As a website owner, safeguarding your online presence is paramount for business continuity and customer trust. With Google issuing millions of safe browsing warnings daily, the threat of malware is a persistent concern. A malware infection can severely disrupt your website operations, tarnish your brand reputation, and compromise sensitive customer data. Therefore, implementing a robust website malware scanner is crucial for early detection and swift response, ensuring your site remains secure and operational.
Choosing the right malware scanner from the myriad of options available can be daunting. However, our in-depth analysis of the leading website malware scanners will guide you in selecting the optimal solution for your needs.
The Best Website Malware Scanners to Check for Viruses and Malware
1. Jetpack Protect
Jetpack Protect, specifically engineered for WordPress websites, stands out as a premier solution for website malware detection and proactive security management. This complimentary plugin offers effortless one-click setup and initiates daily vulnerability scans to preemptively identify and address potential hacker exploits and malware injections. For comprehensive protection, a premium upgrade unlocks deep scans against an extensive database of tens of thousands of known malware signatures, providing immediate alerts upon detection.
Jetpack Protect is designed for seamless security without compromising website speed. Utilizing advanced decentralized scanning technology, it leverages Jetpack’s servers to thoroughly examine your entire site, encompassing the admin area, themes, and plugins.
The plugin’s scanning engine is fueled by a constantly updated database curated by dedicated WordPress security experts, ensuring protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities, viruses, and malware. Upon detecting an issue, Jetpack Protect promptly notifies you through your Jetpack dashboard, accompanied by clear, actionable guidance to secure your site and facilitate WordPress malware removal.
Developed by Automattic, the creators of WordPress.com, Jetpack Protect guarantees seamless integration with any WordPress site. It employs the same cutting-edge technology trusted by prominent global brands, assuring robust security and peace of mind.
Key Features of Jetpack Protect:
- Streamlined one-click setup for immediate activation.
- Automated daily vulnerability scans for proactive security maintenance.
- Comprehensive scans of plugins, themes, and WordPress core for vulnerability detection.
- Actionable recommendations for resolving identified security issues.
- Automated daily malware scanning against a vast database of over 37,000 definitions (paid feature).
- Integrated Web Application Firewall (WAF) for enhanced protection (paid feature).
- Instant email notifications for timely alerts (paid feature).
Pros of Jetpack Protect:
- Offloaded scanning process on Jetpack’s servers ensures no performance impact on your website.
- Leverages the same extensive malware database as WPScan, a leading enterprise-level security tool, continuously updated by security experts.
- Simple one-click setup for immediate protection with automated daily scans and dashboard notifications.
Cons of Jetpack Protect:
- Exclusive compatibility with WordPress websites, limiting its applicability for other platforms.
- While providing remediation advice, automatic malware removal is reserved for paid upgrades.
Ease of Use:
Jetpack Protect excels in user-friendliness, requiring only a single click to activate its sophisticated scanning capabilities. Its automated operation eliminates the need for manual scans, ensuring continuous background protection. Comprehensive documentation and readily available support from Jetpack’s WordPress Happiness Engineers further enhance the user experience.
Pricing of Jetpack Protect:
Jetpack Protect is freely accessible from the WordPress plugin directory.
Alt text: Jetpack Protect plugin interface in WordPress, highlighting its security features and dashboard access for website owners.
2. Wordfence
Wordfence is a comprehensive WordPress security plugin offering a suite of features to fortify your website against malware, viruses, and various online threats. Its core strength lies in its automated malware scanner, which diligently monitors your website for malicious code and vulnerabilities.
Operating as a server-side scanner, Wordfence utilizes your hosting resources to conduct thorough scans across your entire website, including plugins and themes. The scanner is adept at detecting a wide spectrum of threats, from malicious redirects and backdoors to code injections and other indicators of malware or virus infections.
Wordfence benefits from a dedicated team of website security specialists who continuously update its malware definition database. Premium subscribers receive immediate access to these updates, ensuring timely protection against emerging threats.
