9 Types of Malware on WordPress and the Best Ways to Remove Them

WordPress powers millions of websites worldwide, making it a favorite target for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities. Malware can cause significant harm, from data theft to website defacement, and even getting your site blacklisted by search engines.

To help you safeguard your site, this guide will explore nine common types of WordPress malware and the best strategies to remove them. If the situation becomes too complex, consider seeking professional help from MalwareRescue.com for expert malware removal services.

“IN TODAY’S WORLD, ENDPOINT PROTECTION IS NO LONGER A LUXURY; IT’S A NECESSITY. FAILING TO SECURE ENDPOINTS IS LIKE LEAVING THE FRONT DOOR OPEN FOR CYBERCRIMINALS, EXPOSING BUSINESSES TO THEFT, DISRUPTION, AND FINANCIAL LOSS.”

Raj Samani, Chief Scientist at McAfee

1. Backdoor Malware

What it Does:
Backdoor malware provides unauthorized access to your site by bypassing standard login methods. It allows attackers to manipulate your site or install more malicious software.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unauthorized admin users
• Changes to files you didn’t make
• Hidden files in your /wp-content/ folder

How to Remove It:

1. Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan for backdoors.
2. Look for suspicious files with names like wp-config.php.bak or hidden .php files.
3. Delete the infected files and replace core WordPress files with fresh ones from WordPress.org.

2. Pharma Hacks

What it Does:
Pharma hacks inject your site with spammy pharmaceutical ads, often visible in search engine results.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unexpected content promoting pharmaceuticals on your site or in search previews
• Suspicious changes in your functions.php or .htaccess files

How to Remove It:

1. Clean your .htaccess and functions.php files by removing injected code.
2. Reset your WordPress and database passwords.
3. Update all plugins and themes to the latest versions.

3. Redirect Malware

What it Does:
Redirect malware forces your visitors to malicious or spammy websites, ruining their trust and potentially getting your site blacklisted.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unusual redirects when visiting your site
• Code injections in theme files or database entries

How to Remove It:

1. Scan your website with plugins like MalCare.
2. Check for malicious code in your .htaccess and theme files.
3. Remove suspicious code, then reset and secure your admin credentials.

4. SEO Spam

What it Does:
SEO spam infects your website with hidden links or spammy keywords to manipulate search rankings.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unusual keywords in your meta descriptions
• Hidden links in your page source code

How to Remove It:

1. Use an SEO scanner like Google Search Console to identify infected pages.
2. Remove malicious scripts from affected files.
3. Harden your website’s security by installing a firewall plugin.

5. Malicious Core File Injection

What it Does:
Attackers inject malware into WordPress core files, disguising it as legitimate code.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unexplained changes to core files like wp-config.php or wp-settings.php
• Unusual server activity

How to Remove It:

1. Replace the affected core files with clean versions from WordPress.org.
2. Use a malware scanner to ensure no other files are compromised.
3. Regularly monitor your core files for unauthorized changes.

6. Database Malware

What it Does:
Malware can infect your database by inserting malicious scripts, often targeting user data or settings.

Signs to Watch For:

• Slow database performance
• Suspicious entries in tables like wp_options

How to Remove It:

1. Access your database using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
2. Search for suspicious entries or scripts.
3. Delete or clean infected entries, but take care not to disrupt legitimate data.

7. Ransomware

What it Does:
Ransomware locks your files or website, demanding payment to restore access.

Signs to Watch For:

• Inability to access your site or backend
• Ransom messages displayed on your website

How to Remove It:

1. Restore your website from a clean backup.
2. Identify and fix the vulnerability that led to the attack.
3. Install a security plugin to prevent future attacks.

8. Malware in Plugins and Themes

What it Does:
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated or pirated plugins and themes to inject malware.

Signs to Watch For:

• Unexplained issues or errors after installing a plugin or theme
• Suspicious files in plugin or theme directories

How to Remove It:

1. Delete the infected plugin or theme and replace it with a clean, updated version from a trusted source.
2. Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.
3. Only use plugins and themes from reputable developers.

9. Brute Force Bot Malware

What it Does:
Bots repeatedly attempt to log in to your site, often installing malware if successful.

Signs to Watch For:

• Numerous failed login attempts in your WordPress logs
• Unexpected admin user accounts

How to Remove It:

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all admin accounts.
2. Use a plugin like Login Lockdown to limit login attempts.
3. Regularly review and delete unauthorized admin accounts.

When to Call in the Experts

If you find the malware too complex to remove or worry about missing hidden threats, it’s time to seek professional help. MalwareRescue.com specializes in WordPress malware removal and can ensure your website is clean, secure, and functioning optimally.

Conclusion

Malware can infiltrate WordPress sites in various ways, each posing unique challenges. By understanding these nine types of malware and following the steps outlined above, you can effectively protect your site and your visitors.

Remember, staying proactive with regular scans, updates, and security measures is the best way to prevent malware. And when in doubt, trust experts like MalwareRescue.com to handle the job professionally.

Stay safe, and keep your WordPress site secure!