When you manage a website, it’s possible that your site could be attacked by hackers or infected with malware. Some security software companies also protect websites from these problems. If your site has malware or is unsafe, it might get blocked by web protection software or search engines. This means visitors will see a warning when they try to visit your site. This can hurt your website’s traffic.
Even after fixing the problem, the warning might still show up. In this guide, we will explain how to remove these warnings and get your website back to normal.
Examples of Unsafe Website Warnings
Different security software companies use different ways to warn people about unsafe websites. This article will focus on warnings from Google, McAfee, and Norton. While the warning messages may look different, they all mean that the site is unsafe. Once you fix the problem, you’ll need to follow the steps below to get the warning removed.
Google Warnings:
- Google might say:
- “Malware detected on site”
- “Deceptive site” (This means the site has links to bad places like phishing sites.)
Norton Safe Web:
- Norton’s warning is usually shown with their logo and says something like:
- “Malicious site warning”
McAfee WebAdvisor:
- McAfee may show warnings similar to Google’s. They can also show:
- “McAfee Webadvisor warning” if the site is unsafe.
Mobile Device Warnings:
- These warnings can also show up on mobile devices. They work the same way as on a computer, and you might see a message like:
- “Google unsafe site warning”
- “McAfee WebAdvisor warning on mobile”
These warnings stop visitors from entering a site that could harm their devices. Sometimes, the warning will let users click through to continue to the site, but it’s still dangerous.
Fix the Problems on Your Website
The first thing to do when you see the warning is find out what the problem is. You need to remove any malware or fix any issues causing the warning.
Here are some things that can help:
- Remove malware: You may need to delete or replace any harmful files on your site.
- Fix plugins or updates: If a plugin is causing the problem, try uninstalling or updating it.
- Restore a backup: If you have a backup of your site from before the issue started, you might be able to restore it.
If the issue is too complicated, you might need a developer to help fix the website’s code. You can also check for malware with security tools to make sure your site is clean.
How to Get the Warnings Off Your Site
Once you’ve fixed the problem, you need to get the warning removed. The steps you take depend on the company that showed the warning.
Here’s what you should do:
- Understand the problem: Make sure you know exactly what caused the warning.
- Fix the issue: Remove malware, fix broken links, or change website code.
- Request a review: Contact the company that gave you the warning (Google, Norton, McAfee) and ask them to check your site again.
How to Contact Google:
- If your site is listed in Google Search Console, log in, find the “Security Issues” section, and ask Google to review your site once it’s fixed.
How to Contact McAfee:
- You can email McAfee or use an online form to tell them your site is clean and ask them to remove the block.
How to Contact Norton:
- Go to Norton Safe Web and ask them to review your site.
How to Request a Review
Here are some links to request a website review from each company:
- Google: Google Search Console
- Norton: Norton Safe Web
- McAfee: McAfee WebAdvisor
If you don’t know which company is blocking your site, you can still contact them for a review.
By following these steps, you can remove the “Site is Unsafe” warning and get your website back to normal. Once the issue is resolved and your site is clean, your visitors will be able to access your site without seeing any warnings.