Few issues frustrate digital marketers more than having their landing pages flagged for malware during online advertising campaigns. Despite thorough checks—including disabling JavaScript redirects—the problem persists, leading to restricted accounts and diminished ad performance. In such cases, a systematic approach is essential. Below is a four-step troubleshooting strategy to identify and resolve the underlying issue.
Step 1: Technical Audit for Malicious Plugins
When Google Ads detects malware, the first step is to collaborate with technical teams to conduct a comprehensive website scan. Focus on identifying unauthorized plugins, malicious scripts, or altered files. Malware often hides within seemingly normal code, necessitating advanced security tools for deep scanning. Every suspicious element must be scrutinized to ensure complete resolution.
Step 2: Leverage Tools to Trace Malicious Code
If the technical audit confirms the website is clean, hidden links or code fragments may be the culprit. Online security scanners like Sucuri SiteCheck can pinpoint problematic code segments within landing pages. Analyzing these reports meticulously helps isolate and address malicious snippets, providing actionable insights for corrections.
Step 3: Submit Multi-Source Security Reports for Appeals
After resolving the issue, strengthen your appeal to Google by submitting security reports from multiple third-party tools, such as VirusTotal, alongside Google Search Console screenshots. Comprehensive documentation demonstrating a malware-free status enhances credibility and expedites account reinstatement.
Step 4: Engage Google Ads Support for Direct Resolution
If the problem persists despite completing the above steps, contact Google Ads support promptly. Provide detailed account information, a clear problem description, and steps already taken. Google’s team can offer specific diagnostics, such as identifying problematic pages or code sections, accelerating the resolution process.
Case Example
One advertiser’s account remained restricted even after addressing malware concerns. Upon contacting Google, they learned the system required 24–72 hours to synchronize updates. The restriction was lifted within 24 hours, underscoring the value of direct communication with support teams to resolve lingering issues.
In summary, methodical troubleshooting—coupled with professional tools and official support—enables marketers to efficiently resolve malware flags, restore ad campaigns, and maintain optimal performance.