How to Fix Cloudflare Captcha Loop on Your Website
If you’re encountering a persistent Cloudflare captcha on your website and are unable to close it, your site might be under attack. This issue often arises due to malicious activity or unauthorized access to your WordPress installation. Here’s how you can resolve it:
Why is This Happening?
The continuous Cloudflare captcha typically appears when Cloudflare detects suspicious activity on your site, often caused by malware or unauthorized scripts running in the background. In many cases, this is due to a compromised WordPress installation.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
1. Remove Malicious Plugins
One common reason for this issue is an unwanted plugin that has been injected into your WordPress site. To remove it:
- Log in to your cPanel.
- Navigate to wp-content > plugins.
- Look for any suspicious or unwanted plugins that you don’t recognize.
- Delete the unwanted plugin.
2. Remove Unauthorized User Accounts
Hackers often create hidden administrator accounts to maintain access to your website. You need to check and remove any unauthorized users:
- Log in to your database using phpMyAdmin.
- Open the wp_users table.
- Look for a user with the name
sys_
or any other suspicious username. - Delete this user from wp_users and wp_usermeta tables.
Additional Security Measures
To further secure your site, consider these steps:
- Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.
- Change your WordPress admin password to a strong and unique one.
- Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan for malware.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for WordPress login.
- Review file permissions and remove any unnecessary admin accounts.
Conclusion
If you’re seeing a persistent Cloudflare captcha, it’s likely due to a security breach on your website. By removing malicious plugins and unauthorized users, you can restore your site’s normal functionality and enhance security. Stay proactive with regular website maintenance and monitoring to prevent future attacks.
Need professional help? Consider reaching out to a cybersecurity expert to audit your website and ensure it remains safe from potential threats.