Malicious or Unwanted Software on WordPress: How to Fix It

WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for building websites, powering over 40% of the web. While its flexibility and robust features make it a favorite among users, its popularity also makes it a target for cyberattacks. Malicious or unwanted software can infiltrate WordPress sites, leading to compromised security, loss of data, and reputational damage. If your WordPress site has been compromised, don’t panic—this blog will guide you through understanding the issue and fixing it effectively.

“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

Understanding Malicious or Unwanted Software

Malicious software, or malware, refers to programs designed to harm, exploit, or steal data. Unwanted software might not directly harm your site but can degrade its functionality or reputation. Examples include adware, spyware, ransomware, and cryptojackers.

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in themes, plugins, or outdated WordPress installations to inject such software. Once compromised, your site may:

• Display unwanted ads or redirects.
• Be blacklisted by search engines.
• Lose sensitive customer data.
• Experience degraded performance or downtime.

How Does It Get There?

1. Outdated Software: Running outdated versions of WordPress, plugins, or themes increases vulnerabilities.
2. Weak Passwords: Simple passwords are easier for attackers to crack.
3. Insecure Hosting: Shared or low-security hosting environments are more susceptible to breaches.
4. Malicious Plugins/Themes: Downloading from untrusted sources can introduce harmful code.
5. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) or SQL Injection: Poorly coded plugins or themes may allow hackers to exploit your site.

Signs of a Compromised WordPress Site

Before jumping into fixes, you need to confirm that your site is compromised. Look for these signs:

1. Unusual Redirects: Users are redirected to spammy or malicious websites.
2. Search Engine Warnings: Google flags your site as unsafe.
3. Decreased Performance: The site becomes slow or unresponsive.
4. Unknown Files or Scripts: Suspicious files appear in your directories.
5. Changes You Didn’t Make: Content, settings, or users are added without your authorization.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Malicious or Unwanted Software

Step 1: Back Up Your Site

Before making any changes, create a full backup of your site. This ensures you have a restore point if something goes wrong. Include:

• Website Files: Themes, plugins, media uploads, etc.
• Database: Posts, pages, and settings.

Tools like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator make backups simple and efficient.

Step 2: Scan Your WordPress Site

Use a security plugin to scan your site for malware or vulnerabilities. Popular options include:

• Wordfence Security
• Sucuri Security
• MalCare

These tools provide detailed reports, highlighting infected files, malicious code, or potential vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Identify the Source of Infection

Once a scan is complete, review the infected files and note patterns. Common culprits include:

• wp-config.php: May contain injected malicious code.
• Theme and Plugin Files: Especially if downloaded from untrusted sources.
• .htaccess File: Often manipulated for redirects.

Step 4: Remove Malware

Option 1: Manually Remove Malware

If you’re comfortable with technical details, follow these steps:

1. Access File Manager: Use cPanel or FTP software like FileZilla.
2. Locate Infected Files: Compare scanned reports to your site files.
3. Delete or Clean Files: Remove suspicious files or clean them by deleting injected code.
4. Check .htaccess: Restore it to default if tampered with.

Option 2: Use a Security Plugin

For non-technical users, plugins like Sucuri or Wordfence can automatically remove malware with a click.

Step 5: Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins

1. Navigate to Dashboard > Updates.
2. Update WordPress, all themes, and plugins to their latest versions.
3. Remove unused themes or plugins to reduce vulnerabilities.

Step 6: Reset All Passwords

Change passwords for:

• WordPress Admin Accounts
• Database
• Hosting cPanel
• FTP

Ensure strong passwords using a generator tool or a password manager like LastPass.

Step 7: Secure Your Website

Implement these measures to prevent future attacks:

1. Install a Firewall
   Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to block malicious traffic.
2. Set Permissions
   Configure file permissions to restrict unauthorized access. Standard permissions:
   • Files: 644
   • Folders: 755
   • wp-config.php: 440 or 400
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Add an extra layer of protection using plugins like Google Authenticator.
4. Limit Login Attempts
   Reduce brute force attacks by limiting login attempts. Use the Limit Login Attempts Reloaded plugin.
5. Disable File Editing
   Prevent unauthorized changes by adding the following line to wp-config.php:
   php
   define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
6. Regular Backups
   Schedule automatic backups with plugins like BlogVault.

Step 8: Verify Cleanup

After completing the steps, verify that your site is clean:

• Rescan with security plugins.
• Check Google’s Safe Browsing Status: Google Transparency Report.
• Remove warnings in Google Search Console if flagged.

Professional Help

If the malware persists or your technical skills are limited, consider hiring a professional service. Companies like Sucuri and SiteLock specialize in cleaning and securing WordPress sites.

Preventive Measures for the Future

1. Use Trusted Sources: Only download themes and plugins from reputable sources like the WordPress repository or premium providers.
2. Regular Updates: Always keep your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes up-to-date.
3. Monitor Site Activity: Use logging tools to track suspicious behavior.
4. Choose Secure Hosting: Invest in hosting providers with strong security measures, like WP Engine or SiteGround.

Conclusion

Dealing with malicious or unwanted software on your WordPress site can be overwhelming, but prompt action is key to minimizing damage. By following these steps, you can remove malware, secure your site, and prevent future attacks. Remember, proactive measures—like regular updates, strong passwords, and security plugins—are essential for keeping your WordPress site safe and secure.

If you’ve been struggling with a compromised WordPress site, start implementing these fixes today. A clean, secure site is not just good for your peace of mind—it’s essential for maintaining trust and credibility with your audience.