Malware attacks on websites are happening all the time, and WordPress sites are no exception. If not addressed quickly, your WordPress hosting might suspend your account, or search engines like Google could blacklist your site.
One of the best methods is to use anti-malware plugins for WordPress to remove malware and even protect yourself from it.
Anti-malware plugins protect your website by preventing and resolving security issues. They can check for harmful content and clean it up. There are free and paid options to choose what works best for you.
This post will help you understand how anti-malware plugins work and which ones are the best. We’ll also show you how to pick the right plugin and what to do if your website gets infected. Plus, we’ll share some extra tips to keep your website safe and sound.
Why WordPress Sites Are Frequently Attacked?
Because it’s so popular, WordPress is the top target for hackers.
According to Sucuri’s 2022 report, a whopping 96.2% of hacked websites were using WordPress. And the number one way these sites were attacked? You guessed it: malware. That’s over 72% of all attacks!
Infected Websites Platform Distribution – 2022 / Source: Sucuri
Hackers also love to sneak in through backdoors and spam your site with junk to boost their own rankings. It’s a dirty game, but understanding how they operate is the first step to protecting your website.
Malware Family Distribution – 2022 / Source: Sucuri
How Do Anti-Malware Plugins Protect WordPress?
Think of a malware removal plugin as your website’s bodyguard. It constantly checks your website for any sneaky threats hiding in your files, code, or database.
These plugins behave like digital detectives, looking for patterns that match known bad stuff like fingerprints. If they find something suspicious, they can either quarantine it, remove it completely or warn you to take action.
Beyond finding and removing malware, these plugins also act as a shield, stopping attacks that could steal your website’s data, mess up your search engine rankings, or even infect your visitors’ computers.
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Cloudways’ built-in Malware Protection Add-on shields your site from threats without the need for extra plugins. Focus on growing your business, not troubleshooting security.
Best Anti-Malware Plugin for WordPress
Now that you know how to pick the right WordPress anti-malware plugin for your website, here are some of the best options.
| Plugin | System Requirements | Active Installations | Ratings and Reviews | Plans and Pricing Model |
| Wordfence Security | WordPress ≥ 3.9 PHP ≥ 5.5 |
5M+ | 4.5 (4,199) | Free version available; Premium starting from $119/year |
| All In One Security (AIOS) | WordPress ≥ 5.0 PHP ≥ 5.6 |
1M+ | 4.5 (1,577) | Free version available; Premium starting from $70/year |
| Sucuri Security | WordPress ≥ 3.6 | 800K+ | 4.0 (385) | Free version available; Premium starting from $199/year |
| Malcare | WordPress ≥ 4.0 PHP ≥ 5.6 |
500K+ | 4.0 (358) | Free version available; Premium starting from $149/year |
| SecuPress | WordPress ≥ 4.9 PHP ≥ 5.6 |
40K+ | 4.0 (101) | Free version available; Premium starting from $69.99/year |
| Titan Security | WordPress ≥ 5.6 PHP ≥ 8.0 |
90K+ | 4.5 (356) | Free version available; Premium starting from $55/year |
| Jetpack Security | WordPress ≥ 6.4 PHP ≥ 7.0 |
4M+ | 4.5 (2,072) | Free version available; Premium starting from $19.95 |
1. Wordfence Security
– Source: WordPress.org
Wordfence is an all-in-one security plugin that protects websites from hackers and malware.
Its exhaustive suite of security features, including a firewall, malware scanner, and login security features, makes malware removal on WordPress quite effective. Wordfence updates its malware definitions and signatures daily, making it a strong website scanning and security contender.
– Source: WordPress.org
Wordfence is a freemium WordPress security plugin that offers various features such as unlimited site usage, country blocking, real-time malware signature updates, and a real-time IP blocklist. It stands out for its deep integration with WordPress without compromising encryption or leaking data.
– Source: WordPress.org
Wordfence Central empowers you to manage security for all your websites from a single dashboard. It offers a one-stop shop for security assessments, detailed findings, easy configuration with templates, customizable alerts (email, SMS, Slack), and real-time tracking of crucial security events.
Key Features
- Endpoint firewall
- Malware scanner
- Real-time traffic monitoring
- Brute force protection
- Blocking features to prevent attackers from accessing your site
- Wordfence Central for managing security for multiple sites in one place
Pros
✓ Protects your site from common security threats
✓ Easy to install and use
✓ Free version available
✓ Real-time threat defense feed
✓ Two-factor authentication
Cons
✗ Might miss database malware entirely
✗ Free version has a 30-day delay in accessing the latest malware signatures
✗ Advanced features require a paid subscription
2. All-In-One Security (AIOS)
Source: WordPress.org
All-in-One Security acts as a multi-functional shield. Several features in the free tier offer protection against unauthorized access attempts, malicious traffic, comment spam, and content theft.
