What is Malware
Malware (malicious software) is a general term for programs that are designed to perform harmful actions on a computer or a website. This includes viruses, trojans, spyware, and other malicious programs. It can disable your website, steal your data, or harm your visitors.
How does Malware get onto your website?
Malware can reach your website in different ways:
Security vulnerabilities in the software: Outdated or insecure software (for example in content management systems like WordPress) can give attackers opportunities to inject malware.
Phishing attacks: Through fraudulent emails or fake links, criminals can try to steal your login credentials and use them to upload malware to your website.
Weak passwords: Simple or commonly used passwords make it easy for attackers to break into your system and install malicious software.
Infected files: By uploading infected plugins, themes, or files, malware can sneak onto your website unnoticed.
How can you protect yourself?
To protect your website from malware, you should follow these steps:
Keep your software up to date: Make sure to regularly update all components of your website, especially the content management system (CMS) and installed plugins.
Use secure passwords: Choose strong, unique passwords and change them regularly to protect your account.
Install security plugins: There are many security plugins that can protect your website from threats and monitor vulnerabilities.
Make regular backups: Ensure you create regular backups of your website. This way you can quickly restore the previous state in case of an infection.
Check external content carefully: Be cautious about which files, plugins, or content you upload from external sources. They could contain malware.
With these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware on your website and ensure the safety of your data and visitors.
Hoststar supports you in fighting malware
All customer websites on our servers are regularly scanned for malware. If malicious software is detected, the affected website will be temporarily suspended, and you will automatically receive an email with all important information about the suspension and the malware found. This email also explains which steps you can take to remove the malware. The suspension is carried out to protect your website, our servers, and your visitors in order to prevent the further spread of malicious software.
Removal of malware
As the operator of your website, you are responsible for keeping your site up to date and free of malware.