong, you can quickly restore your site to its last known working state.

    3. Security Against Further Attacks

    Hackers may alter core website files and databases in ways that aren’t immediately visible. By having a backup, you can compare infected files with clean ones and track changes made by hackers.

    4. Peace of Mind

    Knowing that you have a secure, restorable version of your website allows you to confidently proceed with malware removal and system repairs.

    What to Include in Your Backup

    A complete backup should include all essential website components, ensuring a full restoration is possible if needed. Here are the key elements you must back up:

    1. Website Files

    • WordPress core files (if using WordPress)
    • Theme files (/wp-content/themes/)
    • Plugin files (/wp-content/plugins/)
    • Uploads and media files (/wp-content/uploads/)
    • .htaccess file
    • Configuration files (wp-config.php or .env for Laravel sites)

    2. Website Database

    The database stores all your website content, user data, and settings. If compromised, hackers can inject malicious content directly into it. Backing up the database ensures that you can restore clean versions of posts, pages, and settings.

    3. Custom Scripts and Code

    If your website has custom modifications, scripts, or integrations, ensure these are included in your backup.

    4. Email Accounts (If Hosted on the Same Server)

    If your email accounts are managed on your web server, back up emails to prevent losing important communication.

    5. Server Configuration Settings

    If you’ve made custom server configurations (e.g., in php.ini or .htaccess), back them up to avoid issues after restoration.

    Methods to Backup Your Website

    There are several ways to back up your website, depending on your hosting provider, technical expertise, and preferred method.

    1. Using Your Hosting Provider’s Backup Tools

    Most web hosting companies provide built-in backup solutions. This is the easiest method for non-technical users.

    Steps to Backup via cPanel (Common for Shared Hosting):

    1. Log in to your cPanel.
    2. Navigate to Files → Backup or Backup Wizard.
    3. Choose Full Backup to download everything (files, databases, emails).
    4. Click Generate Backup and wait for the process to complete.
    5. Download the backup file and store it securely on your computer or cloud storage.

    Some hosting providers, like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator, offer automated daily backups. Check with your hosting provider for details.

    2. Manually Backing Up Your Website via FTP and phpMyAdmin

    If your hosting provider doesn’t offer a backup feature or you prefer a manual method, you can use FTP and phpMyAdmin to create a backup.

    Steps to Backup Website Files via FTP:

    1. Download and install FileZilla (or any FTP client).
    2. Connect to your server using your FTP credentials.
    3. Navigate to your website’s root directory (usually /public_html/).
    4. Download the entire directory to your computer.

    Steps to Backup Your Database via phpMyAdmin:

    1. Log in to phpMyAdmin via cPanel.
    2. Select your WordPress database (or relevant database).
    3. Click Export → Choose Quick Export.
    4. Select SQL format and click Go.
    5. Save the database file securely.

    3. Using WordPress Backup Plugins (For WordPress Sites)

    For WordPress users, backup plugins offer an easier way to create backups.

    Recommended WordPress Backup Plugins:

    • UpdraftPlus (Free & Paid)
    • BackupBuddy (Paid)
    • Jetpack Backup (Paid)
    • WPVivid (Free & Paid)

    Steps to Backup Using UpdraftPlus:

    1. Install and activate UpdraftPlus from the WordPress plugin repository.
    2. Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups.
    3. Click Backup Now and select what to include (files + database).
    4. Wait for the backup to complete.
    5. Download the backup to your local storage or cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

    4. Using Cloud Storage for Extra Security

    Storing backups on your computer is risky because of potential hardware failures. Instead, upload backups to:

    • Google Drive
    • Dropbox
    • Amazon S3
    • OneDrive

    Using cloud storage ensures your backup is safe even if your local device gets corrupted.

    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%’;

    1. 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.

    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.

    Tuhin Banik

    Thatware | Founder & CEO

    Tuhin is recognized across the globe for his vision to revolutionize digital transformation industry with the help of cutting-edge technology. He won bronze for India at the Stevie Awards USA as well as winning the India Business Awards, India Technology Award, Top 100 influential tech leaders from Analytics Insights, Clutch Global Front runner in digital marketing, founder of the fastest growing company in Asia by The CEO Magazine and is a TEDx speaker and BrightonSEO speaker.

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