Website security is paramount, and a website infected with malware can be a scary proposition for any business owner.
Considering that cybercriminals are now using new ploys such as malicious email attachments and new extensions to capitalize on defects in computer systems, every website owner or blogger needs to up their security.
That’s why you need a website virus scanner to keep your website safe from malware.
Malware can steal, encrypt, or delete sensitive data, bore into systems, crack weak passwords, alter or hijack core computing functions, monitor user’s computer activity, spam you with ads, or even redirect you to malicious websites.
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Having a savvy website virus scanner can help keep your website clean and protected from all types of malware. This is extremely important for websites that store a large amount of personal data and financial information of web visitors and owners.
Essentially, a website virus scanner patrols your site looking for any signs of harmful threats, alerts you immediately after detecting a threat, and facilitates the elimination.
If you have a website and are wondering how to keep it safe, this article is for you. Keep reading to find everything you need to know about website malware.
The most common types of malware
Malware, or malicious software, is software written with the intent to damage, exploit, alter, disable, or do any other harm to data, devices, and systems.
Cybercriminals use these pieces of software to comprise the functions of your computer, steal or damage sensitive data, or bypass access controls, aiming to harm the computer, other devices, and networks they are connected to.
While there are many ways of introducing malware into the network, the aim is usually the same. Here are the different types of malware that can be introduced to your computer.
Viruses
This is arguably the most common type of malware attack. It infects your computer if you unknowingly or inadvertently click or copy it to the media. Computer viruses can easily self-replicate without your knowledge.
Worm
This is a standalone program that self-replicates itself without the need for a host. It is commonly used against email servers, web servers, and database servers, and once it affects your computer or server, it spreads quickly over the internet and computer network.
Trojan horse
Trojan horse is malware disguised as a legitimate and harmless file or program that tricks you into installing it, ultimately giving cybercriminals the room to spy on you, steal sensitive data, and access your system through backdoors.
Ransomware
Also known as crypto-malware, this is a type of malware used by cybercriminals to generate money. It locks you out of your system – mostly encrypting your data – and demands payment to free data to you.
Adware
As the name suggests, adware puts unwanted advertising on your computer screen. In most cases, it is installed in the background when downloading programs without your knowledge or permission. It is said to be harmless, but it can be annoying, and sometimes it can collect your data, but with your permission.
Logic bombs
These are malicious programs that will become active or deliver payload (malicious code) at a predefined time or when a certain condition is met. They can make hard drives unreadable or change bytes of data.
Spyware and Keyloggers
These are programs installed on your computer without your knowledge and are designed to track user activity. Although there are cases when they are used to track employee activity, cybercriminals can use them to access sensitive data.
There are so many types of malware that cybercriminals can use to attack or exploit your system. Other types include fireless malware, rootkits, and bot/botnets.
How Can Malware Hurt Your Site
Malware is one of the biggest concerns as it can do more danger to your website than you can imagine. Common malware for websites opens backdoors, allowing cybercriminals to access your website without your knowledge.
Once one your site, malware can change your website’s appearance, redirect site visitors to malicious sites, steal or manipulate customer data, spread more malware, and, at worst, result in Google blocking your website.
Malware can also reverse your efforts of improving SEO and sometimes mine cryptocurrency illegally. This makes your website appear untrustworthy, ultimately damaging your reputation.
When malware compromises sensitive customer data, a large number of those customers won’t return.
How does malware end up on your computer?
Most discussions about malware center on programs that attach to the OS or another program file in your computer’s memory. So, how does malware end up on your computer?
There are many ways malware can make it to your computer, but mostly it involves downloading intentionally or unintentionally infected files. That said, here are common ways through which malware can get into your computer.
- Opening infected email attachments or links from unknown, spoofed emails
- Visiting an infected website
- Downloading software and files from malicious sites
- Downloading free games, toolbars, media players, and other system utilities.
