How to Monitor Your Website for Malware

Malware on a website can silently harm your visitors, redirect traffic, or insert spam into your pages. Many small businesses do not realize they have malware until Google flags their site or customers complain.

This guide explains how to monitor for malware, what signals to watch for, and how to respond if you find it.

What website malware looks like

• Unexpected redirects to spam or scam sites.
• Popups or ads that you did not add.
• Hidden scripts in your page source.
• Search results showing spam pages.

Why malware detection matters

Even a small malware issue can trigger browser warnings and search penalties. That means lost traffic, lost trust, and revenue damage that can last for weeks.

How to monitor for malware

1. Run scheduled security scans with your host or a trusted tool.
2. Monitor page integrity for unexpected script changes.
3. Check Google Search Console for security warnings.
4. Track unusual traffic spikes or drops.

What to do if malware is detected

• Take screenshots and document the issue.
• Restore from a clean backup if possible.
• Update all plugins, themes, and core software.
• Change passwords and remove unknown users.
• Request a malware scan from your host.

How to prevent malware infections

• Keep software updated.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Limit external scripts to trusted vendors.
• Monitor integrity changes regularly.