Imagine you’re working on an important project with a tight deadline. Sadly, your computer is running much slower than usual. You’re waiting a long time just to open a PowerPoint presentation. You begin to ask yourself, “Does my computer have a virus?” The following are some obvious signs to look out for.
What are the signs of an infected computer?
- Your computer is slowing down, which includes sluggish startup times, the cursor dragging seconds behind your mouse, and extended delays for opening the simplest programs (the calculator, for instance). Other situations to take into consideration are if you’re running out of storage space on your computer or the memory is running low from leaving too many applications open at once.
- You notice unusual icons on the desktop for applications you have not heard of before.
- Your computer commands fail to work, such as them not responding to keyboard and mouse clicks, files opening by themselves, and being unable to open applications from your start menu or desktop.
- Your internet browser homepage changed. Your browser (Chrome, Firefox, and Safari) shows a random homepage you did not approve of. Also, you may notice extra toolbars with links to odd-looking websites. Additionally, you may get redirected forcibly to specific web pages.
- Ads pop up relentlessly. Pop-up blocking is common with major internet browsers. If you’re bombarded with pop-ups and they’re disrupting your browsing activities, malware may be attacking your computer. A definite warning sign is when the pop-ups still appear after you close your browser. Do not click on any of these ads because they can direct you to other websites that download more malware on your computer.
- You get notifications your anti-virus program and firewall are disabled.
- A strange anti-virus program is running on your computer. This impostor software, called rogueware, shows fake warnings that offer to fix a non-existent problem for a fee.
- Your computer constantly crashes. Maybe your applications began closing by themselves frequently. You might also see the Blue Screen of Death with the computer restarting on its own.
- Your files go missing or move around by themselves.
- You witness strange hard drive activities such as the computer making nonstop noises when you do not have programs running.
- You’re locked out of the computer. Ransomware can freeze your computer, encrypt your files, and require payment to restore access. The ransom notes may claim to be a law enforcement agency stating you have illegal material on your computer. Other notes may say that they have control over your computer and to pay the ransom.
What should I do if my computer is infected?
- Scan your device with an anti-virus program and CC Cleaner.
- Keep your anti-virus, operating system, and device applications up to date.
- Don’t click on strange-looking links in emails, especially from contacts you don’t know.
- Run regular backups of your computer at a data center and to the cloud. In case your device gets attacked, SwiftTech can restore it with the latest working version of your data available.
- If you are a current SwiftTech Solutions client in need of support, send a request to SwiftTech Solutions by phone (877-794-3811) or email (support@swifttechsolutions.com). In most cases, we can access your computer from our office and clean out the infection. Otherwise, we will dispatch a technician to your location.
- Disconnect the computer from the network until further instruction from SwiftTech Solutions. This is to prevent other devices on the network from getting infected.
For more information about our security packages, please contact SwiftTech Solutions at 877-794-3811 or email info@swifttechsolutions.com.