Upon malware detection, Wordfence promptly quarantines infected files, preventing execution and sending immediate email alerts. For simpler malware incidents, Wordfence can assist in recovery by replacing compromised WordPress core files with clean versions and removing malicious components. Comprehensive malware removal services are included in higher-tier subscription plans.
Key Features of Wordfence:
- Automated malware and virus scanning for continuous monitoring.
- Daily email alerts for immediate notifications of security events.
- Basic repair and deletion functionalities for addressing simple malware infections.
- Integrated security features encompassing a firewall and access logging for holistic protection.
- Regular malware definition updates to combat evolving threats (premium feature).
- Malware removal assistance from security experts (premium feature).
Pros of Wordfence:
- Daily website scans and prompt email notifications upon issue detection.
- Comprehensive security suite beyond malware scanning, including a Web Application Firewall (WAF) and two-factor authentication.
Cons of Wordfence:
- Free version’s malware definition updates are delayed by 30 days, requiring a premium upgrade for real-time protection against the latest threats.
- Server-side scanning may impact website performance due to resource utilization.
- WordPress-exclusive compatibility limits its use on other website platforms.
Ease of Use:
Wordfence requires initial configuration to maximize its protective capabilities. Once set up, its automated scanning and notification system largely operate hands-off. However, its email alerts can sometimes flag legitimate changes as potential threats, which may cause confusion for users less familiar with website security and the WordPress ecosystem.
Wordfence provides extensive documentation and a dedicated learning center for user guidance. Free users can access support through the plugin’s support forum, while premium subscribers receive email support.
Pricing of Wordfence:
Wordfence offers a free plan with a 30-day delay in malware definition updates.
Wordfence Premium, priced at $119 annually, includes daily malware database updates for enhanced protection.
Wordfence Care, at $490 per year, includes plugin installation and optimization, along with malware removal services by WordPress security experts.
3. Sucuri
Sucuri is a respected name in website security, offering a free malware scanner alongside a range of premium services, including a web application firewall, DDoS protection, and professional malware removal.
Sucuri’s free SiteCheck external malware scanner allows for front-end website scans by simply entering the URL. For WordPress sites, Sucuri offers a basic plugin that verifies the integrity of WordPress core files.
Sucuri’s premium plans extend protection with automated malware and virus scanning, and access to a server-side scanner for comprehensive file analysis.
Key Features of Sucuri:
- Complimentary external malware scanner for quick website checks.
- File integrity scanning to detect unauthorized modifications.
- Security event logs for audit trails and incident analysis.
- Automated malware scanning for continuous protection (premium feature).
- Server-side malware scanning for in-depth analysis (premium feature).
- Professional malware removal services (premium feature).
- Blocklist monitoring to ensure website reputation (premium feature).
- Integrated web application firewall for advanced threat mitigation (premium feature).
Pros of Sucuri:
- Free and readily accessible SiteCheck scanner without account registration.
- Platform-agnostic compatibility, functioning regardless of website technology.
Cons of Sucuri:
- Free malware scanner lacks automated scanning, requiring manual initiation for each check.
- Free SiteCheck scanner may miss malware residing outside publicly accessible front-end pages.
- Sucuri’s free WordPress scanner is not 100% accurate, potentially overlooking malware in plugin files or admin areas.
Ease of Use:
Sucuri’s free malware scanner is straightforward, requiring only the website URL. However, manual scan initiation is necessary for ongoing monitoring unless a premium plan is adopted.
Server-side scanner setup can be technically challenging for non-expert users, requiring FTP/SFTP credentials. Sucuri provides comprehensive guides and documentation, and premium customers benefit from email support.
Pricing of Sucuri:
Sucuri SiteCheck and the WordPress plugin are offered without charge. Premium subscriptions begin at $199 per year, encompassing server-side automated malware scanning, a web application firewall, and unlimited malware removal services.
Alt text: MalCare Security Plugin dashboard interface showcasing website security status, scan results, and firewall management options for WordPress users.
4. MalCare
MalCare specializes in malware scanning and removal services exclusively for WordPress websites. This plugin provides automated malware scanning along with a web application firewall to preemptively block malicious access attempts.
