Malware FAQ

Questions:

What is malware?
What does blacklisted mean?
Is a small Web site at risk for malware?
How did someone infect my Web site?
How do I know if my Web site is free of malware?
Could Web site malware scanning slow down my Web site?
How can I protect my site from malware?
What happens if malware is detected on my Web site?
What does Symantec™ Safe Site mean to my customers?

Answers:

What is malware?
Malware is a general term for malicious software and is a growing problem on the Internet. Hackers install malware without your consent by exploiting security weaknesses on your server and gaining access to your Web site. The malware code is not visible or easily detected, and may infect your customers' computers when they simply browse your Web site. Hackers use it to spread viruses, hijack your computer or steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers or other personal information.

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What does blacklisted mean?
Because of the potential damage caused by malware, Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines place any site found with malware on a blocked list or blacklist, excluding it from search results. If your site is blacklisted, it may be blocked entirely or flagged with a security alert to discourage click-through. In addition, anti-virus plug-ins to popular browsers can detect malware and block access to infected sites.

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Is a small Web site at risk for malware?
Any Web site is at risk. Small Web sites might be more vulnerable because they are less likely to have resources and expertise to detect and respond quickly to attacks. Malware may infect your customers computers when they simply browse your Web site. Targeting small Web sites with low traffic allows hackers to avoid detection longer and cause more damage.

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How did someone infect my Web site?
Hackers are constantly developing new ways to exploit weaknesses on servers and attack Web sites. Once an exploit is found they access your Web site and add malware without your knowledge or consent.

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How do I know if my Web site is free of malware?
Malware is rarely visible on your Web site; it is hidden in your Web page code. A malware scan by a malware detection tool can help you identify infected code. Symantec™ Safe Site includes a daily malware scan. If malware is detected, you will be notified and directed to a list of infected pages and the code causing the problem. Your Web site administrator can find and delete all instances of the code and request that your site be rescanned within 24 hours.

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Could web site malware scanning slow down my Web site?
No. Web site malware scanning is equivalent to having 10 visitors navigate your Web site.

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How can I protect my site from malware?
Like most thieves, malware hackers look for easy targets such as a Web site where malware will go undetected for as long as possible. Symantec Safe Site includes a daily malware scan to detect malware and alert you with detailed information to respond quickly to the attack. Posting Symantec Safe Site on your Web site is like posting an alarm security sign in your front window. It shows hackers that your site is scanned daily to detect malware.

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What happens if malware is detected on my Web site?
If malware is discovered, Symantec Safe Site no longer displays. You receive an email alert warning you of the malware infection with instructions to sign in to the Symantec™ Trust Centre. The Symantec Trust Centre Trust Seal services tab shows a list of infected pages and the code causing the problem. You or your Web site administrator can find and delete all instances of the malware and request that your site be rescanned within 24 hours. When the scan confirms that all instances of malware are removed, the seal displays again.

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What does the Trust Norton™ Secured Seal mean to my customers?
As consumers become more concerned about identity theft, they look for signs that a site is safe before doing business. By posting Symantec Safe Site, you show customers that you care about their safety and that your site has passed the Symantec malware scan within the past 24 hours. Learn more: What Symantec Safe Site Means

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