How Do I Scan a WordPress Blog for Viruses?

Viruses on websites can infect the computers of visitors.

WordPress is software that you can use to build a blog without the need to know a programming language. If your WordPress site has been compromised, you may be flagged in search listings, making a dramatic decrease in traffic to your site. If you suspect you have spyware, viruses, worms or other type of malware on your site, you can use free online tools to check the blog for threats.

Instructions

1. Double-click the address of the WordPress site to highlight it and then press "Ctrl" and "C" on your keyboard to copy it.

2. Navigate to a website that offers free online virus scanning for websites. Three sites that offer that service are Dr. Web, AVG Online Scan or Online Link Scan.

3. Click in the "Scan" or "Scan link" text box and then press "Ctrl" and "V" on your keyboard to paste the URL into the box.

4. Click the "Scan" or "Scan link" button to start the scan. The scan may take a few moments. When the scan has finished, you'll receive a link scan summary, letting you know if the site is safe or infected.

References

• New Think Tank; Check or Scan Website for Malware and Viruses; May 2010
• Search Engine Land; Google Explains Malware Warning Policy & How to Fix Your Site; Matt McGee; October 2008

Resources

• Dr. Web: Scan
• AVG: AVG Online Web Page Scanner
• Online Link Scan