If you’re seeing strange redirects, unexpected security warnings, or unexplained slowdowns, your WordPress site could be infected with malware. Some infections are obvious, but many are designed to stay hidden while quietly stealing traffic, injecting spam links, or sending visitors to other websites.
If you’ve noticed browser warnings, files you did not create inside your hosting account, or unusual admin accounts in your dashboard, take action immediately. The good news is that scanning a WordPress site for malware in 2026 does not require a developer or a security background. With the right tools, you can run a full virus scan, detect hidden code, and fix problems before your SEO or customer trust takes a hit.
This guide shows you exactly how to scan a WordPress site for malware in 2026. You’ll learn the signs of infection, how to scan with free and paid tools, why Jetpack Security is the best all-in-one option for most site owners, and what to do if malware is found.
If you want low effort protection and ongoing monitoring, Jetpack Security is the most complete solution for site owners who want peace of mind.
Quick Answer: The fastest way to run a WordPress virus scan is to use Jetpack Security, which provides real-time malware scanning, brute-force protection, and automatic backups. Free tools like Wordfence and Sucuri can run basic scans, while premium services like MalCare provide cloud-based scanning and cleanup options.
👉 If you want zero setup and constant protection, Jetpack Security is the most complete solution for site owners who want peace of mind.
Table of Contents:
- 1. Why Scanning for Malware Matters
- 2. Signs Your WordPress Site May Be Infected
- 3. The Fastest Way: Use Jetpack Security (Affiliate Section)
- 4. Free WordPress Malware Scanners
- 5. Premium Malware Scanning Solutions
- 6. How to Scan Your WordPress Site Manually
- 7. What to Do if Malware Is Found
- FAQ: WordPress Virus Scanning
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Scanning for Malware Matters
Malware in WordPress isn’t always obvious. Some attacks are noisy, your homepage is replaced with a hacker’s message or your checkout page stops working. But most infections are quiet, hidden deep inside your theme or plugin files. They might insert spammy links, redirect traffic to other sites, or run background processes that drain your server’s resources.
Left unchecked, malware can:
- Get your site blacklisted by Google (so it disappears from search results).
- Lead to stolen customer data if you run an eCommerce store.
- Hurt your SEO rankings by flooding your site with spammy links.
- Create downtime and lost revenue if your host suspends your account.
The scary part is that many infections go unnoticed for weeks or months. That’s why regular scanning is essential. Think of it like running antivirus software on your computer — except this time, it’s for your website.
👉 Related: How to Secure a WordPress Site
2. Signs Your WordPress Site May Be Infected
Before we dive into scanning tools, it’s worth knowing the red flags that suggest your site may already be infected:
- Unexpected redirects: Visitors are taken to unrelated sites, often adult or spammy pages.
- Strange users: New administrator accounts appear in your dashboard.
- File changes: Suspicious PHP or .htaccess files show up in your hosting account.
- Resource spikes: Your server slows down, uses abnormal CPU, or crashes often.
- Search engine warnings: Google Search Console flags your site as unsafe.
- Browser alerts: Visitors see “Deceptive site ahead” or “This site may harm your computer.”
- Spam in your pages: Hidden links or content you didn’t create appears in your posts.
These signs don’t always mean malware, but if even one appears, it’s time to run a scan immediately.
Next, we’ll go through the fastest scan method first (Jetpack), then cover free scanners, premium services, and manual checks.
3. The Fastest Way: Use Jetpack Security (Affiliate Section)
For most site owners, the easiest and most reliable way to scan for malware is by using Jetpack Security. Unlike free scanners that only check part of your site or run once in a while, Jetpack provides real-time malware scanning and integrates directly with your WordPress dashboard.
Step-by-step:
- Install the Jetpack plugin from your WordPress dashboard (Plugins → Add New → Jetpack).
- Connect your site to a WordPress.com account.
- Choose a Jetpack Security plan to unlock malware scanning and backups.
- Go to Jetpack → Security and enable malware scanning.
- Run your first scan. Jetpack will check files and key site areas for altered code, suspicious injections, and known malware signatures.
Why Jetpack stands out:
- Real-time protection: scans run automatically as changes happen
- Automatic backups: you always have safe restore points
- One-click restore: roll back to a clean version in minutes
- Brute-force protection: blocks bots hammering your login page
- Simple dashboard: scanning, backup, and security in one place
For small business owners, bloggers, and WooCommerce stores, this all-in-one approach saves enormous time and stress. Instead of juggling multiple plugins, Jetpack handles scanning, backups, and login protection in a single dashboard.
