How Quarantine Works
What This Covers
This guide explains how the Steel Security quarantine system works and how it helps safely isolate potentially risky files.
Quarantine provides a controlled way to remove files from active use without permanently deleting them.
What Quarantine Does
Quarantine moves a file out of its original location into a secure, non-public storage area.
This means:
- the file is no longer accessible via the web
- it cannot be executed or loaded by WordPress
- it is preserved for review or restoration
This allows you to safely handle suspicious or unnecessary files.
When Quarantine Is Used
Quarantine is typically used when:
- a scan identifies a potentially sensitive or risky file
- you want to remove a file without deleting it permanently
- you are unsure whether a file is safe to remove
It provides a safe alternative to immediate deletion.
How the Process Works
When a file is quarantined:
- The file is moved from its original location
- It is stored in a protected directory within your site
- Access to the file is restricted
- A record is kept to allow restoration
The original file path is preserved for reference.
What Happens After Quarantine
After a file is quarantined:
- it will no longer appear in scans as an exposed file
- any functionality depending on that file may change
- the file remains available for restoration
You should verify your site after quarantining any file.
Safety Considerations
Quarantine is designed to be safe, but you should still:
- understand what the file does before quarantining
- avoid quarantining core or required files
- test your site after making changes
When in doubt, proceed cautiously.
Where Quarantined Files Are Stored
Quarantined files are stored in a protected location within your WordPress environment.
This location:
- is not publicly accessible
- prevents direct execution of files
- is managed by Steel Security
This ensures quarantined files cannot pose a risk while stored.
Quarantine vs Deletion
Quarantine is not the same as deletion.
| Quarantine | Deletion |
|---|---|
| Reversible | Permanent |
| Safe for testing | No recovery |
| Preserves file | Removes file entirely |
Quarantine is recommended when you are unsure about a file.
Limitations
- Quarantine does not analyze file contents for malware
- Some files may be required for site functionality
- Manual review may still be necessary
Steel Security focuses on safe handling, not automatic classification.
Common Questions
Will quarantining a file break my site?
It can, if the file is required.
Always test your site after quarantining any file.
Can I view quarantined files?
Yes, files remain stored and can be restored if needed.
Are quarantined files secure?
Yes.
They are stored in a protected location and are not accessible via the web.
Tips
- Use quarantine when you are unsure about a file
- Avoid deleting files immediately
- Always test after quarantining
- Review findings before taking action
What to Do Next
After quarantining a file:
- Test your site functionality
- Confirm no issues are introduced
- Decide whether to keep the file quarantined or restore it