Meta Description:
Discover how the Japanese Keyword Hack is damaging websites worldwide. Learn real-world cases, removal steps, and prevention tips to secure your site.
Introduction
In 2023, Mumbai-based travel startup TravelKart saw its website traffic plummet overnight. Initially blaming server issues, the founders later discovered a shocking truth — their website had been hacked, flooded with Japanese keyword pages promoting fake electronics.
This is not an isolated incident.
Welcome to the world of the Japanese Keyword Hack — a rising SEO attack that is targeting businesses globally.
What Is The Japanese Keyword Hack?
Unlike typical hacks that deface your homepage, the Japanese Keyword Hack operates stealthily. Hackers inject hundreds of Japanese-language pages into your site, optimized to appear in Google search results. These pages often promote counterfeit goods, gambling, or phishing scams.
Real-World Victims
TravelKart (India)
Lost 80% of their organic traffic due to Japanese spam pages.
A Singapore Fashion Brand
Found fake Louis Vuitton product pages indexed on Google under their domain.
New York Yoga Studio
Experienced sudden redirects to Japanese gambling sites from their blog.
How Do Hackers Gain Access?
- Weak FTP/Admin Passwords
- Outdated Plugins & Themes
- Exploiting Vulnerable CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- Injecting Backdoor Files (hidden folders like /wp-content/uploads/.abc123/)
Warning Signs
- Japanese text in Google search results
- Spammy redirects
- Unknown admin users in CMS dashboard
Search Trick:
site:yourwebsite.com
Look for strange pages.
How To Remove The Hack
- Scan For Malware
Tools:
- Sucuri SiteCheck
- Wordfence Plugin
- Locate & Remove Malicious Files
Search hidden folders or files with random characters.
- Clean Your Database
Use phpMyAdmin to look for spam keywords like “viagra,” “louis vuitton,” or Japanese text.
- Update Everything
CMS, plugins, themes — all must be updated.
- Request Google Reindexing
After cleanup, use Google Search Console to request a re-crawl of your site.
How To Prevent Future Attacks
Use Strong Passwords
Tools: 1Password, LastPass
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Example: The New York yoga studio enabled 2FA for all admins post-hack.
Set Up Google Search Console
Stay alerted about suspicious activity.
Use Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Recommended Services:
- Cloudflare
- Sucuri
Backup Regularly
Tools:
- VaultPress
- UpdraftPlus
Action Checklist
| Step | Tool Recommendation |
| Scan Your Site | Sucuri SiteCheck / Wordfence |
| Remove Malware | Hosting Panel / FTP Access |
| Clean Database | phpMyAdmin |
| Automate Updates | Easy Updates Manager (WP) |
| Enable Firewall | Cloudflare / Sucuri |
| Monitor & Backup | Google Search Console / VaultPress |
Final Takeaway
Website security is no longer optional. The Japanese Keyword Hack proves that even small businesses are vulnerable to SEO-driven attacks.
The good news? Fast action, the right tools, and proactive security can save your site and your reputation.
Social Media Copy
Twitter/X
“Is your website secretly hacked? The Japanese Keyword Hack is hijacking businesses worldwide. Learn how to detect, remove & prevent it. #CyberSecurity #SEO [Link]”
“Real businesses have lost customers and SEO rankings overnight due to the Japanese Keyword Hack. Learn their stories & how to secure your site today. #WebsiteSecurity #SEOtips [Link]”
“Think your site is safe? The Japanese Keyword Hack floods your site with fake Japanese pages hurting your SEO. Swipe for the fix. #CyberSecurity #WordPress [Link]”