With the premium version, you unlock functionalities like malware scanning for proactive threat detection and removal, uptime monitoring to ensure your site remains accessible, and priority customer support for swift assistance with any security issues.
Login security tools include login lockout, force logouts, hiding the login page from bots, and changing the default wp_ prefix. AIOS is an anti-malware plugin for WordPress that also lets you track activity on your site for better security monitoring.
– Source: WordPress.org
Firewall settings on AIOS range from basic and intermediate to advanced. Going beyond basic protection, it automatically updates its firewall with safeguards against the latest exploits, keeping your site secure without needing constant upgrades (even for free users). This proactive approach is further strengthened by the 6G Blacklist, powered by Perishable Press.
– Source: WordPress.org
Key Features
- IP address collection
- File integrity checker
- Backup and restore
- 6G blacklist
- Content protection feature
- Audit logging
- 404 blocking
- Country blocking
Pros
✓ A bunch of security features for free
✓ Easy to use; no complex configuration
✓ It can be translated into several languages
✓ Prevents other websites from reproducing your content
Cons
✗ Limited malware protection in the free version
✗ Firewall functionality primarily relies on modifying the .htaccess file
✗ No vulnerability detection
3. Sucuri Security
– Source: WordPress.org
Sucuri Security offers a well-known external malware scanner. While it lacks an internal scanner, it is primarily great for post-hack recovery. Features like file integrity checking and one-click plugin resets make it valuable for cleaning up compromised websites. It allows you to immediately act by resetting security keys and user passwords.
– Source: WordPress.org
It uses a layered approach, starting with proactive measures like security activity auditing and file integrity monitoring. These features constantly scan your website, identifying suspicious activity and potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Sucuri also offers remote malware scanning to uncover hidden threats and blocklist monitoring to ensure your site isn’t associated with malicious activity.
Sucuri’s effective security hardening practices further amplify this focus on prevention. The free plan offers these core functionalities, while the premium plan includes a website firewall, adding another layer of defense against malicious traffic.
– Source: WordPress.org
Key Features
- Block blacklisted IP address
- Remove hidden backdoors
- Get post-hack tools
- Clean up affected files
- Post-hack security actions
- Security notifications
- Remote malware scanning
- Security hardening
Pros
✓ Audit log search and filter
✓ Unlimited on-demand scanning
✓ Login timestamp visibility
✓ Cache-control headers
Cons
✗ Chance of false positives
✗ Advanced features might be too expensive for users
4. MalCare
– Source: WordPress.org
MalCare is another powerful WordPress anti-malware plugin developed after analyzing over 240,000 websites. It uses 100+ signals to detect malware, even complex ones, before they harm your site. Using its one-click malware removal feature, you can clean your site in under 60 seconds.
With its cloud-based firewalls, you get round-the-clock protection against spam attacks. MalCare also has a vulnerability detector that alerts you about any risks on the website.
Plus, MalCare offers a comprehensive website management module, combining security features and website management tools within your WordPress dashboard. This centralized platform helps you manage security and monitor site health.
– Source: WordPress.org
The premium version makes malware removal on WordPress even more efficient by providing a white-label solution. This allows agencies to help their clients under their own brand. MalCare also lets users generate professional-looking reports for their clients.
Key Features
- Security hardening
- Automated malware scan
- Blocklist monitoring
- Restore corrupt files
- Post-hack security actions
- CAPTCHA-based login
Pros
✓ Easy to use
✓ Effective against zero-day malware
✓ No performance impact on the site
✓ Responsive customer service
Cons
✗ No database scanning in the free version
✗ Restricted customization in the free version
5. SecuPress
– Source: WordPress.org
SecuPress is another moderately effective WordPress security plugin that claims to enhance website security without compromising performance.
It offers extensive features to protect your website without overwhelming you with technical jargon. The free version works perfectly fine for proactive users, but those who spend less time will need the paid one.
– Source: WordPress.org
Scanning your site health, SecuPress provides an exportable report in PDF format. It has several security features, including a homemade captcha, which offers an alternative to Google’s CAPTCHA.
SecuPress can hide your login page from bots and prevent brute-force attacks. By keeping login errors hidden, critical information is protected. SecuPress provides IP whitelisting and blacklisting as well.
Security from SecuPress is not limited to the server. It also detects unauthorized changes in articles and pages and informs you about security events via email and Slack.
Key Features
- Anti-brute force login
- Anti-spam measures
- Blocked IPs
- Firewall
- Malware scan
- Security alerts
Pros
✓ User-friendly interface
✓ Sends security alerts
✓ Provides reports
Cons
✗ Not compatible with other security plugins
✗ Inefficient malware scanning in the free version
✗ No cleanups in the free version
6. Titan Anti-Spam & Security
– Source: WordPress.org
Another great anti-malware plugin for WordPress is Titan Anti-Spam & Security.
