Clearing Malicious Software to Get Your Google Ads Approved

 Google Ads can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and generating leads, but having your ads disapproved due to malicious software can be a frustrating setback. Understanding why your ads were disapproved and how to resolve the issue is crucial for getting your campaigns back on track. 

This blog, provided by Reliqus Consulting , will guide you through the steps to fix Google Ads disapproved due to malicious software.

Understanding Google Ads Disapprovals Due to Malicious Software

When Google detects malicious software on your website, it takes immediate action to protect users. Malicious software, or malware, can include viruses, spyware, and other harmful programs that can compromise user data and security. Google’s stringent policies ensure a safe browsing experience, so any hint of malicious software on your site will result in ad disapproval.

There are several reasons why Google might flag your site for malicious software:

1. Infected Files: Your site might have files that are infected with malware.

2. Compromised Plugins or Themes: Using outdated or compromised plugins and themes can introduce vulnerabilities.

3. External Scripts: Third-party scripts or ads that you run on your site might be the source of malware.

4. Hacked Website: If your website has been hacked, attackers might have injected malicious code.

Steps to Identify and Remove Malicious Software

The first step in resolving the issue is to identify and remove the malicious software from your site. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use Google Search Console: Google Search Console is a free tool that can help you identify security issues on your site. Check the "Security Issues" section for any alerts about malware.

2. Scan Your Website: Use a trusted malware scanning tool to scan your website for any malicious software. Some popular tools include Sucuri, Wordfence, and SiteLock.

3. Remove Infected Files: Once you’ve identified the infected files, remove them from your server. Be careful not to delete essential files that your website needs to function.

4. Update Plugins and Themes: Ensure that all your plugins and themes are up to date. Remove any that are no longer maintained or have known vulnerabilities.

5. Check External Scripts: Review any third-party scripts or ads running on your site. Remove or replace any that are flagged as malicious.

6. Secure Your Site: Implement security measures to prevent future infections. This includes using strong passwords, keeping your software up to date, and using security plugins.

Requesting a Review from Google

After you’ve cleaned your site, you’ll need to request a review from Google to get your ads approved again. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to Google Ads: Go to your Google Ads account and navigate to the "Ads & Extensions" section.

2. Find the Disapproved Ad: Locate the ad that was disapproved and click on the "Disapproved" status for more details.

3. Request a Review: Click on the "Resubmit" button to request a review. Provide any additional information or documentation that can help Google verify that your site is now clean.

4. Monitor Your Site: After submitting your request, continue to monitor your site for any signs of malware. It’s essential to ensure that your site remains secure to avoid future disapprovals.

Preventing Future Disapprovals

To safeguard your Google Ads from future disapprovals related to malicious or unwanted software, it’s essential to maintain rigorous website security and adhere to best practices. Regularly update your website’s software, scan for vulnerabilities, and use trusted security tools to detect and address any potential threats promptly. Additionally, ensure that all third-party scripts and plugins are from reputable sources and are kept up-to-date. 

For more detailed strategies and tips on preventing ad disapprovals, read more here.