General malware information

In today's digital landscape, website security is more critical than ever. Malware infections can cripple your site, damage your reputation, and compromise your visitors' safety.

What is malware?

Malware (malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause damage, unauthorized access, or disruption to computers, servers, clients, or networks, including websites. Common types of website malware include, but are not limited to:

• Viruses: Self-replicating code that can damage files or systems.
• Trojans: Malicious code disguised as legitimate content or software.
• Ransomware: Software that locks data and demands payment for release.
• Spyware: Software that secretly monitors user activity.
• Backdoors: Hidden methods to bypass a standard authentication or security process to gain unauthorized website access.
• Cryptojackers: Malware that hijacks server resources to mine cryptocurrency.
• Defacements: Attackers modify website content to display their messages.

How does a site generally get infected with malware?

Websites can become infected through various methods, including but not limited to:

• Outdated software: Running old versions of CMSs (like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal), plugins, or themes with known vulnerabilities.
• Weak passwords: Easy-to-guess or reused passwords allow brute-force or credential stuffing attacks.
• Unsecured file uploads: Inadequate filtering of uploaded files can allow malicious scripts.
• Third-party integrations: Vulnerable ad scripts, widgets, or plugins can introduce malware.
• Phishing & social engineering: Tricking admins into installing malicious software or sharing credentials.
• Server vulnerabilities: Insecure hosting or server misconfigurations.

Why is it important to clean a website of malware infection?

Cleaning a website of malware infection is crucial for several reasons:

• Protecting visitors is crucial because malware can steal their data, install viruses on their devices, or redirect them to malicious sites.
• Maintaining reputation is essential as search engines like Google may blocklist infected sites, display warnings, and drastically reduce trust and traffic.
• Legal compliance is necessary since storing or transmitting malware can violate data protection laws, leading to fines or legal action.
• Ensuring business continuity is vital because attacks can disrupt site operations, cause financial loss, and damage credibility.
• Preventing the spread of malware is essential as infected sites can be used to attack other systems or propagate malware further.

General steps to clean a website

Here are some general steps to clean a website:

1. Take the site offline to prevent further harm.
2. Back up files to save a copy before making changes (What is a website backup?)
3. Scan for malware. Use security plugins, online scanners (like Sucuri SiteCheck), or your hosting provider's tools.
4. Remove malicious code. Delete suspicious files, code, or plugins.
5. Request Blocklist Removal: If blocklisted, request a review from Google and other authorities once cleaned (Google Search Console Help: Security Issues report).

Steps to prevent future malware infections

To prevent future malware infections, consider the following steps:

• Update everything, including the core software, plugins, themes, and server software.
• Delete unused plugins and themes.
• Reset credentials. Change all passwords (admin, database, FTP, etc.).
• Set up two-factor authentication for your admin password.
• Check user accounts and remove any suspicious accounts (Edit FTP users).

More info

For additional information, you can review the following resources:

• Is there malware on my website?
• New Security Page for Web Hosting (cPanel).
• Common website security threats for small businesses.
• Review the Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware article on cisa.gov.