If your website has been blacklisted by Google, antivirus vendors such as Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc or major security companies, it can severely harm your reputation, traffic, and revenue. Understanding how to get your site delisted—and how to keep it safe—can save your business.
Why Do Websites Get Blacklisted?
Websites are blacklisted when they are deemed unsafe for users, usually for one or more of these reasons:
- Malware Infections: Your site is hosting or distributing malicious software.
- Phishing: Your site is tricking users into giving away personal or financial information.
- Spam: Your site is sending or facilitating spam emails or content.
- SEO Spam: Hackers may inject spammy content or links to manipulate search rankings.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Outdated software or plugins make your site an easy target.
Blacklisting is often automated. Google Safe Browsing, Norton Safe Web, McAfee SiteAdvisor, and other services scan the web for threats and maintain blocklists to protect users.
What Happens When You’re Blacklisted?
- Google: Visitors see a red warning page (“This site may harm your computer”).
- Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari may block access.
- Search Engines: Your site may be removed from search results.
- Antivirus Software: Security products may warn users or block your site.
- Email Deliverability: Outbound emails from your domain land in spam.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Your Website from Blacklists
1. Identify the Problem and All Blacklists
- Use tools like Google Safe Browsing Site Status, VirusTotal, or MoeSec Website Security Scanner to see where you’re blacklisted and for what reason.
2. Clean Your Website Thoroughly
Do not request delisting until your website is 100% clean!
- Scan your website for malware using tools like the FREE MoeSec Website Scanner, Website Antivirus, MoeSec WordPress Security Plugin or VirusTotal.
- Remove all infected files, malicious code, and backdoors.
- Update all website software, plugins, and passwords.
- Check for unauthorized admin users or FTP accounts.
- Restore from a clean backup if available and make sure to re-scan any restored backups to avoid restoring malware infected files from any previous backups.
3. Secure Your Website
- Apply security patches and updates.
- Change all passwords (admin, FTP, database).
- Install a website firewall or a completed security platform such as MoeSec Website Security Platform.
- Harden your CMS (e.g., WordPress, Joomla) against future attacks. You can use the free MoeSec WordPress Security Plugin
4. Request Blacklist Removal
Google Safe Browsing:
- Sign in to Google Search Console.
- Go to Security Issues.
- Click Request a Review after confirming your site is clean.
Norton Safe Web:
- Visit Norton Safe Web.
- Search your domain and click “Submit Site for Review”.
McAfee SiteAdvisor:
- Go to McAfee TrustedSource.
- Register and request a re-evaluation of your site.
Other Antivirus Vendors:
- Visit their blacklist lookup/removal pages (often called “Site Review” or “Dispute”).
- Provide evidence that your site is now clean.
Note: Reviews can take from a few hours to several days.
Why You Must Clean Your Website First
Requesting delisting before cleaning your website is a waste of time:
- If malware or vulnerabilities remain, you’ll be blacklisted again quickly.
- Security vendors may restrict further requests if they detect repeated abuse.
How to Clean and Protect Your Site: Use MoeSec Website Security
Keeping your website clean and protected is not a one-time job. You need ongoing protection against hackers, bots, and malware.
MoeSec Website Security: All-in-One Website Protection
MoeSec offers a comprehensive suite to keep websites secure:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Malware Scanning | Daily scanning to detect and remove malware, viruses, and injected code. |
| Automatic Malware Removal | Cleans your website files and database automatically. |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Blocks hacking attempts, SQL injection, XSS attacks, and more. |
| Blacklist Monitoring | Alerts you instantly if your site is blacklisted anywhere—so you can act fast. |
| Vulnerability Patching | Virtual patches for CMS and plugins to block 0-day exploits. |
| Automated Website Backups | Prevents data loss in case of an attack. |
| Security Reports | Easy-to-read reports about your site’s security status. |
| 24/7 Security Support | Experts available for emergency malware removal and security incidents. |
How MoeSec Helps:
- Prevents Infection: Stops hackers and malware before they reach your site.
- Detects Problems Early: Real-time monitoring and alerts keep you ahead of threats.
- Automates Cleanup: No need for manual removal—MoeSec One-Click Auto removal handles it instantly. You can request manual investigations and cleanups too!
- Simplifies Compliance: Avoids search engine penalties and lost reputation.
Summary
- If your website is blacklisted, act quickly: identify the problem, thoroughly clean your site, secure it, and only then request delisting.
- Never request removal without cleaning: Blacklists will not approve your request and may prolong your listing.
- Long-term protection: Use security platforms like MoeSec Website Security to keep your site safe and your business running.
Clean, protect, and monitor your site with MoeSec—to prevent blacklisting and safeguard your online reputation.
Need help?
Visit MoeSec Website Security to learn more or get instant protection for your website.
