Malware is all too common.
About 5.6 billion instances of malware attacks occurred worldwide in 2020, according to Statista.
Hackers and others with bad intentions build this malicious code to disrupt websites and create a variety of security issues.
Hacked websites can cause all sorts of problems for your business. Just a few include:
- Preventing you and your staff from easily accessing and updating your website.
- Discouraging customers from interacting or making a purchase.
- Infecting those customers with malware.
- Theft of sensitive information, such as login credentials.
- Company data being held for ransom.
It’s in your best interest to know how to remove a malware infection from your website. Keep reading to learn more about website malware removal.
How Do I Know if I Have Malware on my Website?
Malware can infect files, operating systems, and websites in a wide variety of ways.
Often, malware spreads through downloads of files with malware hidden inside, phishing emails, and clicking malicious links, the Federal Trade Commission explained.
There are some common symptoms of potential malware infection on a website to keep in mind:
- Frequent slow performance and freezing or crashing.
- Unfamiliar pop-up ads, links, and download prompts.
- URL redirects that take users off of the intended page.
- Notifications from search engines, like Google, that your site has been blacklisted due to malware.
Malware may be instantly visible or deeply hidden within your website’s code. A website without obvious warning signs is certainly a good thing, but it’s not complete confirmation that the site is safe.
Can You Get Hacked Just by Visiting a Website?
Yes. Visiting a website hosting malware can be enough to infect your computer. And, more importantly, potentially spread that infection to your website and all of its users.
Your computer could begin to immediately download a file containing malware, for example. The specifics depend on your security software, web browser, and other tools you use.
An easy way to avoid this type of malware exposure is to simply be thoughtful about the websites you visit and the links you click. Installing antivirus software can also help prevent future instances of malware.
How do I Get Rid of Malware on my Website?
Malicious software infecting your website is a serious problem. And it’s not surprising that you want to keep things safe for your company, staff, and customers.
How can you eliminate malware from your website?
Be Proactive
The best way to get rid of malware is to ensure a high degree of website security in the first place.
Website monitoring tools and malware scanners can keep you aware of potential threats. Security software can prevent the actions that lead to malware reaching your website. Regular data backups keep sensitive information secure and allow you to restore your website to a recent version, minus any malware.
Working with a network security provider like PGH Networks can strengthen your anti-malware strategy, too. A trustworthy provider can implement a strategic and layered approach to network security that maximizes protection.
Manual Website Malware Removal
If you have the technical know-how, you can review your core website files by inputting the appropriate commands in your terminal. This allows you to see if those files, which are rarely if ever changed, have recently been modified.
This task may not be within your area of expertise, however. And, of course, you want to resolve a malware attack as soon as possible. Keeping downtime to a minimum is crucial. So is ensuring a safe and consistent experience for all stakeholders.
That’s another reason to find a trustworthy and effective network security partner.
Find Dependable Support from a Service Provider
PGH Networks offers a full suite of expert IT services and support, from cloud computing and managed services to business continuity and network security.
We have the knowledge and experience to build a comprehensive security strategy for your company. That includes website malware removal, protecting sensitive data, and much more.
Keep your business safe with an active security strategy implemented and overseen by reliable and accomplished professionals.
Get in touch with us today to enhance your organizations security stance!