9 best WordPress malware scanner plugins for protecting your website

WordPress malware scanner plugins detect, remove, and prevent malicious code from affecting your WordPress site. They’re essential to keep it secure and functioning. 

To help you choose the best option, we’ve put together a list of the top 9 malware scanner plugins for 2024. 

We’ve carefully evaluated each tool, considering its malware detection accuracy, performance impact, price, and additional features.

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Top 9 picks for WordPress malware scanners

Using a malware scanner plugin is the easiest and most efficient way to remove WordPress malware. 

It protects your website from being hacked by malicious software and keeps your data safe.

Let’s look into the best malware scanners in detail.

1. Wordfence Security

Wordfence Security is a popular WordPress security plugin that offers strong protection for your website. 

It uses a web application firewall (WAF) to block suspicious traffic and a malware scanner to check your site’s files for threats.

The plugin’s malware scanner examines core files, themes, and other plugins for malicious code, unauthorized changes, and potential vulnerabilities. It also checks file contents, posts, and comments for suspicious content and dangerous links.

It continuously monitors your website, lets you know if something is wrong, and helps you fix it.

To use Wordfence, install the plugin from the WordPress repository and follow the setup wizard. Then run manual scans or schedule automated checks to regularly monitor your site’s security. 

The plugin’s dashboard gives you an easy-to-understand overview of your site’s safety status.

Key Features:

• Real-time firewall updates: Get the latest protection rules as new threats are discovered (premium feature).
• Live traffic monitoring: See who’s visiting your site and spot potential attackers.
• Two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your login process.
• Country blocking: Prevent access from locations known for high rates of attacks (premium feature).
• Centralized management: Manage security for multiple sites from one dashboard.

Pros:

• All-in-one security solution with firewall and malware scanning.
• Regular updates to protect against new threats.
• User-friendly interface with clear security alerts.
• Extensive free version with many useful features.

Cons:

• Free version updates are delayed by 30 days.
• Can slow down some websites.
• Some advanced features are only available in the premium version.

Pricing: 

• The free version includes basic firewall protection, malware scanning, two-factor authentication, and live traffic monitoring.
• The premium plans start at $119/year. They add the real-time firewall rule, country blocking, and premium support.

Choosing a free or paid plan depends on your specific needs. 

The free version provides solid basic protection suitable for many WordPress sites. 

However, if you run a high-traffic site, handle sensitive data, or need immediate protection against the latest threats, the premium version would be a better choice.

Paid plans are also a better option for users who need premium support and want help installing and maintaining the plugin.

2. Solid Security

Solid Security combines malware scanning with proactive measures to protect your WordPress website from all types of threats.

Instead of just checking your site for known malware signatures, this security plugin uses a proactive strategy. It monitors your website for suspicious file changes, unusual user activities, and potential security vulnerabilities. 

This approach helps detect both known threats and new, as well as emerging types of malware that might slip past traditional scanners.

Solid Security also offers site templates, which automatically configure security settings based on your WordPress site type (e.g., eCommerce, blog, portfolio). This ensures that your site receives customized protection without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Finally, Solid Security integrates with Patchstack in its Pro version, offering virtual patching. This means it can protect your WordPress site from newly discovered vulnerabilities even before plugin or theme developers release official patches.

Key Features:

• Real-time security dashboard: Monitor your WordPress site’s security events, including brute force attacks and malware scans, from a centralized dashboard.
• Passwordless logins: Enhance WordPress login security with biometric authentication options.
• Automated vulnerability patching: Solid Security Pro Solid can automatically apply temporary safeguards to protect your WordPress site from newly discovered security weaknesses.
• User group security: Apply different security levels to various WordPress user accounts, allowing for more control.
• Site templates: Customize your experience and add protection measures necessary for your specific case.

Pros:

• Excellent for WordPress beginners thanks to its user-friendly interface and easy setup.
• Saves time for users managing multiple WordPress websites.
• More affordable than some competitors with similar feature sets.
• Strong focus on proactive security, not just reactive measures.

Cons:

• Some advanced malware detection and removal features are only available in the premium version.
• Works best for new WordPress sites and can create bugs when used with existing sites.
• Can make significant changes to your WordPress core files, which might cause compatibility issues.

Pricing:

• The free version includes basic malware scanning, brute force protection, and two-factor authentication for WordPress sites.
• The Pro version starts at $59.40 for the first year (regular price $99/year) for one site. Includes advanced features like real-time malware scanning, automated vulnerability patching, and passwordless logins.

