Clean up index infection

Foreign subpages in the Google index

With a so-called Japanese Keyword Hack, foreign search results appear under your own domain, often with Japanese characters, product names, or shop content. The content can be generated dynamically and therefore be missing from the normal WordPress page overview.

I identify and remove the code causing the issue, check Search Console for unauthorized changes, and submit the affected URL patterns for removal.

Elias Arndt, WordPress expert from Schleswig
Elias Arndt

WordPress security and technical support
★★★★★ 5,0 on Google

Report an emergency

I will get back to you within 4 hours.

How an index infection may be set up

The specific implementation varies depending on the incident. In particular, the content served, sitemaps, access credentials, and the WordPress installation are checked.

Different content for search engines

The server can serve different content to search engines and regular visitors depending on the browser identifier or origin.

Additional sitemap

An unknown sitemap can submit many foreign URLs to Google and speed up their inclusion in the index.

Unknown Search Console access

An additional verified user can submit sitemaps or change settings and must be checked.

No posts in the backend

Dynamically generated URLs do not appear as regular pages or posts in WordPress.

How to clean up the Google index

1

Record affected URL patterns

I analyze search results and Search Console and document which URLs and patterns are affected.

2

Remove the code generating the pages

Server rules, PHP files, extensions, and the database are checked. Any malware found is removed and the identified entry point is closed.

3

Check access credentials and sitemaps

Unauthorized users, unknown sitemaps, and manipulated settings in Search Console are removed or corrected.

4

Initiate removal from the index

The affected URLs return an appropriate error status and are submitted for removal using the Google procedures available.

Services and prices

Malware scan

50 €

plus VAT · one-time

If you commission the cleanup afterwards, the 50 € will be fully credited.

Fixed price

Cleanup

280 €

plus VAT · fixed price, scan included

Money-back guarantee: If the cleanup or restoration is unsuccessful, the cleanup fee paid will be refunded.

Ongoing support

from €65

per month, plus VAT.

Further terms and conditions:

  • All prices are plus 19 % VAT.
  • For work on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays, a one-time weekend flat rate of €100 is charged.
  • The agreed response and restoration times apply Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The restoration period begins as soon as all required access credentials are available.
  • I will clarify the effort required for multiple websites in one installation, multisite systems and WooCommerce shops with ongoing orders before starting. Additional costs will be agreed before commissioning.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I see different content when I access the page than Google does?

Manipulated code can evaluate the browser identifier, origin, and other characteristics of the request. I therefore test the affected URLs under several controlled conditions.

The technical cleanup is completed within 6 hours once all required access credentials have been provided, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. How long Google takes to reprocess all affected URLs or remove them from the index depends on the scope and crawling.

The impact depends on the scope, duration, and Google's assessment. After the technical cleanup, the affected URLs and security status continue to be monitored; a specific ranking outcome cannot be guaranteed.

The cleanup costs €280 net at a fixed price. A preliminary assessment for €50 net is credited toward the subsequent cleanup.

Have foreign index pages technically cleaned up

During the free initial consultation, we clarify the symptoms observed, the available access credentials and the sensible next step. If the cause is likely to lie outside WordPress, you will receive an appropriate assessment.

You can reach me Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Related topics: Google warns about your website · Website redirects to a foreign site · Remove malware from WordPress · Remove WordPress malware