MalCare’s malware scanner automatically scrutinizes your entire WordPress installation, including admin files, plugins, and themes. For each scan, files are securely and temporarily copied to MalCare’s servers, ensuring website performance remains unaffected during the scanning process.
MalCare also continuously monitors website files and databases, alerting you to any suspicious changes potentially indicative of malware. Email notifications are sent upon suspected malware or virus infections, and the premium version offers automated malware removal capabilities.
Key Features of MalCare:
- Malware scanner with automated daily scanning for continuous monitoring.
- Vulnerability detection to identify potential weaknesses.
- Suspicious file change monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications.
- Integrated web application firewall for proactive threat prevention.
- Automated malware cleaning for swift remediation (premium feature).
Pros of MalCare:
- Automated daily malware scans covering the entire website.
- Scanning process offloaded to MalCare’s servers, eliminating website performance impact.
- Email alerts for timely notification of malware infection signs.
Cons of MalCare:
- Free version only detects malware presence without specifying location, necessitating a premium upgrade for malware identification and removal.
- WordPress-specific solution, unsuitable for non-WordPress websites.
Ease of Use:
MalCare is easy to install and configure, and its automated scans remove the burden of manual checks. Automated malware removal in the premium version simplifies website recovery from infections. Email support is available for all users, with premium users gaining access to live chat support.
Pricing of MalCare:
A free version is available through the WordPress plugin directory. Premium plans, including malware removal, start at $99 per year.
5. Jetpack Scan
Jetpack Scan is a premium feature within the Jetpack plugin, providing WordPress website owners with a robust solution for malware and virus detection. It acts as a vigilant security guardian, simplifying website protection against evolving security threats.
Developed by Automattic, the team behind WordPress.com, WPScan, and WooCommerce, Jetpack Scan benefits from the expertise of dedicated WordPress security specialists. This ensures its vulnerability database remains current with the latest malware, viruses, and exploits.
Upon activation, Jetpack Scan immediately begins scanning your website for malware and vulnerabilities. Detected issues trigger instant notifications and clear guidance on identified threats. Often, Jetpack Scan offers simple, one-click fixes, facilitating rapid issue resolution and website restoration.
Even in cases of website downtime due to malware attacks, scan results and one-click fixes remain accessible from the cloud, enabling swift recovery. Jetpack Scan employs decentralized scanning technology to comprehensively examine your website, including admin pages, themes, and plugins, utilizing Automattic’s servers. This ensures robust protection without performance degradation, mirroring the security enjoyed by millions of WordPress websites. Additional security features, such as a web application firewall, are also included. The Jetpack Security bundle further expands protection with automated backups and spam protection.
Key Features of Jetpack Scan:
- Automated daily scanning for continuous monitoring.
- Instant email notifications for immediate alerts upon issue detection.
- One-click fixes for streamlined resolution of most security threats.
- Cloud-based access to scan results and one-click fixes, even during website downtime.
- Vulnerability database maintained by WordPress security experts for up-to-date protection.
- Integrated web application firewall for proactive threat prevention.
- Priority support from Jetpack’s WordPress Happiness Engineers for expert assistance.
Pros of Jetpack Scan:
- Automated daily scans ensure continuous monitoring and immediate notifications upon threat detection, offering a “set it and forget it” security solution.
- One-click fixes simplify resolution for the majority of malware infections and security vulnerabilities.
- Seamless integration with WordPress and WooCommerce, complementing other Jetpack features like VaultPress Backup.
Cons of Jetpack Scan:
- WordPress-specific design, limiting its use for non-WordPress websites.
Ease of Use:
Jetpack Scan is straightforward to set up and operate. Automated scans eliminate manual intervention, and one-click fixes simplify security issue resolution. Comprehensive documentation and priority support from Jetpack’s Happiness Engineers further enhance user experience.
Pricing of Jetpack Scan:
Jetpack Scan is available as a feature within the Jetpack plugin or as an upgrade to Jetpack Protect for $10 per month. It is also included in Jetpack’s Security and Complete bundles.
