You’re in trouble! Every visited a site only to see a red warning screen suggesting that this site may harm your computer? If so then it’s been flagged by a search engine such as Google, Bing etc. as containing either data or an external link that isn’t pleasant.
What happens when your site produces such a screen from a search engine?
- Malware has been detected and the search engine adds a tag to your site pages in its database to warn people.
- The search engine updates all your pages in its records so suggest your site is dangerous.
- You instantly drop ranking places.
- Customers do not go any further.
- You lose business.
What can you do to change the fact your site has been flagged as dangerous?
- The first thing is to scan all your site files. Bear in mind that if your website is CMS based then the infection might be in your database. Check that second.
- Check your database for dangerous content.
- Clear any injected code / infected files.
- Resubmit your site to the search engine and ask it be re-spidered.
- Cross your fingers.
How can I prevent my site from being infected by malware?
- Always ensure your code is solid, up-to-date and that your server is using stable software (php, mysql etc. is current).
- Do not install plugins (CMS users take note) for WordPress, Joomla and such like that you do not trust. They may be cutting-edge but someone may be playing you for a fool!
- Do not ever set permissions of folders and files to 777 – you’ll see this as a solution given on literally millions of website pages. If you have to set such permissions then there is something wrong and you’re asking to be infected.
- Get a decent company to design your website, if you’re unsure yourself.
If my site is flagged, what am I looking for that might have caused this?
- Contact us. We’ll let you know.
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