It tackles website security from multiple angles, offering a tough defense system for your WordPress site. This plugin goes beyond basic spam protection, encompassing features to safeguard your website’s core files, identify vulnerabilities, and prevent malicious attacks.
The integrated malware scanner blocks requests containing malicious code or content. The free version uses over 1000 signatures for basic scanning, and upgrading to the Pro version unlocks advanced scanning powered by over 6000 signatures.
– Source: WordPress.org
Like any anti-malware plugin, Titan includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF), but with its Pro version, firewall rules are updated in real time through the threat protection channel.
Additionally, Attack Logs by Titan offers a unique perspective compared to traditional analytics tools. They provide real-time information on potentially malicious visits and hacking attempts, including the visitor’s origin, IP address, timestamp, and the time spent on your site.
Titan also provides a three-step intelligent spam filtering service. Anti-Spam uses a giant database and self-learning smarts to double-check comments and stop spam.
Key Features
- Real-time IP Blacklist
- Security Audit
- Site Checker
- 2FA
- Backup
Pros
✓ Popular choice
✓ Covers multiple security aspects
✓ Suitable for beginners
Cons
✗ Resource intensive
✗ Configuration complexity for some features
7. Jetpack
Source: WordPress.org
Jetpack is a versatile WordPress plugin that offers a treasure box of features, including security, performance enhancements, and marketing tools. Developed by Automattic, Jetpack bridges the gap between self-hosted WordPress sites and the features available on WordPress.com.
Other than WAF adding an important layer of protection, JetPack offers auto site security (24/7). This includes auto real-time backups, easy restores, and malware scans with spam protection. Critical features like brute force protection and downtime/uptime monitoring are free.
Source: WordPress.org
JetPack automatically scans malware and other code threats and provides one-click fixes to restore your site if it has been compromised. These one-click real-time backups with 10GB cloud storage (scalable to more) ensure easy restoration and safeguard your website.
Key Features
- Automatic malware scanning
- Threat notifications
- Brute force attack protection
- WordPress.com powered login
- Auditable activity log
- Easy site management
Pros
✓ Wide variety of features
✓ External dashboard
✓ Backup and restore in case of emergencies
Cons
✗ Malware scanning is paid
✗ Some users report minor website slowdowns
How to Choose the Right Anti-Malware Plugin?
Picking the best anti-malware plugin for your WordPress site can be tricky.
While they’re super helpful for keeping your site safe, some can actually slow it down or be a pain to manage. Plus, there are many options, from free ones to pricey premium plans.
So, how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down:
🛡️ Strong Protection: Make sure the plugin can scan for bad stuff, stop new attacks, and fix any damage done.
✅ Easy to Use: You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use it. A simple plugin is best.
💸 Good Value: Consider your budget. Free options are available, but they might not have all the bells and whistles.
🆘 Reliable Support: If you run into trouble, you’ll want someone to help you out.
⚡ Performance: A good plugin won’t slow down your website.
🔍 Read Reviews: Check what other people say about the plugin before you install it.
– Here’s an example of Wordfence plugin ratings and reviews on WordPress.org.
Remember, protecting your website is important, but you don’t have to spend a fortune or become a security expert. By choosing the right anti-malware plugin and following some basic tips, you can keep your site safe without any hassle.
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Summary
WordPress’s flexibility and vast plugin library are what make it a favorite among website owners. However, this openness can also be a security risk. Malicious code can hide in seemingly harmless plugins and themes, putting your entire website at stake.
Opting for an anti-malware plugin for WordPress is a good choice. You can choose from a plethora of options that offer basic and advanced malware protection. On the other hand, you can get more value for your money without having to manage an extra plugin and make security processes easier and more reliable with a managed hosting provider with a built-in security suite like Cloudways.
Regardless of the solution you choose, remember vigilance is key! Stay informed about new threats and keep your chosen security measures up-to-date.
Q. How do you remove JavaScript malware?
Removing JavaScript malware can be difficult. Use a reputable security plugin. For complex infections, consider hiring a WordPress security expert. Always back up your website first.
Q. How to detect malware on WordPress?
Malware can be hard to spot. Use a security plugin to scan for threats. Look for unusual website behavior, like slow performance or strange content. Be cautious of suspicious emails or search engine warnings.
Q. How do I scan my WordPress site for malware for free?
Several free plugins can scan for malware. Wordfence, Sucuri, and MalCare are popular options. Remember, free scanners might have limitations. Consider paid options for better protection.
Q. How do I know if my website has malware?
Malware can be sneaky. Watch for sudden changes, unusual traffic, login issues, or security alerts. If you suspect malware, act quickly to protect your website.
Hafsa Tahir
Hafsa is a content marketer who has been in the organic growth space for the past three years. With her background in Psychology and UX, she enjoys reading users' minds and is keen to try the most creative product marketing angles. Her copies scream: "you're not just a paycheck to us". Loves to crack unfunny jokes, pay gym fee and not go, and write psychologically disturbing short stories for some reason.
