Key Signs of a Computer Virus
Watch for these critical indicators:
- Extremely Slow Performance: Significant slowdowns during basic tasks, unexplained freezes, or frequent crashes.
- Unfamiliar Programs/Activity: Unknown software appearing, programs opening/closing on their own, or mouse movements you didn't initiate.
- Relentless Pop-up Ads: Ads bombarding your screen outside web browsers, often explicit or promoting fake security software.
- Changed System Settings: Unexplained modifications to your browser homepage, search engine, or new unwanted toolbars/extensions.
- Spiking CPU/RAM Usage: Task Manager showing consistently high resource usage by unknown processes.
- Crashes & Blue Screens (BSODs): Increased system instability leading to crashes.
- Security Software Disabled: Your antivirus or firewall suddenly stops working or gets disabled without your consent.
- Strange Network Traffic: Unexplained spikes in internet activity or failed outgoing connection attempts.
- Files Missing or Corrupted: Documents or system files disappearing, becoming inaccessible, or changing inexplicably.
- Contacts Reporting Strange Messages: Others receiving spam/phishing messages seemingly sent from you.
Quick Fixes and Steps
- Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately sever your network connection (disable Wi-Fi/unplug Ethernet) to stop data theft or malware communication.
- Enter Safe Mode: Restart your computer and boot into Safe Mode (method varies by OS - typically pressing F8/Shift during boot). This loads minimal software, hindering malware.
- Run a Full System Scan: Use your installed, reputable antivirus software to perform an in-depth scan. Update its definitions first within Safe Mode if possible.
- Use a Secondary Scanner: Download and run a scan with a reputable malware removal tool. Scan offline if security software is blocked online.
- Delete Suspicious Files/Programs: Check your Programs list for unrecognized entries installed around the time issues started and uninstall them. Manually delete suspicious files found by scans (quarantine first if the tool offers it).
- Reset Browsers: Remove browser hijackers by resetting affected browsers to default settings, clearing caches and extensions.
- Check Autostart Entries: Use Task Manager to disable unknown applications launching at startup.
- Restore from Backup: If performance issues persist after cleaning, restore your system to a known-good backup point prior to infection.
If Problems Persist
Severe infections like rootkits may require offline scanning or advanced tools. Seek professional IT support. After cleaning, change critical passwords immediately using a trusted clean device.
