My dedicated Linux server suddenly jumped to 100 % CPU, cPanel accounts refuse to load, and nothing has been tweaked recently—no software updates, no new scripts, no configuration edits. I suspect something malicious slipped in or a runaway process is exhausting resources, but I need solid confirmation and a clean-up fast. What I need you to do • SSH in, profile the load, and isolate the exact processes or connections causing the spike. • Scan thoroughly for root-kits, malware, or hidden cron jobs (tools such as maldet, rkhunter, chkrootkit are welcome, but feel free to use your own). • Patch or remove whatever you find, harden the box, and restart services so every cPanel account comes back online. • Hand me a concise report detailing the root cause, the steps you took, and any configuration changes you recommend to prevent a repeat incident. Success looks like this: CPU back to normal idle levels, all sites responsive, no suspicious binaries left behind, and me confident the server is locked down again. You’ll get full root SSH access the moment we start. Let me know your expected turnaround time and any additional information you might need so we can restore service without delay.