A WordPress virus can seriously compromise your site. Learn how to recognise it and remove it effectively to protect your site.
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What is the WordPress virus and what are its symptoms?
A WordPress virus is malware that attacks sites based on this platform. It manifests itself through sudden site slowdowns, unauthorised code changes or redirects to unwanted pages. The virus can also cause inexplicable errors and lead to data loss.
The most common WordPress virus symptoms
- Sudden slowdown of the website
- Unauthorised changes to the content and code of the website
- Redirections to unwanted or suspicious sites
- Inexplicable errors and messages in the administration console
- Problems logging into the administration panel
How to detect a WordPress virus?
The first step to detecting a WordPress virus is to regularly monitor your site. This can be done manually by performing detailed audits of your site's code and configuration. Be sure to check for suspicious files and directories and unauthorised database changes.
Use tools such as virus scanners specifically created for WordPress, such as Wordfence or Sucuri. These tools scan your site for malicious code and allow you to remove it quickly.
Automatic scanning tools
- Wordfence Security
- Sucuri Security
- MalCare
- iThemes Security
How do I remove a WordPress virus?
The WordPress virus removal process requires thoroughness and time. Here are some steps to help you successfully remove the threat:
Step 1: Identify malicious files and code
Identify and write down any suspicious files and code snippets that seem out of place. You can use tools such as Wordfence or Sucuri to automatically detect malware.
Step 2: Remove malicious files
Removing malicious files is a key step. Use a secure FTP connection to delete the files identified by the scanners. Be cautious and ensure that you only delete items identified as malicious.
Step 3: Restore from the original WordPress files
If your system files are infected, your best option will be to restore them from their original sources. Download the latest version of WordPress and replace the infected files with fresh copies.
Step 4: Update all plug-ins and themes
Update all plugins and themes to the latest versions. Older versions may contain security vulnerabilities that viruses can exploit to re-infect your site.
Step 5: Use backup
If you have a backup from before the infection, restore your site from that backup. This is the surest way to 100% be sure your site is virus-free.
It is also worth ensuring that regular backups are made. You will find more information in the article "WordPress security copy: How to choose the right strategy?".
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