Computer viruses and malware don’t always make themselves obvious. In fact, the most dangerous ones try to stay hidden as long as possible. Here are the five most common signs that something may be wrong and what to do about each one.
1. Your computer is suddenly much slower
A sudden, unexplained slowdown especially right after installing something or clicking a link can indicate malware running silently in the background. Malware uses your computer’s processor and memory for its own purposes, leaving less for everything else.
2. Pop-up ads keep appearing
Pop-ups that appear outside of a browser, or a sudden flood of ads inside a browser where there weren’t many before, are a classic sign of adware infection. Some adware is relatively harmless but annoying; some is used to steal personal information.
3. Programs you didn’t install have appeared
Go to your Windows Settings and check your list of installed programs. If you see software you don’t recognize especially toolbars, “optimizer” tools, or programs with generic names it may have been bundled with something you downloaded or installed by malware directly.
4. Your browser homepage or search engine changed
Browser hijackers change your homepage or default search engine to redirect your searches through their own system, earning money from your clicks. If your browser suddenly opens to a different page than it used to, that’s a red flag.
5. Your antivirus is turned off
Some sophisticated malware disables antivirus software to avoid being detected and removed. If your antivirus is showing as off and you didn’t turn it off, treat it as a serious warning sign and don’t use the computer for banking or sensitive tasks until it’s cleaned.
What NOT to do
If a pop-up tells you your computer is infected and displays a phone number to call do not call it. This is a scam called “tech support fraud” and is very common in Rhode Island. Close the window (use Task Manager if needed), and call a real technician.
What to do if you think your computer is infected
Don’t panic, and don’t pay any ransom or call any number that pops up on screen. Call Comp-u-Doc at (401) 884-4432. We come to your home in Warwick, East Greenwich, or surrounding Rhode Island communities and safely clean up the infection without losing your files. Or start a remote support session for immediate help.