Greetings colleagues,
Recently, we encountered an issue with one of our websites. It appears that the website has been infected with a virus, resulting in the introduction of Trojans and other issues. Additionally, the domain tied to the website is linked to our mail server, which has prompted a threatening letter from our DNS zone provider indicating that we have 48 hours to resolve the problem. This is due to spam being sent from our IP address, which has resulted in complaints being made against us.
As someone who has never dealt with website treatment before, I am unsure of how to proceed. Although I do have FTP access, I am uncertain about how to remedy the situation. Furthermore, a check through mxtoolbox has revealed that we are on the Truncate blacklist.
With that in mind, I would greatly appreciate any assistance or advice on how to remove the infection and avoid getting blocked.
Thank you.
Let's say that you have a website built on Joomla or a similar platform. The only way these types of sites can operate is if you create them and then upload them to the directory recursively on Windows.
Unfortunately, it's possible for someone to insert a php file using cms phpmail. These files can be sent locally from the web hosting service. In some cases, ISPs may choose to block all mail in order to rectify this issue.
In my experience, I have created several WP sites on my breaks without any issues with bots. However, spammbots are a common vulnerability for any poorly designed CMS, so it's not a major concern.
On the other hand, a couple of websites created on Joomla were overwhelmed by Chinese bots from Jin Hui province within a month of publication.
In summary, WP sites tend to have more known vulnerabilities, although these are likely to be patched relatively quickly. Meanwhile, there seems to be less interest in fixing security issues for Joomla, both from developers and other professionals in the field.
To prevent server attacks, several measures should be taken to protect the server and computers used for administration. A key first step is to create strong passwords that meet specific criteria, such as those outlined on www.kaspersky.com/passwords. Passwords should be changed regularly, even in the absence of incidents or attacks, for example on a monthly basis.
Regular software updates are equally important, as cybercriminals often exploit software vulnerabilities regardless of whether their targets are PCs or websites. Server and site content management programs must be kept up-to-date, and all security updates should be installed immediately after release.
Other recommended measures include regular backups of server content, periodic scanning of server files for malicious code, and securing desktop computers used for website management. This includes removing unused programs, deactivating unnecessary services and modules, setting up appropriate policies for users and groups of users, managing access rights for files and directories, disabling the display of web server files and directories, logging events regularly for suspicious activity, and using encryption and secure protocols.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate the threat of malware designed to infect websites, website owners and Internet users can still take steps to make the Internet safer. By following basic security rules and keeping websites and computers clean and secure, everyone can contribute to a safer online environment.
Given that you have FTP access, the first step would be to take the website offline to prevent further spread of the infection. This will also mitigate any ongoing spam activities originating from your server. Once the site is offline, you can begin the process of cleaning up the infection.
To start, perform a thorough scan of all website files and databases using reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools. Look for any suspicious files, unfamiliar code injections, or malicious scripts. Pay particular attention to executable files such as PHP, JavaScript, and any uploaded media files.
After identifying and removing the infected files, it's imperative to update all website software, including the content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and any other third-party applications. Outdated software can be a common entry point for cyberattacks.
Next, change all website passwords, including those for FTP, CMS admin accounts, and any database credentials. Use strong, unique passwords to prevent re-entry by malicious actors.
Once the cleanup is complete, consider utilizing a web application firewall (WAF) to add an additional layer of protection against future attacks. Additionally, implement regular website backups to ensure that you have clean copies of your site to restore from in case of future incidents.
Regarding the blacklisting issue, you will need to submit a delisting request to the relevant blacklist providers, providing evidence of the cleanup efforts and steps taken to prevent recurrence. It's crucial to monitor your server's outgoing traffic to ensure that no unauthorized spam is being sent.
Lastly, conduct a thorough security audit to identify any potential vulnerabilities and enlist the help of a professional security firm if needed. By taking these proactive measures, you can safeguard your website and prevent future infections.
Access your FTP and look for any unusual files or scripts that could be the source of the infection. Remove them immediately. Check your email server for compromised accounts that might be sending spam.
After cleanup, change all relevant passwords. It's also wise to implement security plugins or services that can monitor for future threats. Finally, contact Truncate to explain your situation and request removal from the blacklist once you've ensured your site is secure.