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Discovering a Hacked cPanel Account can be alarming, especially when your website starts behaving abnormally, sends spam emails, redirects visitors, or even becomes completely inaccessible. A hacked cPanel account compromises your entire hosting environment, putting all website data, emails, databases, and user trust at risk.

If you suspect that your cPanel account has been hacked, it’s critical to act immediately. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the complete process of troubleshooting a hacked cPanel account, securing your data, cleaning up infected files, and preventing future breaches.

At HostraGo, we prioritize security and provide full support to customers facing such incidents. Let’s explore how you can recover and secure your hosting account efficiently.

Signs That Your cPanel Account is Hacked

Some common signs include:

  • Website redirects to unknown or malicious sites
  • Suspicious files or scripts in your public_html directory
  • Your website is flagged as Deceptive Site Ahead by Google
  • Unknown email accounts or spam being sent from your domain
  • Modified .htaccess or index.php files
  • Login attempts or password changes without your knowledge

Steps to Troubleshoot a Hacked cPanel Account

Let’s go through the action plan step by step:

Step 1: Change cPanel & FTP Passwords Immediately

The first and most important step is to change your cPanel password and any FTP account credentials:

  1. Log in to your WHM or cPanel
  2. Navigate to Password & Security
  3. Update all passwords — use a strong, unique combination

Repeat this for:

  • FTP accounts
  • Email accounts
  • MySQL users (if suspicious activity is seen)

Step 2: Scan Files for Malware and Suspicious Code

Use cPanel’s built-in tools or third-party scanners like:

  • ClamAV Virus Scanner
  • ImunifyAV (Free & Pro)
  • SiteLock or other malware cleanup tools

Scan these directories:

  • /public_html
  • /tmp
  • /home/username/.trash

Remove or quarantine any suspicious files immediately.

Step 3: Clean Up Infected Website Files

After scanning, follow these tips:

  • Delete or replace compromised files
  • Re-upload fresh files from a clean backup
  • Remove eval(), base64_decode(), or long obfuscated code from PHP files
  • Check .htaccess for unwanted redirects or rewritten paths

If you use a CMS like WordPress, reinstall core files and plugins.

Step 4: Restore from Backup (If Available)

If the hack is severe or you can’t fully clean it:

  1. Use cPanel’s JetBackup or Backup Wizard
  2. Choose a backup date prior to the hack
  3. Restore files, databases, and emails

If you don’t have backups, contact HostraGo Support — we may be able to recover data from server-level snapshots.

Step 5: Update All CMS/Plugins/Themes

If you’re using CMS platforms like:

  • WordPress
  • Joomla
  • Drupal

Immediately update:

  • Core software
  • All plugins and extensions
  • Themes or templates

Step 6: Check Email and Cron Jobs

  • Remove unknown cron jobs (go to cPanel > Cron Jobs)
  • Delete suspicious email forwarders or auto-responders
  • Change passwords for all mailboxes

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Getting Hacked Again

  • Keep software updated
  • Use only trusted plugins/themes
  • Regularly scan and back up your website
  • Use SSL for encrypted connections
  • Monitor login and access logs

Need Help from Experts?

If you’re unable to fix a hacked cPanel account or feel overwhelmed, don’t panic — we’re here to help.

📞 Contact HostraGo Support — Our team will assist you in malware cleanup, data recovery, security hardening, and server scanning.

Looking for secure and hardened web hosting?
👉 Explore HostraGo’s Secure Web Hosting Plans

Final Thoughts

Getting a hacked cPanel account under control requires immediate action, technical knowledge, and the right tools. From changing passwords to scanning files and restoring backups, each step plays a key role in restoring your website and protecting your data.

With HostraGo, you get not just high-performance hosting, but also peace of mind through reliable support and built-in security features that protect your business 24/7.

🛡️ Stay safe, stay updated — and let us help you maintain a secure hosting environment.

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