7 WordPress Anti-Malware Plugins for Security Threats

It is common for websites to suffer from malware attacks, and WordPress websites are still the easiest targets. If not resolved in a timely manner, the WordPress hosting server may suspend your account, and even major search engines like Google may blacklist the site and no longer include it.

Using an anti-malware plugin is one of the most common choices

Using anti-malware plugins for WordPress is one of the better ways to remove malware and even prevent malicious attacks. These plugins protect websites by preventing and resolving security issues. They can scan for harmful content and remove it. There are both free and paid options available in the market, so you guys can choose the best plugin for your needs.

Why are WordPress websites often attacked?

Due to its popularity, WordPress has become a prime target for hackers.According to Sucuri's 2022 reportGundam 96.2%'s hacked website WordPress is used. and the number one way these sites are attacked? That's right. malware. Malware takes over the 72% attack Type!

Hackers also like to use backdoor hacking to populate websites with spam in order to improve their own rankings. It's a bit "dirty", but understanding how hackers operate is the first step in protecting your website.

Distribution of infected website platforms in 2022 (source: Sucuri)

• WordPress has the lion's share

Hackers also utilize different malware (Malware Families) to spread their attacks. The following chart shows the distribution of malware.

How Anti-Malware Plugins Protect WordPress Websites?

One can visualize the malware removal plugin as a website "bodyguard". It will constantly check the site's files, code and database for any potential threats hidden in them.

These plugins act as digital detectives, looking for patterns that match known malicious content, much like comparing fingerprints. If suspicious content is found, they can quarantine it, remove it entirely, or alert administrators to take further steps.

In addition to finding and removing malware, these plug-ins act as barriers to attacks that could steal website data, affect search engine rankings, or even infect visitors' computers.

WordPress Best Anti-malware Plugin Recommendations

Now that you know how to choose the right WordPress anti-malware plugin for your website, here are some of the commonly used plugins in the market to refer to.

1. Wordfence Security

Wordfence Anti-Malware Plugin

Wordfence is an integrated security plugin that protects websites from hackers and malware.

It provides comprehensive security features including firewall, malware scanner, and login security, making malware removal on WordPress very efficient.With malware definitions and signatures updated on a daily basis, Wordfence is one of the most powerful tools for website scanning and security protection.

Wordfence Plugin Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

Wordfence is a Freemium (free + paid) is a WordPress security plugin that offers a variety of features such as unlimited site usage, country/region blocking, real-time malware signature updates, and real-time IP blacklisting. It stands out for its deep integration with WordPress without compromising encryption or leaking data.

Malware Protection with Wordfence Firewall

Source: WordPress.org

Wordfence Central Ability to manage the security of multiple websites from a single dashboard. It provides one-stop security assessment, detailed reporting, template configuration, customizable alerts (with support for email, SMS, Slack) and real-time tracking of critical security events.

core functionality

• Endpoint Firewall
• Malware Scanner
• Real-time traffic monitoring
• Brute Force Protection
• Functionality that prevents attackers from accessing your site
• Wordfence Central: Centralizing Security for Multiple Websites

vantage

✓ Protecting websites from common security threats
✓ Simple to install and easy to use
✓ Offer a free version
✓ Real-time threat defense updates
✓ Support for two-step authentication

drawbacks

✗ May not detect malware in database
✗ The free version has a 30-day delay in accessing the latest malware signatures
✗ Premium features require a paid subscription

2. All-In-One Security (AIOS)

AIOS plugin landing page

Source: WordPress.org

All-In-One Security is a versatile security shield plugin. The free version offers a variety of features to protect websites from unauthorized access attempts, malicious traffic, comment spam and content theft threats.

By upgrading to the Premium version, more features can be unlocked, such as malware scanning for proactive threat detection and removal, uptime monitoring to ensure websites remain accessible, and prioritized customer support services for security issues.

Login security tools include login attempt lockout, forcing users to log out, hiding the login page from bots, and changing the default wp_ prefix.AIOS is an anti-malware plugin for WordPress that also allows you to track website activity for better security monitoring.

AIOS malware removal dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

AIOS' firewall settings are covered from basic level to intermediate level to advanced level. Not limited to basic protection, it automatically updates the firewall to defend against the latest attack vulnerabilities to keep your website safe and secure without frequent upgrades, even for free users. This proactive approach to protection is supported through Perishable Press's 6G Blacklist Further enhancements.