👉 Want peace of mind? Tap here to get Jetpack Security with real-time malware scanning and backups included
4. Free WordPress Malware Scanners
If you’re on a budget or just want to double-check your site occasionally, there are several free plugins and tools that can help. These aren’t as complete as Jetpack Security, but they’re still useful for site owners who want a no-cost solution.
- Offers a free malware scanner and firewall.
- Scans core files, themes, and plugins for suspicious changes.
- Alerts you if your site communicates with known malicious IP addresses.
- Downside: Free scans aren’t real-time, you’ll need to run them manually.
- A free web-based tool. Just enter your URL, and it scans your public pages for malware, spam, and blacklist warnings.
- Great for a quick check, but it can’t see files inside your hosting account, meaning some malware may go undetected.
- Another plugin that provides free scans for suspicious files and external links.
- Useful for detecting obfuscated code or iframes hidden in your site.
While these free tools are a good starting point, they tend to be reactive. They’ll find some issues but won’t catch everything. And if malware is hidden in your database or inside server files, you’ll need a premium solution to detect and clean it.
👉 Related: Best WordPress Plugins
5. Premium Malware Scanning Solutions
If your WordPress site is critical to your business, especially if you run WooCommerce or membership features, investing in premium scanning is worth it. Paid solutions don’t just detect malware; many also include cleanup, backups, and protection against future attacks.
Jetpack Security (Recommended)
- Real-time malware scanning and instant alerts.
- One-click restores from backups.
- Login protection and downtime monitoring.
- Plans start around $14/month.
MalCare
- Cloud-based malware scanning, so it doesn’t slow down your site.
- Includes one-click malware removal on premium plans.
- Strong option if you’ve already been hacked.
Wordfence Premium
- Adds real-time firewall rules and malware signatures.
- Includes country blocking and IP blacklists.
- Great for tech-savvy site owners who want control.
Sucuri Security (Paid)
- Includes continuous monitoring, malware removal, and a firewall.
- One of the most recognized names in WordPress security.
- Strong support team for hacked-site cleanups.
Comparison Table: WordPress Malware Scanning Tools
| Tool | Best For | Scanning Type | Cleanup Help | Backups Included | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetpack Security | Small business sites, WooCommerce, non-technical owners | Real-time scanning | Restore via backup | Yes | From about $14/month |
| Wordfence (Free) | DIY owners running occasional checks | Manual scans | Manual | No | Free |
| Wordfence Premium | Advanced users who want faster rules | Real-time signatures | Manual | No | About $119/year |
| MalCare | Sites needing cloud scanning and easier cleanup | Cloud-based scanning | One-click removal (paid) | Depends on plan | From about $99/year |
| Sucuri (Paid) | Agencies and high-traffic sites | Monitoring + firewall | Cleanup included | No | From about $199/year |
If you want the simplest setup with scanning plus backups in one place, Jetpack Security is the easiest all-in-one choice for most WordPress site owners.
Our Pick: Get Jetpack Security here
6. How to Scan Your WordPress Site Manually
For developers or advanced users, it’s possible to scan WordPress without plugins. This takes more time but gives you full visibility.
Step 1: Check Core Files
- Compare your wp-admin and wp-includes folders to a fresh WordPress download from wordpress.org.
- Look for unexpected PHP files or modifications.
Step 2: Review wp-config.php and .htaccess
- Malware often hides code snippets here, such as redirects or eval() functions.
- If you see something unfamiliar, cross-check it with WordPress documentation.
Step 3: Use Hosting Security Tools
- Many cPanel hosts include virus scanners under “Security.” Run them periodically.
- Some hosts also offer ModSecurity logs that show blocked malicious requests.
Step 4: Database Inspection
- Malware sometimes injects spam links directly into your database.
- Use phpMyAdmin to scan wp_posts and wp_options for suspicious code (like base64 strings or iframe injections).
Manual scanning is powerful, but it’s not practical for daily use. That’s why even experienced developers often install a plugin like Jetpack or Wordfence for ongoing monitoring.
7. What to Do if Malware Is Found
Running a scan is only half the job. If malware is detected, you’ll need to remove it quickly to prevent further damage.
Immediate Steps:
- Back up your current site (even if it’s infected). This gives you a fallback.
- If you use Jetpack Security, restore your site to the most recent clean backup.
- If you use Wordfence or MalCare, follow their guided malware removal process.
- Change all admin passwords and update user accounts.
- Contact your host if files outside WordPress have been compromised.
Professional Cleanup:
If you’re overwhelmed, companies like Sucuri and MalCare offer professional cleanup services. They’ll remove malware, patch vulnerabilities, and harden your site.
👉 Related: Restore a WordPress Site
Preventing Future Infections
Preventing malware from getting into your WordPress site is far easier than cleaning up after an infection. Think of scanning as your smoke alarm, while prevention is the fireproofing that reduces the chance of problems in the first place.
