Website servers are just as vulnerable to malware as PCs are. Cyber criminals use this to their advantage by infecting websites with malicious software that is then distributed over the whole website. Hackers can then use this infiltrated malware to obtain sensitive information.
By the time operators of infected websites have become aware of the malware, it is often too late. Search engines like Google may start threatening with sanctions, or you will receive complaints from affected visitors. Since most are malicious scripts, which are integrated into the original code of the website, they cannot be identified from the outside straightaway. The website seems to work as requested, but in reality it is actually functioning as an instrument for hackers with the help of Cross-SiteScripting (XSS).
If you use different applications when creating and maintaining your homepage, it can increase your susceptibility. Programs that are the most vulnerable are content management systems, blog, and forum software as well as e-commerce solutions. Many operators rely on open source software since it is free and can be adapted to your needs. The popularity of this software, and the fact that it is made up of thousands of codes from different programs, means it is often a target for hackers. Plugins for popular web applications are used as loopholes for malware.
The type of damage caused by infiltrated malware depends on the hacker’s motive. In some cases the hacker directly targets the operator, paralyzing the website or implementing false content. Criminals can go so far as to demand a ransom from the operator and threaten to stop the cyber attack only after the money has been paid. An infected website mostly means loss of traffic or sales for the operator.
The visitor’s trust is also put to the test since many malware websites harm the visitor or customer and not just the operator. In many cases the affected website is just the host for the harmful script as the integrated malicious code then finds its way onto the visitor’s PC via fake URLs. The code then automatically installs itself as long as the user’s security software does not prohibit it. Besides viruses, which harm the computer system, criminals also send spyware and keyloggers that collect information about the user. Worst case scenario is the theft of confidential information such as bank or address data or passwords.
As well as losing reputation and customers the website operator can also be hit with legal implications if the necessary safety measures are not adhered to. You could also be punished by the search engine even if the situation seems relatively harmless such as spam being sent by the malware.
As soon as you notice that your website is infected you should remove the malware as quickly as possible. It is your duty as an operator to act quickly and consequently if such a situation arises. This is not as easy as it sounds if the webserver cannot distinguish it from that of a current home computer system. Finding the cause of the infected website will be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Without excellent knowledge of HTML and programming language and plenty of time and patience, you cannot expect to locate the malicious code that is responsible for all the trouble. If you manage to remove the malware without being able to identify the security gap with which it came from, it might not take long for you to fall victim to another attack. Play it safe and get an expert to check your website.
If you find a malware infection on your website, you should carry out the following steps:
1. Deactivate your website in order to limit the damage until the problem has been fixed.
2. Contact your web hoster and coordinate further action.
3. Check all user accounts for inconsistencies like new accounts that you did not create yourself. Change all the passwords (for users and administrators).
4. Try to determine all harmful sources to identify the total damage.
5. Use malware tools to clear your website of any spam or malicious codes.
6. Use undamaged backups if there are any available.
7. Update all installed software packets or install new ones.
8. Change all passwords again after the process is complete.
To minimize the risk of your web project being infected with malware there are several useful tools and codes of conduct to follow. Hackers most often gain access to a web project due to insecure passwords, infected work PCs, out-of-date applications, or an overcrowded, confusing web space. If you want complete protection against malware, you should heed the following advice:
It is imperative to use all the aforementioned measures to secure your website. Even the best security software will not recognize every attacker and won’t be of much use if it is not kept up-to-date. Pay particular attention to open source applications like WordPress, and make sure you don’t just download any plugins at random.
Check all offers and users for reputability first before accepting them for your project.
Want to make your website more secure? Learn more about SSL certificates from IONOS and how they increase your site’s trustworthiness.
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