How to Scan WordPress Site for Malware

This tutorial is about how to scan WordPress site for malware.

WordPress is a very popular CMS and 32% website is powered by WordPress. Due to its popularity, hackers target it more than other platforms. I do not say that the other platform is more secure. The main reason for attacking, mere volume of sites out there.

However, the WordPress team is constantly improving WordPress security. But there are many hackers who install suspicious code / malicious code in the site and redirect website traffic to malicious URLs or steal user data.

Recently one of our users asked how to scan WordPress site for malware? Is there a website scanner that scans potentially malicious code from my WordPress website?

If your site is also infected with malicious codes and is looking for a tool or website scanner to scan and clean it, then you are in the right place.

In this tutorial i'll show you how to easily scan your WordPress site for malware and potentially malicious code.

When To Scan Your WordPress Site for Malware/Malicious Code

If you have not yet scanned your site for malware, that time is right now. There are many such WordPress users who do not install any WordPress Security plugin on their WordPress site and also do not scan for malware which is absolutely wrong. This means, inject malware or malicious code remain on their site for a long time.

When something like this happens, it is possible Google reduces sending visitors to your website. The reason protects visitors from being infected with malware or malicious code.

If your site is still safe, then this post will tell you how to protect your site from future attacks.

So, let’s get started how to scan your WordPress site for potentially malicious code...

How to Scan WordPress Site for Malware or Potentially Malicious Code

Here are some website scanners and plugins that scan the suspicious code on your site. With them, you can take your WordPress security to the new level.

1. Wordfence Security

Wordfence Security is a most popular and reputed WordPress security plugin that enable firewall & scan your site for suspicious code, backdoors, malicious URLs etc..

If it founds any suspicious code, infections, malware, or corrupted files on your website, it notifies you and allows them to fix with a single click.

Key features

• Web Application Firewall blocks malicious traffic.
• Protects from brute force by limiting login attempts.
• It checks core files, themes and plugins for malware, bad URLs, backdoors, SEO spam, malicious redirects and code injections.
• Repairs files that have changed.
• Block attackers by IP Hostname, User Agent and Referrer

2. Sucuri

Sucuri is another popular WordPress security plugin which scans your WordPress site for malicious code, iframes, links, and suspicious activity. It is very easy to use.

You can download it from WordPress.org for free on your WordPress site, which comes with very limited features. The real value comes in its paid plans. Its paid plan enables the best WordPress firewall protection on your site.

If you want to use Sucuri paid plan, then you have to spend at least 199.99/year and all plans include,

• Unlimited Malware & Hack Cleanup
• Website Firewall (WAF)
• Blacklist Removal
• Continuous Scanning
• Malware & Attack Prevention
• DDoS Protection
• 24/7/365 Support

3. Anti-Malware Security

Anti-Malware Security is also a very good WordPress security plugin. It scans your WordPress site for malware and malicious code. You can download it for free from WordPress.org. It is very easy to use. 

The plugin runs a complete scan to automatically remove known security threats and backdoor scripts. But when it scans your site, it takes some time and depending on how large your site is.

4. iThemes Security

Another most popular WordPress plugin that scan your WordPress site for malware. The plugin adds over 30+ layer to secure and protect your WordPress site.

It scan your WordPress site and instantly report where vulnerabilities exist and fixes them in seconds. Furthermore, turns off file editing from within WordPress dashboard.

5. All In One WP Security & Firewall

All In One WP Security & Firewall add some extra security and firewall to your site. It comes with tons of security features such as brute force login protection, password strength, built-in captcha, database prefix options, file permissions, .htaccess/wp-config backups and firewall protection. It is very easy to use. The plugin detects malware remove them.

Key features

• Detect default “admin” and allow to easily change.
• With Password strength tool, you can create very strong passwords.
• Protect against Brute Force Login Attack.
• Monitor failed login attempts and show the user’s IP address.
• Add Google reCaptcha or plain maths captcha.
• Ban bad users.

6. Quttera Web Malware Scanner

Quttera Web Malware Scanner plugin scan your website for malware, trojans, backdoors, worms, viruses, shells, spyware, malicious code injection and other threats. It also checks if your website is blacklisted by Google.

Key features

• One Click Scan
• Malware Detection
• Blacklist Status
• Detection of files infected by PHP malware
• Detection of injected PHP shells
• Great Support

Have any thoughts regarding how to scan WordPress site for malware? We’d love to hear what you think about it.

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Also check out

• How to Enable WordPress Two-Factor Authentication for Free
• 5 Best Two Factor Authentication WordPress Plugin
• How to Block Suspicious IP Address from accessing your WordPress website