Imagine spending weeks or months developing a stunning website just to be disappointed by the traffic it gets. You put more resources into making the site better and more attractive. But later, you realize that they are being greeted with a bright red scary warning stating your website is flagged as phishing by Chrome. The website can lose over 95% of its traffic in such a scenario. Hence, knowing what to do when your website is flagged as dangerous is essential.
What to Do When Your Website is Flagged as Being Dangerous?
Google takes great precautions to ensure the security of its users. Every day, they examine millions of websites for malicious software that could endanger users, such as viruses, spyware, and other types of malware. If your site does not meet its safety mark, Google can flag it as harmful.
Has your website also fallen foul of security checks? Don’t worry. Here are some sites that can help you by showing exactly where your issues are arising and giving tips to overcome them. Follow the given instructions to check your website’s security status.
Method 1: Using Google’s Transparency Report
This method is straightforward: visit the Google Transparency Report and enter your site URL in the search bar. Press the Enter key to start scanning.
If the report has any security issues, it will list any malicious content on your website and its location. This could be unauthorized redirects, hidden iframes, external scripts, or any other source that could be affecting your website. After understanding each issue, you can work on removing the warning signs that show your website is flagged as phishing by Chrome.
Method 2: Searching Your Website’s Domain Name
You can also use any browser to search your site. Open a new tab in Chrome, type site: in the search bar, add your website’s domain name without space, and hit Enter. For example, site: troubleshooter.xyz.
All the webpages will be listed and you can easily identify any infected pages as a warning text will appear before them. This method is useful for finding particular infected pages or new pages added by a hacker.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Scanner
Apart from Google’s tool, there are many free online scanners, like Norton Safe Web Scanner. 1. Open the website, enter your site’s domain name in the search bar, and hit Enter. Now, you can see why your website is flagged as dangerous and how to remove all issues.
Why Would Your Website Be Flagged?
Let’s learn about typical difficulties and practical solutions to turn your website into a reputable and friendly online destination. Here are a few possible reasons for being flagged:
- Being Labeled as Spam Content: Google might consider spam content worthless or harmful.
- Domain Spoofing: A hacker might try to impersonate a company or its employees. A common form is sending emails with a fake but similar domain name, which may appear legitimate to an average user.
- Using Shared Hosting Platforms: On some pages, different websites are hosted on the same server. Each user is allocated certain resources, like storage space. If one of the sites on the shared server is flagged for malpractices/fraud, your website could be blocked, too.
- Site Infected by Hackers: Hackers have infected the site with malware, spyware, or viruses.
How to Report Incorrect Phishing Warning
If your website shows flagged as a phishing warning incorrectly, then follow the steps below to rectify this issue:
1. Go to the official page of Google Safe Browsing.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Report phishing error under Contact us.
3. Enter the URL and add any additional details.
4. Click on Submit Report.
The review process may take a few hours to a few days. Once completed, visitors will no longer be greeted with bright red phishing warning signs before visiting your website on Chrome or other browsers.
We hope that after reading why my website is being flagged as dangerous, all your doubts have been cleared. Use these methods to make your website a safe space for viewers. Don’t hesitate to comment below in case you have any further queries.
FAQs:
How long does it take for Google to review a reported phishing error?
The review process typically ranges from a few hours to a few days.
Can using shared hosting platforms lead to my website being flagged as dangerous?
Yes, if another site on the same server engages in malpractices, it could affect your website, too.
What should I do if my website is incorrectly flagged as phishing?
Report the error through Google Safe Browsing and provide the necessary details for review.
Are there any alternative methods besides Google’s Transparency Report to check my website’s security status?
Yes, you can use third-party scanners like Norton Safe Web Scanner.
What are some common reasons for websites being flagged as dangerous?
Spam content, domain spoofing, shared hosting issues, and site infections by hackers are common reasons.
Conclusion:
When a website is flagged, prompt action is essential. To diagnose issues, utilize methods like Google’s Transparency Report, domain searches, and third-party scanners. Addressing flagged content, ensuring secure hosting, and promptly reporting errors are crucial to reclaiming trust and maintaining a safe online presence.
