# 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## How the Process Works

When a file is quarantined:

1. The file is moved from its original location  
2. It is stored in a protected directory within your site  
3. Access to the file is restricted  
4. A record is kept to allow restoration  

The original file path is preserved for reference.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## Common Questions

### Will quarantining a file break my site?

It can, if the file is required.

Always test your site after quarantining any file.

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### Can I view quarantined files?

Yes, files remain stored and can be restored if needed.

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### Are quarantined files secure?

Yes.

They are stored in a protected location and are not accessible via the web.

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## Tips

- Use quarantine when you are unsure about a file  
- Avoid deleting files immediately  
- Always test after quarantining  
- Review findings before taking action  

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## What to Do Next

After quarantining a file:

1. Test your site functionality  
2. Confirm no issues are introduced  
3. Decide whether to keep the file quarantined or restore it  

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## Related

- [Restoring Quarantined Files](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/plugin-guide/page/restoring-quarantined-files)
- [Working with Scan Findings](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/plugin-guide/page/working-with-scan-findings)
- [Safe Rollback Practices](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/plugin-guide/page/safe-rollback-practices)