If your Google Ads have been disapproved for Malicious or Compromised Site, it can be alarming.
This policy violation usually means that Google believes your website may contain malware, harmful scripts, or security vulnerabilities that could put users at risk.
When this happens, Google will stop your ads from running until the problem is resolved.
While the warning sounds serious, in many cases the issue is caused by website security problems that can be fixed fairly quickly.
If you are seeing multiple policy issues in your account, it may help to read my guide on why Google Ads get disapproved, which explains the most common policy violations.
Key takeaways
- A Malicious or Compromised Site disapproval means Google believes your website may contain malware, harmful scripts, hidden redirects or security vulnerabilities, and your ads stop running until it is fixed.
- Check Google Search Console under Security & Manual Actions, then Security Issues, to see whether Google has detected malware or hacking activity on your website.
- To fix a compromised site, scan for malware, update plugins, themes and WordPress core files, and remove suspicious files, bringing in a web developer if needed.
- Once the website is clean, request a review in Google Ads so Google re-scans the landing page and can approve the ads again.
- Outdated WordPress plugins are one of the most common entry points for hackers, so regular updates, secure hosting and security tools help stop the site being flagged again.
What Does “Malicious or Compromised Site” Mean?
Google regularly scans websites to ensure they are safe for users.
If Google detects suspicious activity on your website, it may label the site as malicious or compromised.
This could include things like:
- malware on the website
- hidden scripts or redirects
- phishing attempts
- hacked pages
- suspicious downloads
If Google believes a website could harm users, adverts pointing to that website will be disapproved.
Common Causes of This Error
There are several reasons why Google might flag a website as compromised.
Hacked Websites
One of the most common causes is a hacked website.
Hackers sometimes inject malicious code into websites to:
- redirect visitors to spam sites
- install hidden scripts
- collect user data
These scripts are often invisible to normal visitors but can still be detected by Google.
Outdated Plugins or Software
Many websites run on platforms such as WordPress.
If plugins, themes, or software are outdated, they may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
This is a very common cause of security warnings.
Malware or Suspicious Scripts
Google may also flag websites that contain:
- malware
- hidden scripts
- suspicious JavaScript
- automatic redirects
These scripts can sometimes come from compromised plugins or external tools added to the website.
Unsafe Redirects
If your website automatically redirects users to other websites that Google considers unsafe, your ads may be disapproved.
This can happen when hackers add hidden redirects to a website.
How to Check If Your Website Is Compromised
The first step is confirming whether Google has detected security issues on your website.
You can do this by checking Google Search Console.
Inside Search Console:
- Go to Security & Manual Actions
- Click Security Issues
If Google has detected malware or hacking activity, it will usually appear here.
You can also run your website through online security scanners to check for malware.
How to Fix the Issue
If your website has been flagged as compromised, the next step is to remove the security problem.
This often involves the following steps.
1. Scan the Website for Malware
Use a website security scanner to detect malicious files or scripts.
If you are using WordPress, many security plugins include malware scanning tools.
2. Update Plugins and Themes
Outdated plugins are one of the most common entry points for hackers.
Make sure you update:
- plugins
- themes
- WordPress core files
Keeping everything updated helps reduce security vulnerabilities.
3. Remove Suspicious Files
If malware or suspicious scripts are found, they should be removed from the website.
In some cases, a web developer may need to help clean the website properly.
4. Request a Review in Google Ads
Once the issue has been fixed, you can request a review inside your Google Ads account.
Google will re-scan the landing page, and if the issue has been resolved your ads should be approved again.
Preventing This Issue in the Future
To reduce the chances of your website being flagged again, it is important to maintain good website security.
This includes:
- regularly updating plugins and themes
- using secure hosting
- installing website security tools
- monitoring your website for suspicious activity
A secure website not only protects users but also helps ensure your ads continue running without disruption.
Related guides: Google Ads Circumventing Systems Policy: What It Means and How to Fix It and Why Are My Google Ads Disapproved? (And How to Fix It).
Getting Help With Google Ads Issues
Policy disapprovals can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, especially when they involve website security.
If you are unsure what caused the issue, it may help to have someone review both your website and Google Ads account.
You can learn more about working with a Hampshire PPC Consultant or explore my PPC consultancy services.
Need help with your Google Ads?
If you’re dealing with an account problem, want a second opinion or need practical PPC support, tell me what you need help with. I’ll reply by email first and let you know whether I can help. You can also select Google Ads review / audit on the form if you’d like a free account review.