How to Scan a WordPress Site for Malware

Truth: Any public website can be hacked. WordPress sites aren't immune. No matter how proactive you are in securing your site, at some point you may wonder if your site has been infiltrated. Let's look at a few ways to scan your WordPress site for malware.

Video Overview: How to Scan a WordPress Site for Malware

Remote Malware Scan

A remote scanner analyzes the front end of your website (the web pages your customers see). It can't see inside WordPress or into your server. Therefore, its detection abilities are limited.

Remote scanners will detect obvious malware on your site. They also can tell you if your domain has been blacklisted, meaning search engines and security companies marked it as infected.

Here are online WordPress malware scanners you can use:

Sucuri SiteCheck Results
Sucuri SiteCheck Results

WordPress Malware Scan Plugins

Many plugins will scan your WordPress site for malware. Because they run inside your WordPress site, they can scan your site's files and database. Such malware scans are more thorough than the remote scans. Let's look at a few of our favorite WordPress security scanning plugins.

WordPress security plugins use a lot of resources, and they can slow down your site. After you finish malware scanning, make sure to delete any plugins that you don't intend to keep on your site.

Leave WordPress Security to the Experts. Sign Up Today!

If website security has you worriedly wringing your hands, get one of our WordPress Maintenance Plans and enjoy some peace of mind. We can set up your plan to include security scans and malware removal. Rest easy. We're watching your site.

Filed Under: 

Want tips to rocket-boost your website?

Simply sign up.

11 comments on “How to Scan a WordPress Site for Malware”

  1. These are all great ways to scan your WordPress site. And for those who have dedicated servers, the Pyxsoft plugin is an excellent defense against WordPress hacks.

Ready to Blast Off?

Let's talk.

Contact OptimWise
crossmenuarrow-right