How to Remove Monit Malware from Your Website

If your website has been compromised by Monit malware, you’re not alone. This malware can infiltrate WordPress sites and cause significant security risks, including exposing sensitive data or redirecting visitors to malicious websites. It often hides itself in your database and files, making it challenging to detect and remove.

What is Monit Malware?

Monit malware is a malicious code injected into your WordPress site, often disguising itself in your database or file system. Symptoms of an infection include:

• Unauthorized ads appearing on your site.
• Search engines flagging your site as unsafe.
• Unexplained slowdowns or errors.
• Unexpected redirects to unknown sites.

The malware may use queries like the one below to manipulate your WordPress database:

SELECT * FROM `wp_options` WHERE `option_name` IN ( 'default_mont_options', 'ad_code', 'hide_admin', 'hide_logged_in', 'display_ad', 'search_engines', 'auto_update', 'ip_admin', 'cookies_admin', 'logged_admin', 'log_install');

These entries might be used to control malware behavior on your site.

Steps to Remove Monit Malware

1. Take a Backup

Before making any changes, back up your entire site, including your database and files. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or manual tools like phpMyAdmin and FTP for a full backup.

2. Scan Your Site

Use a reliable security plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri Security, or MalCare to scan your site for malware. These tools can help identify infected files and suspicious database entries.

3. Remove Suspicious Database Entries

Access your database via phpMyAdmin or a similar tool. Run the following query to check for suspicious entries in the wp_options table:

SELECT * FROM `wp_options` WHERE `option_name` IN ( 'default_mont_options', 'ad_code', 'hide_admin', 'hide_logged_in', 'display_ad', 'search_engines', 'auto_update', 'ip_admin', 'cookies_admin', 'logged_admin', 'log_install');

If you find any entries that look suspicious or unfamiliar, delete them. For example:

DELETE FROM `wp_options` WHERE `option_name` IN ( 'default_mont_options', 'ad_code', 'hide_admin', 'hide_logged_in', 'display_ad', 'search_engines', 'auto_update', 'ip_admin', 'cookies_admin', 'logged_admin', 'log_install');

4. Check Your Files

Using FTP or your hosting control panel’s file manager, review your WordPress core files, themes, and plugins for unusual modifications. Focus on files like:

• wp-config.php
• functions.php (in your theme folder)
• Any files with strange names or recent modification dates.

Delete or replace compromised files with clean versions.

5. Clean Up the .htaccess File

Open your .htaccess file and check for unauthorized code. If you find suspicious entries, back up the file, remove the malicious code, and save the changes.

6. Reinstall Core Files, Themes, and Plugins

Reinstall the latest WordPress core files. Delete and reinstall any themes or plugins you suspect are compromised. Ensure all plugins and themes are updated.

7. Change Passwords

Change all passwords associated with your site, including:

• WordPress admin accounts
• Database user accounts
• FTP and hosting control panel accounts

Use strong, unique passwords for each.

8. Update and Harden Your Site

• Keep WordPress updated: Regular updates reduce vulnerabilities.
• Install a security plugin: Use plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to monitor and protect your site.
• Disable unused themes and plugins: Remove any plugins or themes you’re not actively using.
• Restrict file permissions: Limit access to sensitive files like wp-config.php and .htaccess.

Preventing Future Infections

Here are some tips to protect your WordPress site:

1. Choose Secure Hosting: Opt for hosting providers with strong security measures.
2. Use SSL: Secure your site with an SSL certificate to encrypt data.
3. Monitor Activity: Regularly check logs and use monitoring tools to detect unusual activity.
4. Perform Regular Scans: Make scanning your site for malware a routine.

Final Thoughts

Removing Monit malware can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential to secure your site and regain control. By following these steps and implementing preventive measures, you can protect your WordPress site from future attacks. If you’re unsure about handling the removal process yourself, consider reaching out to a professional WordPress security expert.