In this article, we will discuss what it means for a site to be flagged as “compromised” by Google Ads and how it can be resolved.
What Does "Compromised Site" Mean?
When Google Ads identifies an ad as leading to a "compromised site," it implies that the linked website might have security vulnerabilities or could have been tampered with by malicious actors. Google's diligence in this matter is geared towards protecting users from possible risks.
Common Reasons for the "Compromised Site" Flag
Several factors can trigger the "compromised site" warning from Google Ads:
- Malware or Phishing: The website may harbor malware or phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive user information, such as login credentials or personal data.
- Hacked Website: The website might have fallen victim to hacking, resulting in the addition of malicious content or links without the knowledge of the website owner.
- Outdated Software: Running outdated and insecure software on the website can render it vulnerable to exploitation by hackers.
- Security Certificate Issues: An expired or revoked SSL certificate can compromise the security of user data on the website.
- Suspicious Activity: Google's automated systems may detect unusual behavior or patterns on the website, signaling a potential compromise.
Actions Taken by Google
When Google Ads raises a "compromised site" alert, it typically responds in one of the following ways:
- Disapproval: Google may disapprove the ad and suspend its running until the website's security issues are resolved. This action aims to protect users from potentially harmful websites.
- Warnings: For users who click on the ad, Google may display warnings, cautioning them about potential risks associated with the linked website.
What Advertisers Should Do
If you're an advertiser and your ads receive a "compromised site" warning, taking immediate action is crucial. Addressing the security issues on your website should be a top priority. This may involve tasks such as malware removal, vulnerability patching, software updates, and overall website security enhancement. In some cases, the best solution is to completely rebuild your website from scratch, replacing all corrupt files with fresh, clean ones. Once these issues have been resolved, we can request a review from Google Ads to reinstate your ads. Prioritizing website security not only maintains a positive online presence but also shields your users and advertising campaigns from security threats.
Temporary Solutions
As a short-term solution, we may recommend creating a new landing page (LP) for your Google Ads campaigns. This approach allows our web team to ensure a well-designed, mobile-optimized URL, free from any security concerns. However, to gain Google's approval for this LP, it's essential to host it on a new domain. This step is necessary because your current domain is already marked as compromised by Google. By switching to a new domain, you avoid any association with the old one, and Google will treat it as a fresh, clean domain, expediting the approval of your ads. This temporary measure is vital for promptly resuming your ad campaigns.
In conclusion, understanding the "compromised site" flag in Google Ads is vital for maintaining both user safety and the effectiveness of your advertising efforts. Taking swift action to rectify security issues and considering temporary solutions when needed will help you navigate this challenge effectively.