Articles etc. are kept in the database. With the exception of possibly adding a super-admin account to the user table; Normally hacks leave the database data such as articles alone and only hack the files that run the site. Backup the database, but do not back up the files that make up the Joomla installation in public_html. Restoring those files from a backup will only restore the hack.
It is suggested to do all of the following. Failure to follow the suggestions below may leave your site vulnerable to being hacked again in the future.You must state what version of Joomla you were using when when the site first became hacked. This can make a difference as to how we approach your individual situation.[ ] Download and RUN the
Forum Post Assistant / FPA Instructions
available here and are also included in the download package. Post the generated results in your security/been hacked topic.
[ ] Ensure you have the
latest version of Joomla.
Delete all files in your Joomla installation, saving a copy of the configuration.php file. Replace the deleted files with fresh copies of a current full version of Joomla (minus the installation directory), and fresh copies of extensions and templates used. Upload the copy of your configuration file.
Only by replacing all files in the installation (including extensions and templates) can you be sure to remove the backdoors inserted and hidden in files and directories More detail can be found in the security Checklist 7 link below.
[ ] Review
Vulnerable Extensions List[ ] Review and action
Security Checklist 7 to make sure you've gone through all of the steps.
[ ] Scan all machines with FTP, Joomla super admin, and Joomla admin access for malware, virus, trojans, spyware, etc.
[ ] Change all passwords and if possible user names for the website host control panel and your Joomla site.
[ ] Use proper permissions on files and directories. They should
never be 777, ideal is 644 and 755 and 444 for the configuration.php file.
[ ] Check your htaccess for for any odd code (i.e. code which is not in the standard htaccess supplied as part of the Joomla installation).
[ ] Check the crontab or Task Scheduler for unexpected jobs/tasks.
[ ] Ensure you do not have anonymous ftp enabled
Note: The forum post tool will work with all versions of Joomla.
