If you own or manage a website, you are responsible for that website’s security. Compromised websites can infect visitors with badware, and are commonly blacklisted by search engines, web browsers, and security vendors.

Many legitimate websites are the targets of malicious hacking attacks, during which code linking directly to badware is inserted onto an otherwise innocent, but poorly secured, website. Another common way that legitimate sites are compromised is through third-party content such as the ads provided by an advertising network, which can be used as vectors for the distribution of badware.

Where to go next:

• Search for your website in our Clearinghouse to see if it has been reported as badware.
• Learn how to find and remove badware on your site.
• Get help with cleaning and securing your site from our BadwareBusters.org online community.
• Remove your site from our partners’ badware lists.