1. Use managed WordPress hosting when your site matters
If your site supports your business, upgrading to managed WordPress hosting can remove many common vulnerabilities. Platforms like WordPress.com and Pressable include SSL, daily backups, and proactive malware monitoring. Because the server environment is hardened specifically for WordPress, many attacks are stopped before they ever reach your dashboard.
2. Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated
Outdated plugins and themes are one of the most common entry points for malware. Make it a habit to log in at least once per week and apply updates. For ecommerce or membership sites, enable auto-updates and rely on backups so you can roll back quickly if something breaks.
3. Reduce your plugin and theme footprint
Every plugin is another potential attack surface. Stick to tools from reputable developers and remove anything you are not actively using. Delete unused plugins and themes instead of simply deactivating them, since inactive code can still be exploited.
4. Secure admin access and logins
Use strong, unique passwords for all administrator accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Brute-force login attacks remain one of the most common ways WordPress sites are compromised. Security tools like Jetpack automatically block malicious login attempts, reducing this risk significantly.
5. Schedule regular scans and maintain backups
Even well-maintained sites can be targeted. For smaller blogs, weekly scanning is a reasonable baseline. For business or ecommerce sites, real-time scanning and daily backups are safer. Having a clean restore point often turns a major incident into a five-minute fix.
6. Lock down common attack paths
Disable file editing from the WordPress dashboard and use proper file permissions for sensitive files like wp-config.php and .htaccess. These steps limit what an attacker can modify if they gain access and help contain potential damage.
When you combine smart prevention habits with reliable scanning and backups, malware becomes far less disruptive. If something does slip through, you will be prepared to act quickly and recover without panic.
👉 Related: Jetpack Security Plugin
FAQ: WordPress Virus Scanning
Use Google’s Safe Browsing status page and check Google Search Console for security issues.
1. How often should I scan my WordPress site for malware?
At least weekly. For business or eCommerce sites, daily or real-time scanning is recommended.
2. Can I remove malware myself?
Yes, with backups and plugins like Jetpack or MalCare. But if you’re unsure, use a professional cleanup service.
3. Do free plugins provide enough protection?
Free tools like Wordfence help, but they don’t provide real-time protection. For peace of mind, premium solutions are better.
4. Will Google block my site if it’s infected?
Yes. Google often blacklists hacked sites, which removes them from search results until the malware is gone.
5. Is Jetpack Security worth paying for?
For most small businesses, yes. It combines malware scanning, backups, and brute-force protection in one tool.
6. Can I use multiple security plugins at once?
Not recommended. They often conflict and slow down your site. Choose one comprehensive solution.
7. What if I don’t fix malware right away?
It will likely spread, infect visitors, or cause your host to suspend your account. Act quickly.
8. Does malware always show symptoms on my site?
No. Many infections are designed to stay hidden for as long as possible, quietly stealing data or redirecting only certain visitors (like those from search engines). That’s why proactive scanning is essential, you can’t rely on visual signs alone.
9. How do I check if my site is blacklisted by Google?
Use the Google Safe Browsing Tool
10. Can malware hide in my database?
Yes. Some infections inject malicious links or scripts directly into your posts and options tables. That’s why full scans need to cover both your files and your database. Jetpack Security and MalCare both check your database during scans.
11. Should I pay for malware removal services?
If your site is already hacked and you can’t fix it yourself, paying for professional cleanup (through Sucuri, MalCare, or your host) is often the fastest route. They not only remove malware but also patch vulnerabilities and harden your site.
12. How do I keep clients safe if I manage multiple WordPress sites?
Use a central dashboard like Jetpack, MainWP, or ManageWP. These platforms let you monitor, update, and scan multiple sites at once, saving hours of work and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
13. Can malware redirect only some visitors?
Yes. Some malware targets specific traffic sources, such as visitors coming from Google, mobile users, or certain countries. That is why a site can look normal to you but still harm real visitors. A scan plus a security review is the safest approach.
Final Thoughts
Malware can feel intimidating, but scanning and fixing WordPress infections does not need to be complicated. The key is to treat security like maintenance: scan regularly, keep backups ready, and reduce the common ways attackers get in.
Free tools like Wordfence and Sucuri are helpful for occasional checks, but if your website supports your income, client trust, or ecommerce revenue, a premium solution is the safer long-term move.
Jetpack Security is the easiest all-in-one option for most site owners because it combines real-time malware scanning, brute-force protection, and automatic backups in one dashboard. If something goes wrong, you can restore quickly and get back to normal without turning security into a full-time job.
👉 Ready to protect your WordPress site? Tap here to get Jetpack Security with malware scanning and backups included
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