As of 2024, almost 200,000 malware attacks occur every second, and social engineering schemes comprise nearly 90% of cyber threats. After almost disappearing near the end of 2023, tech support scams increased steadily in the first few months of 2024. By the end of 2023, crypto-jacking attacks had exceeded one billion and are still going strong due to Bitcoin recently reaching an all-time high of over $100,000. Finally, the number of encrypted threats has more than doubled in 2024, particularly in the education, retail, and government sectors.
WordPress is the most widely used content management system worldwide, powering more than 40% of all websites. However, its popularity makes it a prime target for cyberattacks, including malware infections. Integrating malware scanning solutions into WordPress plans is critical for maintaining website security, protecting user data, and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Identify malware early and monitor continuously
Malware scanning solutions continuously monitor websites for malicious code, suspicious files, and vulnerabilities. Early detection prevents the spread of malware, minimizing damage.Malware scanning solutions integrated into WordPress hosting plans operate in real-time, scanning for threats as they emerge. This minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
Ease of use
Many WordPress users lack the technical expertise to identify and address malware manually. Integrated malware scanning tools offer user-friendly dashboards and automated scanning, making security accessible to all.Hosting plans with built-in malware scanning include one-click removal or quarantining of malicious files, streamlining the process for users.
Meet regulatory requirements
Many industries require compliance with specific data protection regulations. Malware scanning solutions help organizations meet these standards. E-commerce sites must adhere to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Malware scanning is a critical component of compliance for sites handling payment information.
Prevent downtime
Malware infections can lead to downtime, disrupting business operations. Integrated scanning solutions detect and neutralize threats promptly, reducing the likelihood of prolonged outages.Malware can corrupt files and compromise databases. Regular scans ensure that any malicious changes are caught early, protecting valuable data.
Integrate with WordPress hosting features
Hosting providers offering WordPress-specific plans optimize malware scanning tools for WordPress file structures, databases, and plugins, ensuring better detection rates.Hosting providers frequently update integrated solutions to address emerging threats and ensure the platforms remain compatible with new WordPress plugins, versions, and themes.
Malware scanning inspires trust
A hacked site can infect visitors with malware or phish their credentials. Scanning solutions help maintain a secure environment, protecting users from harm. This is paramount, as malware infections can cause irreparable damage to a brand’s reputation. PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey showed that data protection was the main factor affecting consumer trust, with 83% of respondents naming it as their top priority ahead of goods and services (79%), how businesses treat their employees (77%), and product prices (75%).
Reduced security costs
Malware scanning built into hosting plans eliminates the need for third-party security tools, reducing costs and simplifying management.Hosting providers often bundle malware scanning with other security features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and automatic backups, delivering a full-stack security solution at a lower overall cost.
Identifying plugin and theme vulnerabilities
Outdated or poorly coded WordPress plugins and themes, of which there are tens of thousands, are common entry points for malware. Integrated scanners can identify vulnerabilities in installed plugins and themes, offering recommendations to update or remove them.Many integrated malware solutions compare WordPress core files against the official versions, detecting unauthorized changes or malicious modifications.
Preventing damage to SEO and rankings
Search engines penalize sites infected with malware, leading to a drop in rankings and visibility. Integrated scanning ensures your site remains clean and avoids SEO penalties. What’s more, malware tends to slow down websites, negatively impacting user experience. Scanning solutions ensure malicious scripts don’t compromise performance.
Final thoughts
Malware scanning solutions integrated into WordPress plans are more than a convenience. They provide proactive security, protect customer trust, prevent downtime, and ensure compliance with industry standards, among others. By choosing a hosting provider that offers reliable malware scanning, WordPress site owners can safeguard their websites’ data and ensure a secure and seamless experience for visitors.
