How long has it been since you checked the dashboard of your WordPress website? An ignored dashboard can be a playground for hackers, viruses, and all sorts of unpleasantries. As a result, Google may blacklist your domain. That means no one will find your website or email addresses using that domain name.
During a discovery session with a new client, she mentioned receiving an email from Google stating this site may be hacked and wondered if it was a scam. With her busy schedule, the email sat on the back-burner and unattended. When I spoke to a hosting company regarding the action steps to follow, they informed me Google had begun blacklisting her domain. The client immediately reached out to her hosting company, and they cleared the issue up within 24 to 48 hours.
When Google sends an email that includes the words ‘this site may be hacked’, take it seriously!
Updating WordPress plugins, add-ons, and themes (including the inactive theme) is vital in protecting your website. The purpose of the continuous software updates is to prevent and block the infestations of hackers, viruses, and other unpleasantries. It may be inconvenient and an easily forgotten task to visit your WordPress dashboard, however, it is very important.
For individuals that have the “set it and forget it” website, I recommend selecting a minimum of one day each month to tend to the maintenance. Here’s an example: on the first of the month, or on the first Monday of the month.
For the individuals that access their dashboard more than once a month, I recommend updating the themes, plugins, and add-ons as they become available.
If you’re the type of person who knows you will ignore the maintenance tasks, hire a virtual assistant to keep the software up-to-date.
In the event you receive a notification from Google, contact your website hosting company immediately! They will assist you in fixing the affected files and provide you with solutions to prevent another infestation.
Having a website is a wonderful way to showcase YOU, your products, and services. Be sure to keep it protected.
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