Malware scanning and cleanup for Adelaide websites
If your website has been flagged by Google, is redirecting visitors to dodgy sites or is behaving strangely, there's a good chance it's been compromised. We clean up infected Adelaide business websites, remove every trace of malware and then harden the site to make a repeat much less likely. The sooner you act, the less damage is done.
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The short answer
If your website is hacked, flagged by Google or redirecting visitors, WaTo Consulting cleans it by hand, removes hidden backdoors and patches the hole the attacker used. Most cleanups for Adelaide businesses are done within 24 hours, followed by a Google review request where needed and regular scanning to catch any reinfection.
What is malware scanning and cleanup?
Malware scanning checks your website files, database and server for malicious code: things like hidden backdoors, redirect scripts, spam injections and cryptocurrency miners that attackers plant on compromised sites. Cleanup is the process of removing all of it, restoring clean files and patching the vulnerability that let the attacker in. Deleting the obvious infection is only the start. We find every hidden piece and close the door behind the attacker.
What we do
Full site scan
Every file, database table and server configuration checked for malicious code, backdoors, injected scripts and anything that shouldn't be there.
Malware removal
All malicious code cleaned out file by file, including obfuscated scripts that automated scanners often miss.
Backdoor removal
Hidden access points that attackers leave behind found and removed so they can't just walk back in after you clean the obvious stuff.
Google blacklist removal
If your site has been flagged with a 'This site may be hacked' warning, we submit a review request to Google once the cleanup is complete.
Vulnerability patching
The security hole that let the attacker in identified and patched, whether it was an outdated plugin, weak password or misconfigured server.
Ongoing scanning
Regular automated scans set up to catch any future infections early, before they cause damage or trigger Google warnings.
Who it's for
- Businesses whose website has been hacked, defaced or is showing suspicious behaviour.
- Sites flagged by Google with a security warning that's scaring away visitors and killing search rankings.
- Companies that have cleaned up an infection before but it keeps coming back.
- Any Adelaide business that wants regular scanning to catch problems before they become disasters.
How it works
- Emergency assessment. We examine your site to confirm the infection, identify the type of malware and assess how much damage has been done.
- Quarantine and backup. The infected site backed up for reference, and if necessary, taken offline temporarily to stop the malware from spreading or harming visitors.
- Deep clean. Every malicious file, injected script and database entry removed by hand. We go through it all manually rather than relying on what the scanner finds.
- Patch and harden. The vulnerability that allowed the infection patched, software updated, passwords changed and file permissions tightened to prevent reinfection.
- Verify and monitor. Clean site tested, Google review request submitted if needed, and ongoing scanning set up to catch any future issues early.
Why WaTo for malware cleanup
- We do manual cleanup instead of running an automated scanner and hoping for the best. Backdoors and obfuscated code need human eyes.
- We find how the attacker got in and fix it, not just clean up the mess and leave the door open.
- Local Adelaide support since 2001. When your site is hacked, you need someone who responds fast, not a ticket queue.
- We set up ongoing scanning so future infections are caught early, not months later when Google flags your site.
- We manage your hosting and security together, so one team can access everything needed to clean up and lock down your site.
Malware cleanup questions
How did my website get hacked?
Most website infections come from outdated software: an old WordPress version, a plugin with a known vulnerability, or a weak admin password. Attackers use automated tools to scan thousands of sites for these weaknesses, so it's usually not personal. We'll identify the specific entry point during cleanup.
How long does cleanup take?
Most cleanups are completed within 24 hours. Complex infections with multiple backdoors or database-level compromises may take longer. If your site is actively harming visitors, we'll take it offline temporarily while we work.
Will I lose any data?
We aim to preserve all your legitimate content and data. In rare cases where malicious code is deeply embedded in the database, some manual reconstruction may be needed, but we always work from backups to minimise any loss.
How do I stop it happening again?
Keep everything updated, use strong passwords and enable regular scanning. We set all of this up as part of the cleanup process and can provide ongoing maintenance to keep your site protected long-term.
Guides on this topic
- What to do if you've been hacked
- Why keep WordPress updated
- Website maintenance checklist for small business
Ready to clean up your site?
If your website has been hacked or flagged, get in touch now. The sooner we start, the less damage is done.
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
