Malware Frequently Asked Questions

Now you can purchase the VeriSign® Trust™ Seal without the SSL Certificate - enabling you to maximize traffic, sales and loyalty by showing customers they can buy, browse, and share with confidence.

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 website.

The malware code is not visible or easily detected, and may infect your customers computers when they simply browse your website. Hackers use it to spread viruses, hijack your computer or steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers or other personal information.

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.

No matter how much search engine optimization you do, if your site is blacklisted, it will not be displayed in search results. In addition, anti-virus plug-ins to popular browsers can detect malware and block access to infected sites.

Any website is at risk. Small websites 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 website. Targeting small websites with low traffic allows hackers to avoid detection longer and cause more damage.

Hackers are constantly developing new ways to exploit weaknesses on servers and attack websites. Once an exploit is found they access your website and add malware without your knowledge or consent.

Malware is rarely visible on your website; it is hidden in your webpage code. A malware scan by a malware detection tool can help you identify infected code. VeriSign® Trust™ Seal 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 website administrator can find and delete all instances of the code and request that your site be rescanned within 24 hours.

Like most thieves, malware hackers look for easy targets such as a website where malware will go undetected for as long as possible. VeriSign® Trust™ Seal includes a daily malware scan to detect malware and alert you with detailed information to respond quickly to the attack.

Posting the VeriSign® Trust™ Seal on your website is like posting an alarm security sign in your front window. It shows hackers that your site is scanned daily to detect malware.

If malware is discovered, the VeriSign® Trust™ Seal no longer displays. You receive an email alert warning you of the malware infection with instructions to sign in to the VeriSign® Trust™ Center. The VeriSign® Trust™ Center malware tab shows a list of infected pages and the code causing the problem.

You or your website 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.

As consumers become more concerned about identity theft, they look for signs that a site is safe before doing business. By posting the VeriSign® Trust™ Seal, you show customers that you care about their safety and that your site has passed the VeriSign® malware scan within the past 24 hours.