The choice between free and paid versions also depends on your specific WordPress security needs and requirements. 

For most small to medium WordPress sites, the free version provides a solid foundation.

However, the Pro plan might be a better fit if you’re running an e-commerce site, handling sensitive data, or managing multiple WordPress installations.

3. Security Ninja

Security Ninja is a free malware scanner plugin that helps you detect malware, scan for vulnerabilities, and enhance overall website security. 

It offers all the necessary features to protect your WordPress site from various threats. 

For example, the plugin performs site scans to identify malware infections, suspicious code, and potential vulnerabilities. 

It also monitors files for unauthorized changes, helping to detect malicious code injections early on.

What’s special about Security Ninja is that it spots potential security issues without making automatic changes to your site. This allows you to maintain full control over your WordPress security measures. 

Security Ninja’s dashboard provides an overview of your WordPress site’s security status, including information about your WordPress version and all important security alerts.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive security audit: Run over 50 detailed checks on WordPress sites.
• Informative reporting: Improve your site’s security with clear explanations for each detected security issue.
• Vulnerability monitoring: Get alerts about security risks in your plugins and themes to stay ahead of potential attacks.
• Site-specific security templates: Receive tailored protection based on site type (e.g., eCommerce, blog).
• MainWP integration: Manage the security of multiple WordPress sites from a centralized dashboard.

Pros:

• Suitable for users who prefer to understand and control their site’s security.
• Minimizes the risk of functionality disruption thanks to its non-intrusive approach.
• Provides frequent updates to address new WordPress security threats.
• Works well for both single sites and WordPress multisite setups.

Cons:

• Does not include automatic malware removal.
• The free version lacks a web application firewall.
• May require more user involvement compared to fully automated solutions, making it less suitable for beginners.

Pricing:

• The free version includes basic security checks and vulnerability scanning.
• Paid plans start at $39.99/year for one site.

Like other plugins, Security Ninja provides all essential WordPress security features for free. 

However, its premium plans are suitable for users managing multiple websites who want advanced features like malware scanning and automated vulnerability patching.

4. All-In-One Security

ll-In-One Security (AIOS) is a WordPress malware scanner that combines multiple features into a single package to protect your site from various security threats.

AIOS provides tools for login protection, firewall implementation, file monitoring, and content security. It safeguards your site against malicious files, malware infection, infected files, and various hacker attacks.

AIOS comes with progressive security implementation. You can activate protection levels ranging from basic to advanced, and customize your security setup to grow with your needs.

AIOS also offers unique content protection features, such as preventing content scraping and unauthorized reproduction. In other words, it stops others from easily copying your text or displaying your pages on other sites without permission. 

Key Features:

• Login security suite: Implement strong password policies and protect your login page from unauthorized access.
• Web Application Firewall: Shield your site against security threats with advanced firewall protection.
• File change detection: Keep track of any unauthorized modifications to your WordPress core files for enhanced security.
• Content protection: Protect your website content with features like copy protection and iFrame prevention.
• Smart 404 Blocking: Automatically block IP addresses that generate excessive 404 errors to prevent potential attacks (premium feature).

Pros:

• Comprehensive security tool suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
• Regular updates to address new WordPress vulnerabilities.
• Doesn’t affect your website’s performance.
• Extensive free version with many useful security features.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in the premium version.
• Could conflict with other security plugins if not properly managed.
• A few users reported minor bugs and crashes triggered by the plugin.

Pricing:

• The free version includes essential security features like login protection, firewall, and basic file monitoring.

The premium plans start at $80/year, offering advanced features such as malware scanning and country blocking.

5. Defender Security

Defender is a highly-rated malware scanner that protects your WordPress site from all kinds of security threats, with an emphasis on ease of use.

Its “Security recommendations” feature provides one-click security improvement ideas. This way, you can improve your website without spending hours on technical tasks.

Beyond standard two-factor authentication, this malware scanner plugin includes login masking, which lets you change the location of your WordPress login page. This simple and effective measure can massively reduce automated attacks on your site.

Defender receives lots of positive reviews from users praising its effectiveness and stable performance.

Key Features:

• Security recommendations: Implement one-click website security improvements.
• Malware scanner: Scan your WordPress files, themes, and plugins for malicious code and unexpected changes.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Secure your login process with various authentication methods, including app verification and biometric options.
• Login protection: Mask your login page and set up lockout features to defend against brute force attacks.
• Firewall protection: Block malicious traffic and protect your site from common attacks like SQL injections.