AIOS Malware Removal Plugin Scanner

Source: WordPress.org

core functionality

• IP Address Collection
• Document integrity check
• Backup and Recovery
• 6G Blacklist
• Content Protection Function
• Audit Log Records
• 404 Blocking Functions
• Country/Region Masking Function

vantage

✓ Multiple security features available at no cost
✓ Easy to use, no complex configuration required
✓ Multi-language translation support
✓ Prevent other websites from copying your content

drawbacks

✗ Limited malware protection in the free version
✗ Firewall functionality relies heavily on modifying the .htaccess file
✗ No vulnerability detection feature

3. Sucuri Security

Source: WordPress.org

Sucuri Security is a well-known external malware scanning tool. Although it lacks internal scanning features, it excels in recovering after a hack. Its features include file integrity checking and one-click plugin reset, which is perfect for cleaning up compromised websites. It also works immediately by resetting security keys and user passwords.

Sucuri Security Plugin Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

Sucuri employs layered security measures, starting with constant scanning of websites to identify suspicious activity and potential vulnerabilities through proactive features such as security activity auditing and file integrity monitoring. It also offers remote malware scanning, which can uncover hidden threats, and blacklist monitoring to ensure your site is not associated with malicious activity.

Sucuri's effective security hardening practices further enhance threat prevention. The free version offers these core features, while the premium version includes a website firewall that provides additional protection for websites against malicious traffic.

Sucuri Security Alert Function

Source: WordPress.org

core functionality

• Blocking Blacklisted IP Addresses
• Remove hidden backdoor programs
• Provide post-hacking recovery tools
• Cleaning up infected files
• Secure operations after hacking
• Security notification
• Remote malware scanning
• security enhancement

vantage

✓ Audit Log Search and Filtering
✓ Unlimited on-demand scanning
✓ Login timestamp visibility
✓ Cache Control Header Information

drawbacks

✗ False alarms may exist
✗ Premium features may be overpriced for some users

Please feel free to let me know if you need more information or adjustments!

4. MalCare

MalCare malware removal plugin

Source: WordPress.org

MalCare is a powerful WordPress anti-malware plugin developed based on the analysis of over 240,000 websites. It utilizes more than 100 signals to detect malware, and even complex malware can be found before it can damage a website. With its "One-click malware removal" feature, you can quickly clean up your website in 60 seconds.

MalCare comes with a cloud-based firewall that gives you 24/7 protection against spam attacks. It also has a vulnerability detection feature that alerts administrators of any risks to their website.

In addition, MalCare offers a comprehensive site management module that integrates security features and site management tools into the WordPress dashboard. This centralized platform helps users manage security and monitor site health.

MalCare Malware Removal Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

The advanced version of MalCare further improves the efficiency of WordPress malware removal and provides a white-label solution that allows agencies to serve their clients under their own brand.MalCare also allows users to generate professional reports for their clients to view.

core functionality

• security enhancement
• Automatic malware scanning
• blacklist monitoring
• Repairing Corrupt Files
• Secure operations after hacking
• CAPTCHA-based login protection

vantage

✓ Easy to use
✓ Effective defense against zero-day malware
✓ No impact on site performance
✓ Responsive customer service

drawbacks

✗ The free version does not support database scanning
✗ Limited customization in the free version

Please feel free to let me know if further adjustments or additional content is needed!

5. SecuPress

SecuPress Plugin

Source: WordPress.org

SecuPress is a moderately effective WordPress security plugin designed to improve site security without affecting site performance.

The plugin offers a wealth of features to protect websites while avoiding excessive technical jargon. The free version performs well for users with active protection, but for those who need more support, the paid version may be required.

SecuPress Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

SecuPress scans for website health and generates exportable reports in PDF format. It has a variety of security features, including homebrew CAPTCHA, which provides an alternative to Google CAPTCHA.

SecuPress hides website login pages to prevent bot attacks, as well as blocking brute-force breaking attacks. It effectively protects critical information by hiding login error messages. In addition, SecuPress offers IP whitelisting and blacklisting capabilities.

