If a “Site Suspended” message has been encountered from Google Ads due to malicious software on your website, you are not alone. A compromised site can harm your business and lead to penalties from Google. In this blog, steps will be outlined to fix your compromised site and restore your Google Ads account.
What Is a Compromised Site?
A compromised site is one that has been hacked or infected with malicious software (malware). Security vulnerabilities are often exploited by hackers to inject harmful code into websites. This code can then spread to visitors’ devices or be used for malicious activities, leading to Google flagging the site and suspending ads.
Signs That Your Site Is Compromised
- Unusual Behavior: Unexpected redirects, slow loading times, or unauthorized pop-ups may be noticed.
- Google Warnings: Alerts about harmful content may be received from Google Search Console.
- Decreased Traffic: A sudden drop in visitors might indicate that access to the site is being blocked by Google.
Steps to Fix a Compromised Site
- Identify the Issue
Tools like Google Search Console, Google Safe Browsing, or third-party scanners such as Sucuri or SiteLock should be used to identify the malicious software affecting the site. - Backup Your Site
A full backup of the website should be created before making any changes. This ensures that a safe version is available to revert to if anything goes wrong during the cleanup process. - Remove Malicious Software
- Update Software: CMS, plugins, and themes should be updated. Outdated software is often exploited by hackers.
- Clean Infected Files: Files containing malicious code should be manually reviewed and cleaned. Alternatively, security plugins like Wordfence or MalCare can be used to automatically remove malware.
- Reset Passwords: All passwords associated with the site, including admin accounts, database, and FTP credentials, should be changed.
- Improve Site Security
- Install a Firewall: A web application firewall (WAF) should be installed to block malicious traffic before it reaches the site.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security makes it harder for access to be gained by hackers.
- Regular Monitoring: Automatic security scans should be set up to monitor the site for potential threats.
- Request a Review from Google
Once the site has been cleaned, a review should be requested from Google Search Console. Google will check for any remaining issues, and if everything is clear, the suspension will be lifted, allowing ads to run again.
Tips to Prevent Future Compromises
- Regular Updates: Website software should be kept up to date.
- Strong Passwords: Complex passwords should be used and changed regularly.
- Limit User Access: Only trusted individuals should be given access, with limited permissions.
Conclusion
Fixing a compromised site and resolving Google Ads malicious software violations may seem overwhelming, but by following these steps, the website can be secured and the online presence restored. Regular maintenance and vigilant monitoring are key to preventing future issues. If uncertainty exists, or professional assistance is needed, a security expert can be hired to handle the cleanup and fortification of the site.
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