Pros:

• Works well for beginners who don’t want to make each change manually.
• Offers a highly affordable pro plan.
• Includes unique features like login masking and Geo IP blocking.
• Offers regular updates to address new WordPress security threats.

Cons:

• Offers less control over the security changes implemented in your website.
• Some advanced features like malware scanning and Safe Repair are only available in the premium version.

Pricing:

• The free version offers all core security features.
• The Pro version starts at $3/month (billed annually) and includes advanced features like scheduled malware scanning and Safe Repair.

6. MalCare

MalCare is a powerful malware scanner that detects and removes malware and offers additional protective features. 

Its standout feature is cloud-based malware scanning, which enables detailed checks of your WordPress site without impacting your server’s performance.

It’s especially useful for sites with shared hosting or limited server resources.

MalCare’s instant malware removal feature is another highlight. It lets you clean your hacked site in less than 60 seconds with just one click. 

This way, you can prevent potential blacklisting by Google or suspension by your web host.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based malware scanning: Perform deep scans of your WordPress site’s files and database without slowing down your website.
• Instant malware removal: Clean your hacked site quickly with a one-click cleaner to prevent further damage.
• Web application firewall: Get real-time protection against the latest security threats, blocking hackers and bots before they can harm your site.
• Login protection: Prevent brute force attacks with CAPTCHA-based login page protection.
• Website hardening: Easily implement WordPress-recommended security best practices directly from MalCare’s dashboard.

Pros:

• Cloud-based scanning doesn’t impact your website’s performance.
• Works fast when it comes to malware detection and removal.
• Responsive and effective customer support.

Cons:

• Its premium plans are more pricey than some alternatives. 
• This plugin’s plans might have certain hidden limitations.
• Potential hidden fees once you start using the product.

Pricing:

• The free plan includes basic security features like daily malware scans and a real-time firewall.
• Paid plans start at $149/year for a single site, offering more frequent scans, instant malware removal, and additional features.

7. SecuPress

SecuPress is a freemium malware scanner that removes malware from your WordPress website.

It offers a full security scanner that identifies issues, notifies you, and fixes them for you.

This security plugin has a modern UI and is easy to use for WordPress users of all skill levels.

SecuPress offers a unique security audit feature that checks 35 security points in just 5 minutes, generating a security grade and a report for your website. This lets you quickly understand your site’s security status and take necessary actions.

Key Features:

• Security audit: Run a comprehensive scan of your WordPress site to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities.
• Users & login protection: Implement measures like limiting login attempts, banning non-existing username logins, and setting up two-factor authentication.
• Malware scan: Use its malware scanning service to detect and remove malicious files from your WordPress installation.
• Firewall protection: Block dangerous incoming requests and bots to keep your site secure from being hacked.
• Anti-spam system: Activate a built-in spam protection feature that works in the background.

Pros:

• Offers an easy-to-understand security grading system.
• Provides automated fixes for security issues while also asking for your permission first, which is great for both beginners and more advanced users.
• Has a modern, sleek UI.

Cons:

• Like with other plugins, some advanced features are only available in the premium version.
• Some users report the plugin’s dashboard to be confusing.
• It might not work properly when used alongside other malware scanners.

Pricing:

• The free version is available with core security features.
• The pro version starts at €60/year per site, offering advanced features like scheduled tasks, GeoIP blocking, and PHP malware scanning.

8. Security & Malware Scan by CleanTalk

CleanTalk’s malware scanner is a powerful tool for protecting your WordPress site from malicious code and security threats. 

This scanner is part of CleanTalk’s broader security suite and can be paired with other tools, such as SSL certificates and anti-spam services.

The malware scanner checks and compares your WordPress files with the original files, highlighting any that have been changed, deleted, or added. This approach is especially effective in identifying potentially malicious code injected into your WordPress installation.

The malware scanner plugin checks all files on your site and sends the suspicious ones to CleanTalk cloud.

Users can access the dashboard and evaluate changes implemented by the plugin.

Key Features:

• Daily automatic scans: Run scans automatically every day to catch threats before they become a bigger issue.
• File comparison: Compare your files with original WordPress files to detect unauthorized changes.
• Heuristic analysis: Use advanced techniques to identify potentially malicious code patterns. This means the scanner looks for known threats and can also spot new or disguised malware based on its behavior.
• Cloud-based logging: Store scan results in the cloud for 45 days for easy review and analysis.
• Manual scan option: Initiate on-demand scans when you suspect an issue.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Automated daily scans take the load off your shoulders.
• Cloud-based approach minimizes impact on your server resources.
• Offers fast and effective customer support.

