How Do I Scan My Website for Malware?

Scanning your website for malware is an important part of maintaining its security. Malware can compromise your website, steal sensitive information, redirect visitors, send spam, or damage your website's reputation.

Regular malware scans can help identify malicious files and suspicious activity early, allowing you to take appropriate action before the problem becomes more serious.

Signs Your Website May Be Infected

You should consider scanning your website if you notice any of the following:

• Your website has been hacked or appears to have been compromised.
• Visitors are redirected to another website.
• Your browser displays security warnings.
• Search engines flag your website as unsafe.
• Unknown files or folders appear in your hosting account.
• Unexpected administrator accounts are created.
• Your website sends spam emails.
• Your website suddenly becomes unusually slow.
• Antivirus or security software detects malicious content.
• You receive malware alerts from security services.

How Can I Scan My Website?

There are several ways to scan your website for malware.

Use a Website Security Plugin

If you use WordPress, reputable security plugins can provide malware scanning and security monitoring features.

Depending on the plugin, these tools may help identify:

• Modified WordPress core files.
• Malicious code.
• Suspicious plugins or themes.
• Vulnerable software.
• Unexpected file changes.

Keep your security plugin updated so it can use the latest malware signatures and security checks where supported.

Use Server-Level Security

SIRSTEVEHQ uses server security technologies, including Imunify360, to help detect and mitigate malware on supported hosting platforms.

Server-level protection provides an additional layer of security, but it should complement your website's own security practices rather than replace them.

Review Your Website Files

If you are familiar with your website's file structure, you can manually review files and folders for unusual or unauthorised changes.

Look for:

• Unknown PHP files.
• Suspicious scripts.
• Unexpected folders.
• Recently modified files that you do not recognise.
• Unauthorised changes to website files.

Be careful when deleting files. Some files may be legitimate even if their names or locations are unfamiliar. Deleting the wrong files can cause your website to stop working.

What Should I Do If Malware Is Found?

If a malware scan detects an infection:

1. Create a backup of the affected website where possible.
2. Identify and remove or quarantine malicious files.
3. Update WordPress, plugins, themes, and other applications.
4. Change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised, including your SIRSTEVEHQ Client Area, hosting control panel, WordPress, FTP/SFTP, SSH, email, and database accounts.
5. Remove unused or vulnerable plugins and themes.
6. Review administrator accounts and remove unauthorised users.
7. Restore the website from a known clean backup if necessary.
8. Identify and fix the vulnerability that allowed the malware infection.

If you are unsure how to proceed, open a support ticket with our Support Team for guidance.

Can Malware Return After Removal?

Yes. Malware can return if the underlying vulnerability is not identified and fixed.

Common causes of reinfection include:

• Outdated WordPress installations.
• Vulnerable plugins or themes.
• Weak or compromised passwords.
• Unauthorised administrator accounts.
• Insecure custom code.
• Outdated applications.
• Software downloaded from untrusted sources.

Simply removing infected files may not be enough. Identifying and addressing the original cause is an important part of securing the website.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Malware?

To improve your website's security:

• Keep WordPress, plugins, themes, and other applications updated.
• Use strong and unique passwords.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) where available.
• Install software only from trusted developers.
• Remove unused plugins, themes, and applications.
• Use HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate.
• Maintain regular website backups.
• Monitor your website for unusual activity.
• Scan your website periodically for malware.
• Review administrator accounts regularly.

Following these practices can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections.

Can SIRSTEVEHQ Remove Malware for Me?

If you believe your website has been infected, our Support Team can investigate whether the issue may be related to your hosting environment and provide general guidance.

Depending on the nature and complexity of the infection, you may need to clean the affected website files, restore a known clean backup, or work with your website developer or a security specialist to completely remove the malware and address the underlying vulnerability.

Need Help Investigating a Possible Malware Infection?

If you suspect that your website has been compromised, please open a support ticket through your SIRSTEVEHQ Client Area.

Include:

• Your domain name.
• A description of the issue.
• Any malware or security warnings you received.
• When you first noticed the problem.
• Any recent changes made to your website.
• Any steps you have already taken.

Providing these details will help our Support Team investigate the issue more efficiently and advise you on the appropriate next steps to secure your website.