How to fix unwanted redirects on a WordPress site

Unwanted redirects are a common problem on WordPress websites that are often caused by malware infections. These redirects can lead visitors to phishing pages or malicious sites, which not only affects the user experience but also puts visitors’ security at risk. Here are the necessary steps to fix this issue and secure your website.

1. Perform a security analysis

To identify the source of the problem, it is essential to perform a complete analysis of the website. Tools such as Sucuri SiteCheck or Wordfence can scan your site for malware, vulnerabilities and infected files.

2. Update WordPress, themes, and plugins

Make sure your WordPress installation, along with all themes and plugins, are updated to their latest versions. Older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regular updating is an effective preventative measure.

3. Review and remove suspicious files

Access your site via FTP or your hosting service’s file manager. Check your WordPress installation files for suspicious or unknown items. Compare your installation with a clean WordPress installation and remove any files you don’t recognize.

4. Replace WordPress core files

Download a clean copy of WordPress from wordpress.org and replace the core files of your current installation (except the wp-config.php file and the wp-content folder). This can help remove any kernel files that have been infected.

5. Check the database

Malware often hides in the WordPress database. Use tools like phpMyAdmin to check your database tables, especially wp_options, wp_posts and wp_users, for suspicious or unknown entries.

6. Install and configure security plugins

Install a security plugin such as Wordfence or Solid Security. Configure these plugins to perform regular scans and protect your site against future infections. These plugins can also help you monitor suspicious activity. If you want to know which are the best security plugins, you can visit our article Best Security Plugins for WordPress.

7. Change all passwords

Change passwords for all WordPress users, as well as FTP, database, and control panel passwords for your hosting. Be sure to use strong and unique passwords for each account.

8. Consult a security expert

If the problem persists after following these steps, consider consulting a WordPress security expert. Specialized services can clean infected websites and provide a more thorough, long-term solution.

9. Implement preventive measures

Finally, to prevent future infections, implement additional security measures such as:

• Make regular backups of your site.
• Limit the number of login attempts.
• Use two-factor authentication.
• Keep all site components up to date.

Following these steps will help fix the unwanted redirect issue on your WordPress website, improving security and user experience.

How Modular DS can help

To fix unwanted redirects on your WordPress site and keep it running at its best, consider using a management platform like Modular DS. It brings together a full suite of advanced tools in one place, including automated backups, bulk updates, vulnerability scans, and performance monitoring. With these features, you can ensure your websites stay secure, optimized, and protected against malware and other threats.