- Connecting an infected disk, disc, or drive
- Installing mainstream programs without reading license agreements
- Opening links on social media or those shared by contacts
- Malicious office macros
How to keep the malware off your computer
Dealing with some sort of malware is annoying, time-consuming, and very frustrating. That’s why you should consider taking measures that protect your computer from malware upfront.
Here are some tricks to keep malware off your computer:
- Update your computer operating system regularly and keep everything current
- Install anti-malware software and keep it up to date
- Run regularly scheduled scans with your antimalware software
- Secure your network and avoid using open Wi-Fi
- Backup all your files
- Avoid suspicious websites and think again before you click seemingly malicious links.
- Beware of email phishing scams and always scan email attachments before opening them.
- Use a malware scanner
- Encrypt personal information
- Use very staring passwords
- Use a firewall
- Install popup blocker
- Consider advanced security features that keep your computer and network security.
Cybercriminals are now using advanced tricks to attack computers and websites. That said, keeping your computer and its programs updated can help keep away threats.
Along with your efforts to keep the computer safe, make sure to understand the signs of an infection so you can easily eliminate any threats when they make it to your machine.
Free vs. paid virus protection software and plugins
With cybercriminals becoming ever more sneaky and ingenious, protecting your computer and website from malware has never been more important.
Considering that new malware and other online threats emerge every day, investing in a reputable antivirus will eventually pay off.
In this regard, would you use free or paid virus protection software and plugins? Well, while both free and paid antivirus software offers the basic features, you can expect from antivirus software, each has a unique set of benefits.
They are also suited for certain instances. For instance, Macs have sandboxed systems, which makes it harder for viruses and malware to spread because there is less communication between programs. Protecting it with free antivirus software would still work.
On the other hand, Windows computers are commonly targeted by hackers, which means higher vulnerability. In this case, investing in a paid antivirus would be the best bet so you can benefit from the highest level of protection.
In terms of useful features, free antivirus software and plugins offer basics like behavior-based detection, scan, web browsing protection, and malware quarantine and removal.
On the flip side, paying a little extra brings you maximum protection against malware, fraudsters, and all types of cyberattacks.
The number one advantage of paid antivirus packages is the more comprehensive cover and protection.
They offer better protection for your website as they bring on board additional elements like firewall solutions, email scanners, anti-spyware, anti-ransomware, anti-phishing, VPN, password managers, and added online banking security.
Other useful features included in paid virus protection software are backup and protection tools plus performance enhancement utilities. They also cover multiple devices and platforms.
Premium software and plugins
Antivirus software and plugins are essential protection tools that you must have. Here are the best paid packages that you will pay off when you invest in them.
Norton
This software gets impressive scores in test labs. It is an elegant, intuitive application and, depending on your subscription; you get parental control, firewall, VPN access, password manager, and cloud backup.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender promises flawless usability and a comprehensive package with Firewall, password manager, VPN access, file shredder, performance tuning, and parental control.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky offers real-time ransomware, email, and webcam protection, password manager, and manual scan features.
Avast
Avast comes with Firewall, password manager, performance tuning, VPN access, file shredder, manual scan, internet security, real-time, ransomware, email, and webcam protection.
For WordPress websites, consider security plugins like Sucuri, Wordfences, Bulletproof security, and WP Cerber Security.
Free software and plugins
There is no shortage of free antivirus software. Most free packages out there identify and neutralize threats before they become serious issues. Although they lack the premium features, they do an excellent job, keeping your computer and its contents safe.
Here are some free packages you should consider:
- Avast
- AVG antivirus
- Malwarebytes
- Panda
- Avira
- Sophos
Conclusion
Keeping malware off your computer is the first step in ensuring your website is safe. While the internet offers unlimited possibilities for cybercriminals to trick, steal, and manipulate your website data, there are certain ways you can minimize these threats.
Having read this article, I hope you can better protect your computer, ultimately keeping your website safe.