Scan your website for malware, injected code, and blacklisting, and get help cleaning up infections.
Malware scanning software looks for malicious files, injected scripts, and other signs that a website has been compromised. The difficult purchasing decision is not simply which product scans; it is where the scan runs and whether the service can repair an infection. A remote scanner sees public pages, while site-connected scanners can inspect files and database content. Some security products prioritize preventing known exploits rather than removing existing malware. These tools are organized by those separate security responsibilities so website owners can match protection to their immediate risk.
By SEM Solutions Editorial Team. Researched from vendor documentation, not hands-on testing. Ordered by Overall Score. Checked October 16, 2026. How we research
WordPress File Inspection
#1 of 5 in Malware Scanning
Wordfence runs within a WordPress installation and inspects core files, themes, and plugins for malicious changes. Administrators can review scanner findings and vulnerability warnings alongside endpoint firewall activity. Wordfence Central presents findings across multiple websites. That WordPress-level visibility differs from a remote site check that sees only what a visitor could load in a browser.
Incident Cleanup and Monitoring
#2 of 5 in Malware Scanning
Sucuri combines website monitoring with a response service for compromised sites. Public-facing checks identify visible security problems, while deeper scanning and incident handling address malicious files, database modifications, and blocklist issues. Its cleanup offering is relevant after an attack has already occurred, not merely during routine vulnerability review. A website firewall can also help block further malicious traffic.
Automated WordPress Repair
#3 of 5 in Malware Scanning
MalCare scans WordPress installations using processing outside the website server, including checks on files and database entries. Its malware-removal workflow targets infected content and runs a follow-up scan. The approach can appeal to teams that want a managed inspection process without manually sorting through every suspicious file. Its cleanup feature is distinct from the basic ability to identify problems.
Known-Vulnerability Exploit Blocking
#4 of 5 in Malware Scanning
Patchstack belongs in this comparison for prevention rather than infection removal. Its vulnerability intelligence follows security problems in WordPress components, and RapidMitigate applies virtual patches intended to block exploitation while site owners plan software updates. That is valuable for exposed plugins, but it cannot establish whether malicious code has already been installed. Pair it with inspection when compromise is suspected.
Hosting-Level Detection and Repair
#5 of 5 in Malware Scanning
SiteLock provides external scanning and server-access scanning through SMART File Scan. Connecting over FTP or SFTP enables inspection beyond public web pages. Its remediation features can remove malicious code without discarding an entire legitimate file, while the Site Health dashboard gives owners a task list. This is useful where security work extends beyond a single WordPress plugin.
Ranked by Overall Score: our Editor Rating and Market Signal, 50/50. Market Signal uses Ahrefs and Semrush data through September 2026, pulled October 12 to 13, 2026. How we score
WordPress security plugin with endpoint firewall, malware scanning, login protection, and vulnerability intelligence.
Best for: WordPress site owners and agencies that want firewall, malware scanning, login security, and multi-site security management.
Website security service combining malware cleanup, cloud firewall and monitoring.
Best for: Website owners and agencies that need remote malware cleanup and a cloud firewall across WordPress or other web platforms.
WordPress security plugin with malware scanning, one-click cleanup, firewall protection, and vulnerability monitoring.
Best for: WordPress site owners and agencies that want remote malware cleanup plus firewall and vulnerability protection across one or many sites.
WordPress security platform focused on vulnerability intelligence, virtual patching, and plugin-level protection.
Best for: WordPress site owners, agencies, and hosting providers that want vulnerability-focused protection and virtual patches for plugins and themes.
Sectigo-owned website security service that scans for malware, removes infections and patches vulnerabilities.
Best for: Small business and WordPress site owners who want malware cleanup handled for them after a hack.
Some can, but not every scanning product provides remediation. MalCare and SiteLock describe automated malware removal, while Sucuri offers a specialist cleanup service. Wordfence helps locate suspicious WordPress files, and Patchstack primarily blocks exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Buyers should evaluate detection and cleanup as separate functions rather than assuming the former includes the latter.
No. A remote service observes content and signals that are accessible from outside the server. Malicious code hidden in nonpublic files, database rows, or scheduled tasks may not be visible through that method. A suspected compromise warrants inspection with suitable hosting or application access and follow-up investigation into how the attack occurred.
A virtual patch blocks an attack pattern targeting a known weakness without modifying the original vulnerable code. Patchstack offers this kind of protection while site owners prepare a component update. Virtual patches help reduce exposure but do not prove a website has never been compromised. Malware scanning and cleanup remain separate security operations.
Yes, Wordfence and MalCare both offer a free plan. Free tiers usually come with usage limits, so check whether they cover your volume before relying on them long-term.
Among the tools listed here whose main product is in this category and whose pricing we've verified, Sucuri has the lowest listed starting price: $9.99/mo. Starting price isn't the whole picture, so check what's included at that tier before deciding.