How to Fix a Google Ads Disapproved Compromised Site (2025 Update)
Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform that helps businesses reach their target audience. However, one of the most frustrating issues advertisers face is having their ads disapproved due to a "Compromised Site" status. This means Google has detected security vulnerabilities, malware, or unauthorized access on your website, which can severely impact your ad campaigns and credibility. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process to fix compromised site google ads disapproved compromised site in 2025.
Understanding the "Compromised Site" Issue
When Google flags your site as compromised, it means that your website has been hacked, injected with malicious scripts, or contains security vulnerabilities that could harm visitors. This issue can arise due to outdated plugins, weak security measures, or infected files on your server.
Common Reasons for a "Compromised Site" Disapproval:
Malware or malicious scripts injected into your website.
Phishing pages hosted on your domain.
Unauthorized redirects to harmful websites.
Outdated CMS, plugins, or themes with security flaws.
Poor website security leading to data breaches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Google Ads Disapproved Compromised Site
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Google provides details about the compromised site disapproval in the Google Ads Policy Manager or Google Search Console. To identify the issue:
Check Google Ads Notification: Log in to Google Ads and review the disapproval reason.
Use Google Search Console: Go to Security & Manual Actions > Security Issues to see any detected malware or security problems.
Scan Your Website: Use security tools like:
Wordfence (for WordPress sites)
Malwarebytes
Step 2: Remove Malware and Security Threats
If malware or security threats are detected, take the following actions:
Backup Your Website: Before making changes, create a full backup of your site.
Remove Malicious Code:
Check your website files via FTP or cPanel and remove suspicious scripts.
Review your database for any injected malicious content.
Update All Software:
Update your CMS (WordPress, Joomla, Shopify, etc.).
Update plugins, themes, and extensions.
Remove outdated or unused plugins.
Change Login Credentials:
Reset your website admin password.
Change database passwords.
Update FTP and hosting credentials.
Install Security Plugins (for WordPress sites):
Wordfence Security
Sucuri Security
iThemes Security
Step 3: Request a Malware Review from Google
Once you have cleaned your site, you need to inform Google that the issue has been fixed.
Verify Cleanup: Run another scan using Google Search Console and other security tools to ensure all threats are removed.
Submit a Review Request:
Go to Google Search Console > Security Issues.
Click Request a Review and explain the actions taken to fix the issue.
Wait for Google to review your site (this may take a few days).
Step 4: Strengthen Website Security
To prevent future disapprovals, implement these best security practices:
Use SSL Encryption: Ensure your site has an SSL certificate (HTTPS) for secure browsing.
Enable a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Services like Cloudflare and Sucuri help block malicious traffic.
Regularly Monitor Your Site:
Set up Google Search Console alerts.
Use security monitoring tools like Wordfence or Sucuri.
Implement Strong Login Practices:
Use complex passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for website logins.
Limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
Schedule Regular Backups: Set up automatic backups via your hosting provider or plugins like UpdraftPlus.
Step 5: Resubmit Your Google Ads for Approval
After Google confirms that your website is clean:
Log in to Google Ads.
Go to the Disapproved Ad Section.
Select "Fix Ad" and Request Review.
Provide a brief explanation of how you resolved the issue.
Wait for Google to review your request (typically 1-3 days).
Conclusion
A "Compromised Site" disapproval in Google Ads can be stressful, but by following these steps, you can quickly identify and fix the issue. Regular website maintenance, security updates, and monitoring are crucial to preventing future disapprovals. If you're unsure about handling the issue yourself, consider hiring a security expert or using a professional malware removal service.
By securing your website and maintaining compliance with Google's policies, you ensure the smooth running of your ad campaigns and protect your online reputation. If your site gets disapproved again, revisit Google’s security guidelines and double-check for vulnerabilities.
Need Further Help?
If you're still facing issues, you can contact Google Ads Support or seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals. Keeping your site safe is not just about getting Google Ads approval but also ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience for your users.