In the past six months, our helpdesk has seen an increase in people seeking new hosting for their infected websites. On their previous hosting, their website was blocked by the host, who demanded the customer clean the infection. In most cases, the customers could not clean their websites, and the experts they hired often failed as well.
Timely cleaning of an infected website is crucial. A web host can block the website or promptly assist the client in cleaning the site. If the website is not cleaned in time, Google search may display a warning page, and the site may drop in search results. Often, an infected website generates fake pages or sends out a large amount of spam. If the website sends out a lot of spam, the web host risks having the server's IP address reported to blacklists. If the spamming continues for an extended period, the web host and the data center risk having the entire IP range reported, incurring significant costs for removing IP addresses from paid blacklists.
MyDreams Hosting monitors over 200 public blacklists, allowing us to detect an infected website within minutes and take timely countermeasures.
Steps to Clean an Infected Website
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Identify the Infection Source:
- Scan your website files with a malware scanner.
- Check server logs for unusual activity.
- Look for unfamiliar or modified files, especially in common directories like
/wp-content/uploads/for Wordpress.
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Backup Your Website:
- Create a full backup of your website files and database before making any changes.
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Update All Software:
- Ensure your CMS, plugins, themes, and other software are updated to the latest versions.
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Remove Malicious Code:
- Manually remove any malicious code found in your website files.
- Replace infected files with clean versions from your backup if available.
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Change All Passwords:
- Change passwords for your CMS admin panel, FTP accounts, database, and any other relevant accounts.
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Strengthen Security:
- Install a security plugin or tool to help protect your website.
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF).
- Regularly update your software and monitor your site for suspicious activity.
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Request Review from Search Engines:
- After cleaning your website, request a review from Google and other search engines to remove any warnings.
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Monitor Your Website:
- Continuously monitor your website for any signs of reinfection or unusual activity.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Infections
- Regular Backups: Regularly backup your website files and database.
- Security Plugins: Use security plugins to monitor and protect your site.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional security.
- Limit Access: Restrict access to your website’s admin area to only those who need it.
- SSL Certificate: Use an SSL certificate to encrypt data between your server and users.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and secure your website, ensuring it remains safe and functional. If you need assistance with cleaning your infected website, MyDreams Hosting is here to help. Contact us for professional support and timely solutions.