Isn’t it frustrating to get your domain rejected by Google Ads again and again? Only to see that your site is “Compromised”?
Compromised sites can become a huge headache for your current business goals and revenue. When Google flags compromised sites, all your ads get disapproved immediately.
So, what is a compromised site in Google Ads and how can you solve this issue? Read the article to the end to explore all of it in detail and get your ads back on track.
What Does a Compromised Site Mean in Google Ads?
A compromised site in Google Ads means your website has been hacked. It can be infected with malware, or tampered with by unauthorized users.
Google quickly flags these sites, resulting in ad suspension to protect users. For example, if your site hosts malicious scripts or phishing content due to a security breach, Google Ads will halt your campaigns.
Another common issue is injected spammy content that redirects users to harmful sites. These threats not only harm your ads but also damage customer trust and your site’s reputation. You must address these issues as quickly as possible to get your ads running again.
How Can a Website Be Compromised?
Your website can be compromised in several ways, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. Here are the most common methods:
- Malware Infections: Hackers inject malicious code that can steal data or redirect users to harmful sites.
- Phishing Attacks: Fake pages are added to your site to collect sensitive information from visitors.
- Hacking Attempts: Weak passwords or outdated software make it easy for attackers to gain control.
- Poor Security Practices: Failing to update plugins and themes, or not using SSL certificates exposes your site to breaches.
Each of these methods can severely impact your ads, leading to suspension and potential loss of revenue. Google can detect compromised sites and send you a warning before any security breaches happen.
How Google Detects Compromised Sites
Google uses advanced algorithms to automatically scan your website for security issues. It looks for red flags like unusual redirects, spammy content, and unauthorized changes that can harm users.
For instance, if your site starts redirecting visitors to harmful URLs or contains injected malicious scripts, Google will flag it.
Google’s Safe Browsing system plays a big role in this process. It detects compromised sites and notifies users with warnings. Once flagged, your ads are suspended until the issue is resolved, affecting your ad visibility and potential revenue.
How to Check it
You have several options to check a compromised site. You can either check it from your Google Ads account, Google Search Console, or through other tools.
Logging into Google Ads Account
- First, log into your Google Ads account.
- Navigate to the Notifications bell icon and look for Account Issues.
- Finally, look for any warnings about a compromised site or ad suspension due to security issues.
Using Google Search Console
- Open your Google Search Console.
- Go to the “Security Issues” tab under Security & Manual Actions” on the left hand side.
- If your site has been compromised, you’ll see a list of detected problems like malware or hacking attempts.
Running a Security Scan
- Schema.org : Structures website data, helping search engines flag and correct compromised content.
- Why No Padlock : Scans for SSL issues and identifies vulnerabilities that lead to security compromises.
- SecurityTrails : Provides domain and DNS insights to detect potential compromises or unauthorized changes.
- Sucuri SiteCheck : Scans for malware and vulnerabilities, offering fixes for compromised websites.
- GTmetrix : Monitors performance and flags security issues to prevent potential website compromises.
Consequences of Having a Compromised Site in Google Ads
Ignoring a compromised site can have serious consequences. First, your ads will be suspended immediately, halting traffic and resulting in a loss of revenue.
On top of that, a compromised site can damage your brand’s reputation. Visitors lose trust when they encounter security warnings or malicious redirects. Importantly, it can take time to regain customer confidence after such incidents.
However, the issue is solvable. Once you address the security problems, you can request a review and get your ads running again. So, you should act quickly to minimize the impact on your business.
How to Solve This Issue
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to fix a compromised site and get your ads back on track:
- First, scan your site for malware using security plugins to identify infected files. Manually check any suspicious files or scripts.
- Next, remove the malware or infected content by deleting or quarantining compromised files. Update outdated software, including themes, plugins, and CMS.
- Then, secure your site by installing SSL certificates, changing all passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Regularly update your security settings and software.
- Use Google Search Console to confirm the fix in the “Security Issues” section and request a review.
- If needed, seek professional help from a website security service to clean up more complex infections.
By following these steps, your site will be secured, and your ads can resume once approved.
How to Submit a Request for a Site Review in Google Ads
After cleaning up your site, you need to submit a review request. In Google Ads, log into your account and navigate to the “Account Issues” section under notifications. Click “Fix it” next to the compromised site notice, confirm the issue is resolved, and submit the form for review.
In Google Search Console, log in and go to the “Security Issues” tab. Ensure all warnings are addressed, then click “Request a Review,” explaining the actions taken to fix the issues.
For faster results, be clear and concise when describing the steps you took to secure the site. Highlight the removal of malware or unauthorized changes, and provide proof of security updates like SSL installation or plugin upgrades.
Though the process isn’t too complicated, you can prevent the same mistakes from happening in the future.
Best Practices to Prevent Compromised Sites in Google Ads
To protect your website and keep your Google Ads running smoothly, follow these best practices:
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated to patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure all accounts have strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Install SSL Certificates: Secure your site with an SSL certificate to protect sensitive data and show visitors your site is safe.
- Conduct Frequent Security Audits: Regularly scan your site for malware or vulnerabilities using tools like Wordfence or Sucuri.
- Backup Your Site: Always maintain regular backups of your site, allowing for quick recovery in case of an attack.
By implementing these practices, you’ll minimize the risk of future compromises and maintain your site’s security.
What Happens If the Issue Is Not Resolved?
Failing to resolve a compromised site issue can have serious consequences. Your Google Ads may be permanently suspended, preventing you from reaching potential customers.
Over time, the unresolved security problem can cause long-term damage to your digital campaigns. It eventually results in significant revenue loss and damaged trust with your audience.
Additionally, not addressing the issue promptly can lead to delays in the resolution process. Google may require multiple reviews or manual intervention, further dragging out the timeline. If you don’t take the right steps early, recovering your account and reputation becomes much harder.
So, you must take prompt action whenever you detect a compromised site in Google Ads.
Key Takeaways
- Compromised sites can result in immediate Google Ads suspension, lost revenue, and damaged brand trust.
- Regularly updating software, using strong passwords, and installing SSL certificates are crucial for preventing security breaches.
- Google Search Console and security tools help detect and resolve site issues quickly.
- Taking quick action and following the proper review process ensures a faster recovery and protects your ad campaigns.
- Failure to resolve the issue can lead to permanent ad suspension and long-term damage to your business.