Cons:

• The plugin’s UI is a bit cluttered and could be modernized.
• Several users reported bugs and issues triggered by the plugin.

Pricing:

• All basic scanning features are available in the free version.
• The full security suite (including advanced scanner features) starts at $9/year for one website.

9. BulletProof Security

BulletProof Security is a WordPress security plugin that includes features like a malware scanner, firewall protection, login security, and database backups.

The plugin offers a one-click Setup Wizard and claims to automatically fix over 100 known issues and conflicts with other plugins.

Key Features:

• One-click setup wizard: Get your security measures in place quickly and easily.
• Malware scanner: Check your site for malicious code and potential threats.
• Firewall protection: Use special rules to block common types of attacks on your website.
• Login security: Monitor and protect your login page from unauthorized access attempts.
• Database backup: Create full or partial backups of your database with scheduling options.

Pros:

• Offers an affordable Pro plan with a one-time payment which includes free upgrades and technical support for life.
• Automated setup and conflict resolution save time for the plugin’s users.
• Provides robust features even on the free plan.

Cons:

• There are several reviews reporting issues with the plugin’s effectiveness.
• The UI could be improved.

Pricing:

• You can use the free plugin with all core features. The free version is enough for most users.
• The Pro plan comes at $69.95 with a one-time purchase offering some extra features.

Why you should use a malware scanner for WordPress

Malware scanners for WordPress keep your website safe and ensure it runs smoothly. 

They protect your site from such issues as data breaches, unwanted ads and spam, blacklisting by search engines, SEO damage, and slowdowns.

This is how WordPress malware scanners provide protection:

• Plugin and theme risks: WordPress sites often use many plugins and themes. Old or poorly made ones can become easy targets for hackers. A malware scanner can find these weak spots before they cause problems for your website. 
• Backdoor attacks: Hackers might add secret ways to break into your site, bypassing normal authentication. These are hard to find without a scanner because they often look like normal files.
• Search engine problems: Malware can add spam or hidden links to your site. This can hurt how well your site ranks in search results. Regular scans can catch and fix these issues.
• Data theft: Malware can be used to steal important information from your site, like user details or financial data. A scanner stops this by finding and removing harmful code.
• Server-side risks: Some malware can affect your whole server beyond the WordPress site. This is especially problematic if you share a server with other websites. Malware scanners can prevent that from happening.
• Automatic attacks: Some advanced attacks can add malicious code to your site files without you knowing. Regular scanning helps catch these.

How often you scan your website depends on your site’s size and its traffic volumes. Here are some general tips:

• For small to medium sites: Run a full scan at least once a week.
• For big, high-traffic sites or online shops: Daily scans are best.
• After big updates or changes to your site: Always run a scan after one of those.

Overall, it’s best to use a scanner that always monitors the website for immediate threats and helps you fix issues in real-time.

Factors to consider when choosing a WordPress malware scanner

There are several important points to consider when choosing the best WordPress plugin for protecting your website:

1. Choose a scanner that checks all parts of your WordPress site, including core files and all other files, plugins, themes, and databases. It should also be able to find different types of threats, from simple to complex.

2. Pick a scanner that frequently updates its list of known threats. 

3. Some scanners can slow down your site and reduce its performance. An ideal malware scanner shouldn’t use too much of your site’s resources.

4. It should be easy to use, especially if you’re new to WordPress site management. Look for clear reports, clean UI, and responsive customer support. 

5. Choose a plugin that lets you set up automatic scans and provides updates in real-time.

6. Good scanners should be able to handle false alarms and avoid mistaking safe files for threats.

7. If you want full automation, choose scanners that find problems and help you remove malware. This is especially useful when you don’t have the technical expertise to add fixes manually. 

8. Choose a plugin that works with other security tools, such as firewalls and login protection.

9. Finally, always compare what you get in free and paid versions and check if the extra premium features are worth the cost.

Conclusion

Choosing the right WordPress malware scanner can help you have a secure and reliable website. Therefore, choosing one that best suits your needs is key.

We reviewed the best malware scanner plugins currently on the market, and some of the top options include:

• Wordfence Security: The most popular plugin that stands out for its comprehensive protection and user-friendly interface.
• Security Ninja: Provides solid services for more experienced users who want to control their website’s security.
• MalCare: Offers quick malware detection and automated cleaning features.
• Defender Security: Works great for beginners wanting to automate the entire process.

These options balance effectiveness, ease of use, and value for money. Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget.

WordPress malware scanner FAQs