Cleanup Reality

Why cleaning files alone doesn't fix WordPress hacksand what really works

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Deleting visible malware is only a surface fix. Persistence can live in cron jobs, databases, and server configs, so the infection returns within hours.

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Cleanup vs. recovery

Cleaning files isn't the same as removing the hack

Removing a few infected files leaves the roots intact. True recovery requires full-stack remediation and hardening across every layer.

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Reality check

Persistence survives file-only cleanup.

Attackers hide reinfection triggers in cron jobs, database tables, and server configs that most cleanups never touch.

Cleanup fails without a full audit of server, cPanel, and database layers.

Four reasons cleaning files isn't enough

Where the real persistence hides.

1. Persistence mechanisms

Cron jobs, auth logs, and database triggers re-drop malware after a file cleanup.

2. Clean file deception

Obfuscated code mimics legit functions, so scanners mark infected files as clean.

3. No hardening after cleanup

Without least-privilege controls and WAF rules, attackers return quickly.

4. SEO damage not repaired

Spam pages stay indexed unless you remove them and request reindexing.

What real recovery looks like

True recovery includes root access remediation, database validation, and strict hardening across every layer.

It also includes reindexing work to restore your search visibility after SEO poisoning.

Need full recovery?

Get a complete incident response.

We remove persistence, harden the stack, and fix SEO damage.

Request a recovery plan

Includes monitoring, hardening, and reindexing.