How to detect and remove Sign1 malware on WordPress site

Overview of Sign1 Malware

Sign1 malware is a sophisticated threat that has been compromising WordPress websites on a large scale. Over 39,000 websites have been affected by this campaign, which primarily redirects visitors to scam domains and displays unwanted popup ads.

Infection Process in WordPress

The infection process of Sign1 malware involves JavaScript injections that compromise websites. Attackers inject the malware into custom HTML widgets and legitimate plugins on WordPress sites, which then inject the malicious Sign1 scripts. This method allows hackers to infect websites without placing any malicious code into server files, enabling the malware to remain unnoticed for longer periods.

Detection and Removal Methods

Detecting Sign1 malware can be challenging due to its evasion techniques. Signature-based detection methods are less effective against such threats because they can alter their characteristics to avoid detection. However, website owners can look for signs of infection, such as unexpected redirects or popup ads. To detect and remove Sign1 malware, we recommend using special antivirus plugins such as Sucuri and MalCare, that can scan all WordPress files and carefully remove injections.

Download Malware Removal Plugin

Sucuri Security Dashboard

Sucuri Security Firewall

Sucuri Security Protection Settings

Download Sucuri Security

To remove Sign1 malware from WordPress completely, we recommend you to use Sucuri Security. The Sucuri Security WordPress plugin is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect WordPress websites from threats and unauthorized access. It offers a suite of tools that include security activity auditing, file integrity monitoring, malware scanning, blacklist monitoring, and website firewall integration.

Download alternative solution

MalCare Dashboard

MalCare Scan Results

MalCare Scanner

Download MalCare Security

To remove Sign1 malware from WordPress completely, we recommend you to use MalCare Security. The MalCare Security WordPress plugin is an all-in-one security solution designed to protect WordPress websites against malware, hacks, and other security threats. It features an advanced malware scanning and removal technology that efficiently identifies and cleans up malicious code without slowing down the website.

To remove Sign1 malware, website owners should:

1. Look for backdoors in the webroot and uploads directories.
2. Check for modified index.php files and other core WordPress files.
3. Scan for appended obfuscated JavaScript within files.
4. Check the database for injections and remove any malicious content.
5. Remove backdoor injectors that may be present in theme files.
6. Remove any bogus admin users that have been created by the malware.

Website Protection Strategies

Protecting a website from threats like Sign1 malware involves a multi-faceted security approach. This includes integrating signature-based detection with advanced techniques such as behavioral analysis, heuristics, machine learning, and anomaly detection. Additionally, website owners should:

1. Keep all software, including WordPress and its plugins, up to date.
2. Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
3. Employ security plugins that offer file integrity checks and hardening measures, like Sucuri Security or MalCare Security.
4. Implement application allowlisting to block unauthorized software.
5. Regularly back up the website to recover quickly in case of an infection.
6. Stay informed about the latest threat intelligence and adopt proactive security strategies.

By embracing these measures, organizations can better fortify their defenses against the relentless onslaught of malware campaigns like Sign1. It’s crucial to maintain vigilance and implement robust security protocols to safeguard WordPress websites from such sophisticated threats.