SecuPress security measures are not limited to the server, but can also detect unauthorized changes to posts and pages and send you notifications of security events via email and Slack.

core functionality

• Anti-bragging login
• anti-spam measures
• Blocking IP
• firewalls
• Malware scanning
• security alert

vantage

✓ User-friendly interface
✓ Send security alerts
✓ Provide security reports

drawbacks

✗ Not compatible with other security plugins
✗ Free versions have less efficient malware scanning
✗ The free version does not provide a clearing function

Please feel free to let me know if further adjustments or additional content is needed!

6. Titan Anti-Spam & Security

Titan WordPress Security Plugin

Source: WordPress.org

Titan Anti-Spam & Security is another great WordPress anti-malware plugin.

It addresses website security from multiple angles, providing a strong defense system for your WordPress website. In addition to basic spam protection, Titan has features to protect your site'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 1,000 signatures for basic scanning, while upgrading to the Pro version unlocks advanced scanning based on over 6,000 signatures.

Titan Malware Scanning Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

Like most anti-malware plugins, Titan includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF). In the Pro version, firewall rules are updated in real time through the Threat Protection channel.

In addition, Titan's Attack Logs provide a unique perspective that is different from traditional analytics tools. They provide real-time information about potentially malicious visits and hacking attacks, including the source of the visitor, IP address, timestamp, and time spent on the site.

Titan also offers a three-step intelligent spam filtering service. The anti-spam feature uses a large database and self-learning capabilities to scrutinize comments and block spam.

core functionality

• Real-time IP Blacklisting
• security audit
• Website Checker
• Two-step verification (2FA)
• backup function

vantage

✓ Popular choices
✓ Covers multiple security aspects
✓ Suitable for beginners

drawbacks

✗ Higher resource usage
✗ Complicated configuration of some features

7. Jetpack

Source: WordPress.org

Jetpack is a versatile WordPress plugin that offers a wealth of features including security protection, performance optimization and marketing tools. Developed by Automattic, Jetpack bridges the gap between self-hosted WordPress sites and WordPress.com features.

In addition to providing the all-important Web Application Firewall (WAF) as an additional layer of protection, Jetpack also provides the 24/7 automatic website security protectionIt includes real-time automatic backup, easy recovery, malware scanning and spam protection. Key features such as protection against brute force attacks and website status monitoring (uptime/downtime monitoring) are provided free of charge.

Jetpack Malware Removal Dashboard

Source: WordPress.org

Jetpack automatically scans for malware and other code threats and offers one-click fixes for quick recovery if your website is attacked.Jetpack also offers one-click real-time backups and comes with 10GB of cloud storage (expandable) to ensure worry-free website recovery and data security.

core functionality

• Automatic malware scanning
• threat notice
• brute force attack (Brute Force)
• Using the WordPress.com login feature
• Auditable activity log
• Simplified website management

vantage

✓ Provides a wide range of functions
✓ External dashboard management
✓ Support for backup and recovery in emergencies

drawbacks

✗ Malware scanning as a paid feature
✗ Some users have reported that the plugin may cause a slight slowdown of the site

summarize

The flexibility of WordPress and its rich library of plugins have made it a popular choice for many website owners. However, this openness can also pose a security risk. Malicious code can be hidden in seemingly innocuous plugins and themes, threatening the security of an entire website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I remove JavaScript malware?
Removing JavaScript malware can be complicated. It is recommended to use a trusted security plugin for this. For more serious infections, consider hiring a WordPress security expert. Be sure to back up your site before proceeding.

Q: How do I detect malware on WordPress?
Malware is often difficult to detect. Security plug-ins can be used to scan for threats. In addition, keep an eye out for unusual website behavior, such as slowed performance or strange content, and be alert for suspicious emails or search engine warnings.

Q: How can I scan my WordPress site for malware for free?
There are several free plugins that scan for malware, such as Wordfence, Sucuri and MalCare.These tools are very popular. However, please note that free scanning tools may have some limitations. For more comprehensive protection, consider using a paid option.

Q: How can I tell if my site is infected with malware?
Malware is usually very stealthy. Keep an eye out for sudden changes, such as traffic anomalies, login problems, or receiving security alerts. If you suspect your website is infected with malware, take immediate steps to secure it.