Google AdWords Malicious or Unwanted Software on WordPress: How to Fix It

If you’re running Google AdWords campaigns and suddenly receive a notification that your WordPress site has been flagged for malicious or unwanted software, it can be alarming. This issue not only disrupts your campaigns but also damages your website’s credibility. However, resolving it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore why this issue occurs, how to identify the root cause, and the steps to fix it so you can get your campaigns back on track.

“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

The Problem: Why Google Flags Your Site

Google prioritizes user safety and employs robust systems to detect harmful content on websites. If your WordPress site is flagged for malicious or unwanted software, it typically means that your website contains or is suspected of containing:

• Malware: Harmful scripts or programs that can damage systems or steal sensitive information.
• Phishing Content: Fake login pages or forms designed to collect user credentials.
• Unwanted Software: Programs bundled with legitimate downloads that users didn’t consent to install.
• Outbound Links to Malicious Sites: Links directing users to harmful or untrustworthy third-party websites.

This flag often appears if your website has been hacked, infected with malicious code, or if certain plugins or themes are vulnerable or misused.

The Risks of Ignoring the Problem

Failing to address Google AdWords flags can have significant consequences:

1. Campaign Suspension: Google will halt your ads, preventing you from reaching potential customers.
2. Traffic Loss: Users may avoid your site after seeing warnings, leading to a decrease in organic traffic.
3. SEO Impact: Google penalizes flagged sites in search rankings, reducing visibility.
4. Brand Reputation Damage: Visitors may lose trust in your site and your business.

The Solution: How to Fix Google AdWords Malicious or Unwanted Software on WordPress

Follow these steps to identify and resolve the issue:

1. Verify the Problem

The first step is to confirm Google’s findings.

• Google Search Console: Log in to your account and navigate to the “Security Issues” section. Look for flagged issues or malware warnings.
• Google Ads Notifications: Check for detailed alerts in your Google Ads account. Google may specify the type of issue or provide sample URLs where the problem occurs.

2. Scan Your WordPress Site for Malware

To fix the issue, you need to identify where the malicious or unwanted software is located. Use reliable tools to scan your site:

• Sucuri SiteCheck: A free website scanner that detects malware and blacklisting issues.
• Wordfence: A popular WordPress security plugin that provides in-depth malware scanning and firewall protection.
• MalCare: A security service for WordPress with automated malware detection and cleaning.

These tools will help you identify infected files, malicious scripts, or other vulnerabilities.

3. Check Plugins and Themes

Outdated or poorly coded plugins and themes are common sources of vulnerabilities.

• Update Plugins and Themes: Ensure all active plugins and themes are updated to the latest versions.
• Remove Unused or Suspicious Plugins: Deactivate and delete plugins or themes you no longer use or that come from untrustworthy sources.
• Scan Files: Manually check plugin and theme files for unfamiliar code, especially in PHP files.

4. Remove Malicious Code

If malicious code is found, take the following steps:

• Backup Your Site: Create a full backup before making any changes to your files or database.
• Manually Remove Malware: Access your site via FTP or cPanel, locate infected files, and remove the malicious code. Common locations include:
  • wp-config.php
  • .htaccess
  • Index.php files in themes or plugins
• Restore Clean Files: If you have a recent, clean backup, restore it to overwrite infected files.

5. Secure Your Site

After cleaning your site, ensure it doesn’t get reinfected:

• Change Passwords: Update all WordPress, database, and FTP passwords to strong, unique ones.
• Implement Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security for all users.
• Install a Firewall: Use a WordPress firewall plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to block unauthorized access.

6. Submit for Google Review

Once your site is clean, you need to inform Google so they can remove the flag:

• Google Search Console: Go to the “Security Issues” section, click “Request Review,” and provide details of the steps you took to resolve the issue.
• Google Ads: Submit a request for review in your Google Ads account. Be thorough in explaining your actions.

7. Monitor for Recurrence

Even after resolving the issue, keep an eye on your website:

• Run regular malware scans.
• Use uptime monitoring tools to detect unusual activity.
• Regularly review Google Search Console for any new security warnings.

Preventing Future Issues

Prevention is better than cure. Follow these best practices to keep your WordPress site secure:

1. Keep WordPress Core Updated: Always use the latest version of WordPress to benefit from security patches.
2. Use Trusted Plugins and Themes: Only download plugins and themes from reputable sources, such as the WordPress repository.
3. Set Up Regular Backups: Automate backups to ensure you can restore your site quickly if needed.
4. Limit User Permissions: Assign roles carefully, giving users only the access they need.
5. Use HTTPS: Install an SSL certificate to encrypt data and build trust with users.

Conclusion

Fixing the issue of Google AdWords malicious or unwanted software on WordPress is not only essential for resuming your ad campaigns but also for safeguarding your website’s credibility. By identifying the root cause, cleaning your site, and implementing strong security measures, you can resolve the problem and prevent it from happening again.

Act swiftly to address Google’s warnings, and you’ll not only restore your ad performance but also build a more secure and trustworthy online presence.