Alt text: Jetpack Scan interface displaying website security scan status, highlighting malware detection and vulnerability assessment features within the Jetpack plugin.
6. IsItWP Security Scanner
IsItWP offers a suite of tools for website owners, including a website malware scanner capable of checking any website for malware and security vulnerabilities. Powered by Sucuri, IsItWP’s scanner examines the front-end pages of your website by simply inputting its URL.
Beyond malware and virus detection, IsItWP’s scanner also verifies if your website is listed on Google’s Safe Browsing and other malware blocklists, providing insights into your website’s reputation.
Key Features of IsItWP Security Scanner:
- Front-end page scanning for malware and virus detection on any website.
- Reports indicating malware detection and blocklist status on Google Safe Browsing and other lists.
Pros of IsItWP Security Scanner:
- Universal website malware check by simply entering the URL.
Cons of IsItWP Security Scanner:
- No automated scanning option, requiring manual website checks for malware.
- Limited to front-end page scanning, potentially missing backend malware.
- Lacks guidance or tools for malware removal and website restoration upon detection.
- Slower scan speeds compared to other scanners on this list.
Ease of Use:
IsItWP Security Scanner is user-friendly, requiring only your website URL for malware checks.
Pricing of IsItWP Security Scanner:
IsItWP Security Scanner is available free of charge.
7. SiteLock
SiteLock provides a range of malware detection and removal services, including a complimentary online malware scanner.
SiteLock’s free scanner checks the public-facing pages of any website for malware in under 60 seconds, also detecting known viruses and vulnerabilities.
Premium SiteLock plans offer automated scans, notifications, and automatic malware removal. Premium users can also scan their entire website, including admin pages, plugins, and files, utilizing SiteLock’s cloud servers to avoid performance impact.
Premium scans extend to additional security concerns like SQL injections and cross-site scripting, along with website blocklist status monitoring.
Key Features of SiteLock:
- Free, web-based malware scanner for quick checks.
- Automated daily scans for continuous monitoring (premium feature).
- Automatic malware removal for swift remediation (premium feature).
- Additional security features including a web application firewall and DDoS protection (premium feature).
Pros of SiteLock:
- Fast free online malware scanner providing results quickly and in an easily understandable format.
- Automated malware removal in premium plans ensures immediate remediation upon malware detection.
Cons of SiteLock:
- Automated scanning is exclusive to premium plans.
- SiteLock’s WordPress plugin has limited adoption despite supporting WordPress and other CMS platforms.
Ease of Use:
The web-based scanner is easy to use and provides rapid results. Premium features require FTP/SFTP details, which may be challenging for some users. Email support with a 30-hour guaranteed response time is provided to premium customers.
Pricing of SiteLock:
SiteLock’s online scanner is free. Premium plans, including automated scans of all website areas and malware removal, start at $15 per month.
Alt text: SiteLock Complete External Check interface indicating comprehensive website security analysis, including malware scanning and vulnerability assessment for external facing web pages.
8. Detectify
Detectify, a cybersecurity company, offers various options for malware and virus checks for websites and web applications, specifically designed for complex DevOps environments. It supports both on-demand and scheduled security scans that examine the entire website, including backend resources.
Beyond malware, Detectify scans for a wide range of security risks and vulnerabilities, including SQL injections, authentication vulnerabilities, and SSL issues. Scans also leverage a unique exploit database sourced from the hacker community to proactively address emerging threats.
Detectify integrates with existing workflows, delivering scan results via tools like Slack or Jira for timely issue resolution.
Key Features of Detectify:
- Enterprise-grade malware and vulnerability scanning for robust security.
- Scans for a broad spectrum of potential security issues beyond malware.
- Comprehensive scans covering the entire website infrastructure.
- Flexible scan profile configurations to tailor security assessments.
Pros of Detectify:
- High-level security for complex web applications and websites, addressing a wide range of vulnerabilities, including malware and viruses.
