WordPress has been a sought-after platform, helping users build and host their websites. Gaining global recognition, it is one of the most trusted Content Management Systems amongst business owners. 

Stats suggest that over 43% of all websites in the world are powered by WordPress. (Source: WordPress Market Share, Kinsta). This makes it a key target for potential hackers, putting your WordPress website at risk of malware!

The fear of your system catching malware, or malicious software, persists whether you build a WordPress website yourself or hire dedicated WordPress developers for it. Thus, it is essential for you to not only remove these disruptive programs from your WordPress site but also prevent them in the first place. 

Here is a complete guide on how to effectively prevent and remove malware from your WordPress website today. 

Effective Ways to Prevent Malware in WordPress 

• Constant Site Updations

Regular website updations ensure that you have up-to-date security systems to prevent malware. Along with your WordPress site, keep updating your themes and plugins to implement the latest anti-virus security measures. 

• Securing The Login Page

WordPress tends to have a vulnerable login page, but with proactive considerations, you can avoid the fear of malware. To secure your login page, you must have a strong username and password. Do not keep your username as ‘admin’ since it is the most common record and can be easily cracked by bots and hackers. 

• Frequent Backups

While backups are usually helpful when removing malware from your system, it is always better to have frequent backups of your website as a preventive measure. This can help restore your saved version if you witness a malware attack. 

• Install a WordPress Security Plugin

A WordPress security plugin acts as a protective shield that safeguards your website from all corners. Choose plugins like Sucuri Security, Wordfence Security, or All In One WP Security & Firewall that offer automatic backups and effective malware scanners. You can also hire dedicated WordPress developers to help you set up your website securely and install all the necessary plugins. 

Critical Steps to Remove Malware from Your WordPress Site

• Take Backup of Your Database

Backing up your entire database, files, and folders is vital to start your system’s malware removal process. Use the WordPress backup plugin if you can log into your account. You can also go to Tools > Export and export an XML file of your website content.

If your website content is extremely large, it is better to download the zip file of your wp-content folder using the web host’s File Manager. 

• Closely Examine The Downloaded Files

After taking the backup, you must closely examine all your downloaded data. Check for suspicious files in your database and run through all the folders containing your core website content. 

Make sure to check files, including the wp-config.php file, .htaccess file, and wp-content folder, since these hold your most sensitive data. 

• Delete Files in the public_html folder

Once you have checked for a successful and complete backup, go ahead and delete all the files in the public_html folder. This will likely get you rid of all the hacked files and folders. 

• Reinstall WordPress and Reset Your Passwords

After deleting all the unwanted files, you can go ahead and reinstall WordPress. If WordPress was originally installed in an add-on domain, consider reinstalling it in a subdirectory; else, you can directly get it back in the public_html directory. 

The next step is to log into your site account and reset all your passwords. Visit Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to restore your .htaccess file. This will help get your site URLs back in action. 

• Reinstall Plugins and Themes

Always make sure to reinstall plugins and themes from a fresh download. Never bring back your old plugins since they still pose a threat of malware. If you had opted for WordPress development services before, you can reach out to them again and check for the exact plugins and theme settings to replicate. 

• Upload Images from The Backup

This is the most crucial step of your restoration process. You must get all your old image files copied in your new wp-content > uploads folder, excluding any hacked folders. Scan through folders for each month and year to make sure they only contain image files and no unwanted PHP/JavaScript files. 

• Scan Your Computer

Lastly, scan your system thoroughly for any virus or malware. This can be your last checkpoint, and beyond this, your WordPress site is free from any harmful files. 

Wrapping Up

While you can efficiently remove malware from your WordPress site, it is better to build a secured website in the first place. This makes your site less vulnerable and reduces the risk of a potential malware attack. 

If you wish to build a secured WordPress website, dedicated WordPress development services can help you. They navigate through your challenges and provide effective website solutions. Wondering whom to trust? Capital Numbers has got you covered!

Being a leading offshore web development company, **Capital Numbers** provides best-in-class website development services at affordable prices. Having the right skills and knowledge, their expert professionals understand your needs and assist in building effective websites with the latest anti-malware systems. Schedule a call with them and get started today!