We all know how Internet has made our lives so easy. Here, you get the freedom to access relevant information, grow a business, create a service, and much more. However, you also get some cons like cyber threats. And if you are a website owner, then one challenge that you might face is the URL Blacklist virus. The search engines blacklist the URLs and IPs whenever they see a threat. And if your website is on the list of these blacklisted sites, you should know how to fix this issue from your website.
Contents
What Is URL Blacklist Virus?
In general, the URL Blacklist virus is a list of websites or URLs that are categorized as unsafe. Once it comes in this category, the website is blacklisted from all the search engines including Google, McAfee SiteAdvisor, etc. It happens when they find a potential risk like phishing, trojan horses, spam, and much more. Search engines like Google also use terms like blocklists in place of blacklists.
By blocking the websites, the search engines restrict the users to further proceed with the website. The user sees an overridden page that indicates the infected website. They even stop the owners from the dangerous risks involved from the attacker’s side.
However, are you still wondering how did your website URL got blacklisted? Read the next section to learn about it.
How Does a Website URL Get Blacklisted?
Search engines like Google always attempt to provide their users with a safe and protected environment. Their prime intention is to intercept illegal internet activities. It requires a vast number of resources to flag the inappropriate sites that display certain threats.
In the end, every search engine tries to keep its reputation clean by blacklisting infected websites and keeping the users safe from such threats. It involves a routine removal of such threats. Here are a few reasons why the sites are blacklisted.
- Schemes like Phishing
- Trojan Horse
- Flaming
- Pharma Hacks
- SEO Spams
- Unsafe Plugins and Libraries
- Trolling
If the browser discovers any of these threats, it will blacklist the website. Also, it will enable a security alarm to its users to show that it is unsafe to visit the website.
How To Know If The URL Is Blacklisted?
In many cases, the site owner is not aware of such threats on their site. Hence, it is necessary to know whether your website is under the URL blacklist virus or not. Is this what you are searching for? Well, here are a few ways to check if your website is blacklisted or not.
1. Google’s Safe Browsing
Safe browsing is one of the tools by Google. Here, the browser directly tells you about the threat and risk associated with the site. Also, you will learn whether your site is in the URL black list or not.
2. Google Analytics
The Google Search Console is a tool that tells you about the URL blacklist virus. Here’s how.
The console gives you detailed information on the errors and risks associated with the website. Also, this tool takes the traffic analysis that determines the visitor’s flow. Further, if you see a rapid decline on a website, it means the website is blacklisted.
How To Remove URL Blacklist Virus?
If you find out that your website is in the blacklisted category, you will need to fix the website first. Once done, your website will start working again.
1. Scan For Viruses
Scanning is one of the most prominent methods to remove the URL Blacklist virus. It will not only remove the infected file but also completely clean the website. You can opt for plugins or manual ways to scan your website. While the manual procedure takes some time to clean your website, it also holds the risk to break the portal. Hence, we would recommend you perform scans through plugins.
One such plugin is Malcare. It is easy to use. Just install it and tap on the button to scan your website.
2. Clean Your Site
The next thing that you can try is to clean your website. Your website should be out of all the phishing links. And hence, it is one of the effective methods to remove the URL blacklist virus. You can go for SiteLock, WordFence, etc. These are a few popular solutions that clear your site by scanning, removing malware, and fixing several security issues to remove the site from the URL blacklist.
These are paid services that start from $99/year. Anyway, it is the best investment as you get protected from future threats.
3. Summit The URL To Review
After you have cleaned your website from every malware and virus, you can now submit your URL to review on Google Search Console again. You can request to reaccess the website.
To do so, visit the Google Search Console and go to Security Tab. Click on the tab “I have fixed these issues” and next click on “Request a review”. Here you need to list all the actions you have performed to fix the URL Blacklist virus. Google may take a few days to complete the review. If your website is clear from all the issues then Google will remove it from the URL Blacklist.
Final Words
Finally, we come to an end with the URL blacklist virus. And now, you must’ve learned all the possible fixes associated with the issue. With the frequent increase in cybercrimes, it is necessary to opt for a proper security system that can reduce the threats and protect your website. Moreover, the above-mentioned steps are a must if you are looking to fix the blacklisted websites.
I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any suggestions or queries, you can leave them in the comment box. Until then Happy surfing!!
Leave a Reply