Cons of Detectify:
- Enterprise-grade service with features potentially exceeding the needs of typical website owners.
- Higher cost compared to other options on this list due to its advanced features.
Ease of Use:
Detectify’s extensive options and scan profiles make setup more complex than other scanners. Integration with existing workflows may necessitate DevOps specialist support.
Pricing of Detectify:
Detectify plans are customizable, starting around $80 per month.
9. Quttera
Quttera is a well-established website security provider offering various malware scanning solutions, including a free online scanner. All Quttera solutions utilize a patented malware-detection algorithm, claiming to detect novel malware beyond signature-based detection.
Quttera’s online malware scanner checks only the website’s front-end. However, for WordPress websites, Quttera’s free plugin scans the entire site, including admin pages and plugins. Detailed scan reports identify malicious or suspicious files and website blocklist status.
Quttera’s premium ThreatSign! product provides automated malware scanning, including server-side scanning for all websites, with automated malware removal available in select plans.
Key Features of Quttera:
- Web-based malware scanner for quick online checks.
- WordPress plugin for comprehensive website file scanning.
- Malware blocklist checking for website reputation monitoring.
- Automated scanning for continuous protection (premium feature).
- Malware removal services for remediation (premium feature).
- Additional security features like a web application firewall and DDoS protection (premium feature).
Pros of Quttera:
- Detailed free scan reports exceeding the depth of other free tools.
- Server-side scanning via the WordPress plugin and premium plans utilizes cloud servers, minimizing website performance impact.
- Proprietary malware detection algorithm can identify previously unknown malware threats.
Cons of Quttera:
- Free web-based tool is limited to front-end website scanning.
- Automated scanning is exclusive to premium plans.
Ease of Use:
Quttera’s web-based scanner and WordPress plugin are user-friendly. However, the lack of automation in free versions requires manual scan initiation. Support is limited to premium subscribers.
Pricing of Quttera:
Quttera’s web-based scanner and WordPress plugin are free. Premium plans, offering automated scanning and other security features, start at $10 per month. Plans including malware removal start at $179 per year.
Alt text: Quttera Safe Browsing site status interface displaying website safety verification results, indicating clean status or potential security threats detected during the scan.
10. Google Transparency Report
Google’s Transparency Report provides insights into Google services, including a section dedicated to Safe Browsing technology. Website owners can check their URL’s Safe Browsing status to see if Google has flagged it as unsafe.
Safe Browsing technology identifies websites with malware and phishing threats, alerting users to potentially malicious sites.
Key Features of Google’s Transparency Report:
- Tool to check if a website has been flagged as unsafe by Google Safe Browsing.
- Basic reports outlining reasons for unsafe website listings.
Pros of Google’s Transparency Report:
- Safe Browsing status check informs website owners if Google has detected malware.
- Free service accessible to anyone for website status checks.
Cons of Google’s Transparency Report:
- Manual Safe Browsing status check requires proactive website monitoring.
- Not a comprehensive malware scanning solution, only reporting issues after potential user impact.
- Google Safe Browsing does not scan every website, and scan frequency is not publicly disclosed.
- No guidance on malware removal is provided upon detection.
Ease of Use:
Google Transparency Report Safe Browsing status check is straightforward and quickly provides the Safe Browsing status for entered URLs.
Pricing of Google’s Transparency Report:
Google’s Transparency Report is free to use.
