WordPress stands out as a leading platform for content management which is also why WordPress malware removal is a commonly searched term. WordPress offers a wide range of features and powers about 39.5% of all websites, which is why it’s a big target for hackers.
Each day, hackers attack an average of 30,000 new websites. They take advantage of various vulnerabilities and extort the website owners.
To ensure your website’s safety, you must invest in malware removal. Today, we’ll look at the symptoms of malware on your website. Read on and determine whether it’s time to call in the experts:
Warning Messages
When warning messages start popping up, it’s time to consider calling a WordPress malware removal service. Malware is most noticeable when you’re visiting your website. It often won’t load, and the browser will warn you that your website has questionable content.
When this happens, your website has a malware infection. The hackers managed to load malicious data into the site. As a result, your website will now pose a danger to its visitors.
It’s what causes Google to issue warnings and prevent your website from loading. If you don’t fix this issue, search engines will eventually blacklist your website.
Strange Behaviours
Did you notice strange things on your website? These are indicators that hackers attacked and loaded malware within.
These strange behaviours come in different forms, depending on the type of attack the hackers used. However, some are common regardless of the situation.
The most noticeable among these is that typing your website URL redirects users to a different website. Another indicator is when you can’t access the backend of your website. It happens because the hackers changed the settings, blocking you from logging in.
Other strange behaviours include new and suspicious links appearing on your website. These links lead to other websites of unknown origin. In most cases, people clicking on the link will get malware infections.
Finally, users visiting your website may experience obscene push notifications. It also includes intrusive pop-ups detrimental to your website experience.
If you don’t fix this problem soon, your search engine ranking and reputation will suffer.
Suspicious File Changes
File changes are also among the concerning signs of malware intrusion. When you find this sign, get the best malware removal available. As you look through your website’s files, keep an eye out for odd files and folder names.
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For instance, you might notice unknown files within the wp-admin and wp-includes directories. It’s because these rarely have new files added to them.
You might also see new unknown admins on the website’s database. Once they start appearing, it’s a definitive sign of a hacked website.
Slower Loading Speed and Performance Dips
Your website’s performance also indicates whether a malware attack happened. If you see your website’s loading speed slowing down, it might be from suspicious files. A good method is to check your website traffic and compare it with your resource consumption.
If you don’t have lots of traffic, but your resource consumption is high, it’s a good sign your website has been compromised.
Defaced and Vandalised
The degrees shown with this symptom can vary, yet it’s one of the visible signs of a website hack. In most cases, hackers will alter your website’s appearance.
When it happens, you’ll notice the modifications to the WordPress theme, along with the footer and header. These often have humiliating messages or other forms of vandalism. Changes in your website’s content are also notable signs of the hack.
The meta description is also a prime area for hackers to deface and vandalise. You’ll see these changes appear when pulling up the website through search results. Fix this issue immediately or risk losing your visitors’ trust.
How to Remove Malware from Your WordPress Website
What should you do to remove malware from the website? You would need to take on these contingency measures to prevent it from causing more problems.
Consider going for a complete website scan. Opt for a malware removal service to find and eliminate the source of the problem. Once the website undergoes a full scan, the next step is in the removal process itself.
It includes removing unwanted scripts, codes, and much more.
After cleaning your website:
- Ensure that it won’t happen again.
- Bolster your security measures.
- Collaborate with malware removal services and ask for ways to prevent reoccurrences.
Preventive Measures After Malware Removal
Various areas help prevent attacks from occurring. Take these steps to help you close up gaps to minimise the changes or hacks or being hacked again after clean up.
Passwords
Make sure to have a strong password with 8 characters minimum. As long as it has a combination of an upper-case and lower-case letter and a number, it’s enough. Ensure that the password is easy to remember but not easy to guess.
If your platform allows for two-factor authentication, use it. It helps add another layer of security.
Plugins and Other Security Tools
Make sure you have security tools loaded on your website and use an HTTPS protocol for a secure site. Couple this with a security plugin and keep your website up-to-date.
Backups
Always have a backup of your website. This particular step works well to help prepare for the worst. If your website gets compromised, you can restore it after removing the malware.
Get Started with Malware Removal Today
With the recurring attacks on various websites, you must have the means to counter them.
Malware removal is among these countermeasures. Complement it with a robust security system for your WordPress website.
For services and solutions for your WordPress website, consider ThriveWP.
We offer maintenance, malware removal, and much more.
Do you need any of these services? Contact us today, and we can help you get started with making your WordPress website better.
