No: Bluehost Malware Protection is not the only website security solution you need. It can provide malware monitoring and cleanup for a site hosted at Bluehost, but coverage varies by tier, and some remediation is limited to eligible WordPress sites. Bluehost also describes separate protections such as SSL, backups, web application firewall (WAF) and DDoS controls. Treat Malware Protection as one layer, not a replacement for updates, secure account access and a recovery plan.
What Bluehost Malware Protection includes
Bluehost describes three tiers: Malware Scan & Clean, AI Malware Defense and Bluehost Complete Security. Its overview lists core monitoring and cleanup capabilities across the tiers, while higher tiers add more prevention and remediation features. These are Bluehost’s stated capabilities, not independent findings about how well the service detects or removes threats.
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| Tier | What Bluehost says it includes | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Malware Scan & Clean | Malware scanning and cleanup, with core features such as continuous scanning, Google blacklist monitoring, automatic removal, a security seal, malicious-process killing, dashboard reporting and round-the-clock support listed across tiers. | Bluehost says this is included with Starter Hosting. The overview does not establish that every feature performs identically across tiers. |
| AI Malware Defense | Core features plus ThreatShield Smart WAF, AI-powered cloud file scanning, injection-attack remediation, brute-force login protection and WordPress database protections. | Bluehost marks comprehensive database scanning as “Coming Soon” for this tier in its overview. |
| Bluehost Complete Security | Higher-tier protection, including human expert cleanup for qualifying WordPress sites. | Bluehost says this starts at $5.99/month; its overview separately shows a $5.99/month 12-month amount and $19.99/month renewal price. These are vendor-published figures, not a guaranteed quote. |
Bluehost’s FAQ says AI Malware Defense is included with Business Hosting and above. For current eligibility, features and account-specific pricing, check the offer and renewal terms in your Bluehost customer portal before purchasing. Bluehost Malware Protection FAQ and Bluehost Malware Protection overview.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Do I need to host my site with Bluehost to use Malware Protection?
Yes. Bluehost says your website or domain must be hosted there to activate and use its Malware Protection. This is not a security service you can attach to a site hosted elsewhere. Bluehost Malware Protection FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
- The FortiGate 60F series offers an excellent Security and SD-WAN solution in a compact fanless desktop form factor for enterprise branch offices and mid-sized businesses
- Protect against cyber threats with industry-leading secure SD-WAN in a simple, affordable, and easy to deploy solution
- Security Identifies thousands of applications inside network traffic for deep inspection and granular policy enforcement Protects against malware, exploits, and malicious websites in both
- Provides Zero Touch Integration with Security Fabric's Single Pane of Glass Management Predefined compliance checklist analyzes the deployment and highlights the best practices to improve overall
What the human cleanup service covers—and excludes
Bluehost’s manual-intervention service is narrower than the phrase “malware removal” may suggest. Its stated requirements are a reachable site, DNS resolving to Bluehost, a WordPress site and an account with Complete Security. For eligible sites, Bluehost lists human file cleanup, WordPress core integrity repair, database scanning and removal, malicious account identification and removal, and identification and removal of malicious plugins or themes. Bluehost manual intervention scope.
Bluehost says the service does not include:
- Updating plugins or themes.
- Cleanup of non-WordPress sites or custom software.
- Configuring two-factor authentication (2FA) or CAPTCHA.
- Delisting a site from Google or another blacklist.
- Deleting spam posts created by compromised users.
Bluehost also cautions that other plans may incur an additional manual-cleanup charge and that full restoration may cost extra. Cleanup should not be assumed to mean complete site recovery or remediation of every compromise-related issue.
Rank #2
- Entry-Level Privacy Gateway: Designed for users who want simple online privacy protection at an affordable level—ideal for basic home networking and daily internet use.
- Secure Browsing for Everyday Needs: Perfect for email, social media, online shopping, and standard streaming—protecting your connection while keeping setup and operation easy.
- Lightweight Protection Against Common Online Threats: Helps reduce exposure to unwanted ads, trackers, and risky websites, improving online safety for your household.
- Simple Setup, No Technical Skills Required: Plug it in, follow the quick steps, and start using—an excellent choice for beginners who don’t want complicated network configurations.
- Decentralized VPN (DPN) Included – No Monthly Payments: Get built-in decentralized VPN access with lifetime free usage, helping you stay private without paying recurring subscription fees
Prices and hosting-plan features need checking
Bluehost’s published Complete Security figures are $5.99/month as a starting amount and, in its plan overview, $5.99/month for a 12-month term and $19.99/month at renewal. Bluehost warns prices can change. Confirm the current term, renewal amount and included tier in your account or at checkout rather than treating these figures as a permanent quote. Bluehost FAQ and Bluehost overview.
Do not assume a feature listed for one Bluehost hosting product applies to every hosting plan. In one WordPress hosting comparison, Bluehost lists free malware scanning across the plans shown, while detection and removal are unavailable on its entry Pro plan and listed for Premium and Enhanced. That table also lists WAF, DDoS protection and weekly backups. A different WordPress-hosting table on the same pricing page lists four higher named plans and malware detection and removal across all four. These appear to describe different product groups; check the exact plan and checkout offer you are considering. Bluehost WordPress hosting comparison.
Why it is one security layer, not the only one
Bluehost presents SSL and backup tools separately from Malware Protection, and its hosting comparisons list other controls such as WAF and DDoS protection. A malware service does not remove your responsibility to keep WordPress core, plugins and themes updated, protect administrator credentials and maintain a recovery plan. Before relying on any bundled protection, establish what your hosting plan includes, how backups can be restored, and which cleanup tasks are outside the service’s scope. Bluehost’s pages describe product features; they do not provide independent evidence of detection efficacy. Bluehost SSL information and Bluehost backup information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to SiteLock Security?
Bluehost’s notice, updated September 29, 2026, says SiteLock Security is no longer available as a service and existing plans will not auto-renew at their next renewal date. If you currently subscribe, check your individual billing and renewal date and arrange replacement coverage before it expires if needed. Bluehost points customers to newer hosting plans or another third-party security service. Bluehost SiteLock Security update.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The FortiGate 60F series offers an excellent Security and SD-WAN solution in a compact fanless desktop form factor for enterprise branch offices and mid-sized businesses
- Protect against cyber threats with industry-leading secure SD-WAN in a simple, affordable, and easy to deploy solution
- Security Identifies thousands of applications inside network traffic for deep inspection and granular policy enforcement Protects against malware, exploits, and malicious websites in both
- Provides Zero Touch Integration with Security Fabric's Single Pane of Glass Management Predefined compliance checklist analyzes the deployment and highlights the best practices to improve overall
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