A Comparison of the Best Website Malware Scanners
| Jetpack Protect | Wordfence | Sucuri | MalCare | Jetpack Scan | IsItWP Security Scanner | SiteLock | Detectify | Quttera | Google Transparency Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made especially for WordPress websites | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Number of malware definitions your site is checked against. | Over 37,000 | Yes (with a paid plan) | Not stated | Not stated | Over 37,000 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Uses proprietary algorithm | Not stated |
| Automated scans | Yes | Yes | Premium only | Yes | Yes | No | Premium Only | Yes | Premium only | No |
| Scans your full site, including admin files | Yes | Yes | Premium only | Yes | Yes | No – checks front end files only. | Premium Only | Yes | Premium only | No – checks front end files only |
| Can scans impact website performance? | No | Yes | No- external scanner | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Frequency of malware definition updates | Daily | Every 30 days (free version)Daily (pro version) | Daily | Daily | Unknown | Daily | Daily | Daily | N/A | Daily |
| Malware removal if malware is found | Yes (with a paid plan) | Limited removal in the premium version. Full removal in Care version. | Premium only | Premium only | Yes (with paid plan) | No | Premium Only | No | Premium only | No |
| Price | Free with paid upgrades. | Limited free version. Premium plans start at $99/year. | Limited free online scanner. Premium plans start at $199/year. | Limited free version.Premium plans start at $99/year. | $10 / month | Free | Free online front end scanner. Premium plans start at $15 a month. | From $80/ month. | Limited free online scanner and plugin. Premium plans start at $10 a month. Plans including malware removal start at $179 a year. | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Malware Scanning Tools
What is the best website scanner to check for viruses and malware?
The optimal website scanner for virus and malware detection depends on your website’s platform or CMS.
For WordPress websites, a WordPress-specific malware scanner is highly recommended. Our review highlights Jetpack Protect as a top choice, offering automated vulnerability scans and premium access to a constantly updated malware database maintained by WordPress security experts, ensuring protection against the latest threats.
Alternatively, the premium Jetpack Scan feature, available with the Jetpack plugin, provides another excellent option for WordPress users.
Both Jetpack Scan and the paid upgrade for Jetpack Protect offer clear guidance and one-click fixes for identified security threats, along with a web application firewall to deter malicious actors.
Should I use an external or server-side malware scanner?
Many free website scanners only examine the external, public-facing pages of your website, potentially missing malware residing in backend systems.
Server-side malware scanners offer more comprehensive protection by scanning your entire website infrastructure. However, server-side scanning can temporarily impact website performance due to resource utilization. The ideal solution employs decentralized scanning technology.
Jetpack Protect, for instance, utilizes Automattic’s cloud servers to securely scan both the front-end and back-end of your website, eliminating performance concerns while providing thorough automated scans.
How do I scan a WordPress website for malware?
To scan your WordPress website for malware, utilize a comprehensive malware scanner like Jetpack Protect, capable of examining your entire website, including plugins and themes.
Install Jetpack Protect for free by navigating to Plugins → Add New within your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Jetpack Protect” and click Install Now → Activate.
Alt text: Jetpack Protect plugin installation screen within the WordPress admin panel, showing the plugin in the search results ready for installation.
Choose either the free Jetpack Protect or upgrade for enhanced features like one-click malware fixes and a web application firewall.
Jetpack Protect will then automatically initiate a comprehensive malware scan of your website.
Alt text: Jetpack Protect scan in progress message indicating that the website security scan is running and results will be available soon.
Upon scan completion, results will be displayed, indicating any identified security threats. Jetpack Protect provides clear descriptions of detected issues and their locations.
Alt text: Jetpack Dashboard security scan results showing a clean website status, indicating no malware or vulnerabilities detected by the scanner.
Jetpack Protect automatically performs daily vulnerability scans. Scan results can be accessed within your WordPress admin dashboard menu by selecting Jetpack → Protect.
Alt text: Jetpack menu item highlighted in the WordPress admin dashboard navigation, showing the Protect submenu option for accessing security features.
Manual scans can be initiated at any time by clicking Scan Now.
How can I prevent my website from being affected or hacked in the future?
While regular automated scanning aids in malware detection, proactive security measures are crucial for website protection. Here are preventative steps:
WordPress website owners can enhance security and prevent malware infections by implementing a complete WordPress security solution like Jetpack Security, encompassing advanced features such as backups, Jetpack Scan, and spam protection.
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Jen Swisher
Jen is a Customer Experience Specialist for Jetpack. She has been working with WordPress and Jetpack for over a decade. Before starting at Automattic, Jen helped small businesses, local non-profits, and Fortune 50 companies create engaging web experiences for their customers. She is passionate about teaching others how to create on the web without fear.
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