If your hosting provider warns you that your website is sending spam, it means that unwanted emails are being sent from it, possibly due to a hack or configuration error. This affects your reputation and can block your site, but with simple steps such as checking security and updating, you can quickly resolve the issue and keep everything in order.
Imagine that one day you receive a message from your hosting provider: “Your website is sending spam.” It’s frustrating and worrying, especially if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, many users go through this, from beginners to those who manage more complex sites. In this article, we explain step by step how to identify the problem and fix it, with practical tips to get your website back up and running safely.
What does it mean that my site is sending spam?
When a hosting service says that your site is sending spam, it refers to unsolicited emails sent from your domain. These messages are usually mass mailings and promotional, or worse, malicious. This not only annoys recipients, but also damages your website’s reputation and can lead to blacklisting.
Spam from a website occurs when someone uses your platform to send these emails without permission. It can be accidental or due to an external attack. Understanding this is key to acting quickly and preventing it from happening again.
Causes of spam sending on a website
A common cause is hacking: intruders enter your site and use it to send spam. For example, WordPress sites are vulnerable if they are not updated, allowing hidden pages to be inserted for phishing.
Another reason is a shared IP with a bad reputation, where other users on the same server cause problems.
Unprotected contact forms also invite spam: bots use them to send mass messages. In addition, abusive practices such as email marketing without consent mark your domain as spam. Malicious content or suspicious linkson your site exacerbate the problem.
Other causes include malware on your computer that accesses the site, or incorrect settings on the mail server. Identifying the root cause is the first step to an effective spam solution.
How to tell if your site is sending spam
Check your hosting logs: look for patterns of mass mailings or unusual access. Free tools such as Google Search Console alert you if your site is blacklisted.
Ask your web hosting provider for details: they often provide reports of suspicious activity. Monitor your outbox or use services such as MX Toolbox to check your domain’s reputation.
If you notice email bounces or user complaints, that’s a clear sign. Acting early prevents further damage to your website.
Solutions to stop spam on your website
Follow these simple steps for a quick spam solution. Start with the basics and move on if necessary.
- Change all passwords: Use strong, unique combinations for your hosting, CMS, and email. This closes the door to intruders who may be using old access credentials.
- Scan for malware: Use plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri if your site is on WordPress. Remove suspicious files and update all software to the latest version.
- Set up email protections: Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to your DNS. These verify that mail is legitimate and prevent your site from being used for spam.
- Protect forms: Install CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA on contact forms and comments. This blocks automated bots that inject spam.
- Monitor and clean email lists: If you use marketing, make sure subscribers give explicit consent. Remove inactive addresses to improve deliverability.
Practical advice and little-known tips
Here are tips for web hosting and spam solutions that will help you in the long run.
- Use honeypots in forms: Create invisible fields that only bots fill out. If they are completed, automatically block the submission. It’s a simple but effective trick that few people use.
- Avoid link shorteners in emails: They can look suspicious and trigger filters. Opt for complete and clean URLs.
- Create an alternative email address for testing: Use it to verify submissions without risking your main one. This detects problems early without alerts.
- Don’t insert unnecessary attachments: Many filters mark emails with files as spam. Prefer links to documents on your site.
- Check for spam traps: Avoid adding recycled addresses to your lists, as they are used by providers to detect abuse.
A real example: A few years ago, a massive hack of Gmail sites allowed disguised spam to be sent, which was resolved by updating security and changing passwords.
Another case was with WordPress, where hidden directories sent phishing until they were cleaned up.
Conclusion
Stopping your site from sending spam requires identifying causes such as hacks or misconfigurations and applying solutions such as updates and DNS protections. With these steps and tips, you’ll keep your website secure and reliable. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding future problems with your web hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to resolve a spam problem on my site?
It depends on the cause, but by changing passwords and scanning, you can fix it in hours. If it’s serious, contact your hosting provider for quick help.
Can my hosting provider suspend me for spam?
Yes, to protect their network. Act quickly to avoid this and restore your reputation with tools such as delistings.
What happens if I ignore the spam alert?
Your domain could be blacklisted, blocking legitimate emails and affecting visits to your website.
Do I need an expert to configure SPF and DKIM?
Not always; many hosting providers have simple guides. If you’re unsure, ask for support.
How do I prevent it from happening again?
Update regularly, use strong passwords, and monitor activity. A good web hosting provider with integrated security helps a lot.