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GLOSSARY

What is Malware?

DEFINITION

Malware is malicious software placed on a website or device to cause harm. On a website it often hides in an outdated plugin or theme, or arrives through a stolen password.

It can inject spam links, redirect visitors to scam sites, steal form data or use your server to attack others. Signs include unexpected redirects, strange pages in Google results, a browser or search warning, or a host suspension. Removal means finding every infected file and the way in, then fixing it, since cleaning the symptoms alone lets it return. Why it matters: Malware can get your site blacklisted and your visitors harmed, and the longer it sits the harder recovery gets.

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