SiteLock Security: Prevent Plus Post Close Steps
Following the essential SiteLock post-close steps is crucial for a full recovery after SiteLock Prevent Plus has cleaned your website of malware. While SiteLock protects your site by scanning for vulnerabilities and helping prevent blacklisting, the actions you take after a cleanup are vital for restoring your website to its original state.
In this article, we'll outline the complete process, including the crucial SiteLock post-close steps:
- Initial Setup - Product Autoconfiguration
- During the Cleanup Process
- Post-Close Steps
- Preventive Steps
- Review
Initial Setup - Product Autoconfiguration
The system will autoconfigure both the Scanner and your Content Delivery Network (CDN)/Web Application Firewall (WAF). You will not see the scan running in real-time, much like an antivirus program on your computer, but the SMART Scan will show as Pending until the initial setup has been completed.
During the Cleanup Process
Assignment of a SiteLock Analyst
To ensure that all steps are completed correctly, SiteLock will provide you with a dedicated SiteLock Analyst as a complimentary part of the Prevent Plus service. This process should be managed by the representative who assisted you in setting up the product.
Email Communication
You will receive automated emails and direct emails from your analyst. It is important to know the difference:
- The SiteLock Dashboard sends automated emails, such as SMART Scanner alerts. You can recognize these by their limited, system-generated information.
- Analyst Communications provides more detailed information about the clean request. This includes actions taken and any further steps needed from you.
Post-Close Steps
Once your site has been cleaned, it needs to be reassessed so any suspension can be removed. Following that, one of the most important SiteLock post-close steps is to have your website delisted from any blacklists.
Please bear in mind that SiteLock Support cannot help you with blacklist removal until your account suspension is resolved. You must wait for the "clean completion email" from SiteLock and then confirm with us that the suspension has been lifted before proceeding with these SiteLock post-close steps
What to Do if the Account is Suspended
After completing a website clean, your SiteLock Analyst will notify you that your website has been submitted to our review team. The standard turnaround time for this review can take up to 48 hours.
What to Do if the Account is Blacklisted
As mentioned, SiteLock cannot assist you until your account is no longer suspended. Once the suspension is lifted, contact SiteLock Support directly so they can review your site for blacklist removal.
SiteLock will submit its review to the organizations that have blacklisted your website so they can remove you from their lists. Please be aware that each organization has its own turnaround time for this review, and some can take up to a few weeks.
Preventive Steps
An ongoing part of your security involves proactive maintenance. If you are using CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, regularly check for updates at least a few times a week. It is also a best practice to delete any unwanted or unused plugins and themes, as they can become security risks.
Review
This guide has detailed the crucial SiteLock post-close steps required after a malware cleanup. From understanding communications with your dedicated analyst to the critical processes of resolving account suspensions and getting your site delisted from blacklists, each step is vital. By following these SiteLock post-close steps and implementing preventive measures, you can fully restore your site's integrity and significantly reduce the risk of reinfection.