---
title: Patchstack Protection vs. Malware scanning
description: "This is the question we hear most, and the distinction matters: Patchstack Protection prevents hacks by blocking the exploit; malware scanning detects an infection after it has already happened. ## The difference in one table |   | Patchstack Protection…"
url: "https://www.aeserver.com/support/patchstack-vs-malware-scanning/"
updated: "2026-10-12"
category: Security / Patchstack
---

# Patchstack Protection vs. Malware scanning

This is the question we hear most, and the distinction matters: Patchstack Protection prevents hacks by blocking the exploit; malware scanning detects an infection after it has already happened.

## The difference in one table

|   | Patchstack Protection | Malware scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| When it acts | Before the site is compromised | After the site is compromised |
| What it does | Mitigates the vulnerability so the exploit is blocked before malware can get in | Finds malware that is already on the site |
| Outcome | Exploit blocked before an infection can happen | Site already infected; clean-up required |
| Effort for you | Set once, runs automatically | Detect, then remove and recover |

## Why prevention comes first

Malware most commonly gets in by exploiting a security vulnerability. Block the exploit and that route in is closed. Prevention is what saves you the real costs of a hack: downtime, lost data, damaged reputation, and the expense of a professional clean-up, which can run to thousands of dirhams and take days.

 **Tip**The two work well together. Patchstack Protection keeps attackers out, while periodic malware scanning and reliable backups give you a safety net. Prevention is the part that stops the damage before it starts.

## Does this replace my backups or SSL?

No. SSL encrypts traffic between your visitors and your site. Backups protect you against data loss from any cause, including human error and hardware failure. Keep both. Patchstack Protection covers the third gap: the software vulnerabilities that attackers actually use to break in, which neither SSL nor backups can stop.

## My site is already infected. Which do I need?

 **Important**Patchstack Protection does not scan for or remove existing malware. If you suspect your site is already compromised, contact AEserver support first. We will guide you through clean-up options, then enable protection so it does not happen again.  **Get Patchstack Protection**Block the exploit before it becomes a clean-up. [See pricing and get started](https://www.aeserver.com/patchstack-wordpress-security/).