Recently, law enforcement was able to seize $6 million in ransom payments from the group behind the ransomware known as REvil. While this is great news, the ransomware is apparently resurfacing and infecting computers yet again. And, the only way to truly stay protected is to remain vigilant.
What’s the best way to keep your PC free from any malware infection, though? Well, you have to start by keeping an eye out for the top signs of malware.
There are a few obvious tells, like reduced overall performance. But, other signs can often go unnoticed. Keep reading if you’re interested in the most common signs of a computer virus.
Table of Contents
What is Malware
Malware is commonly known as any piece of software that’s designed to cause damage to your system. However, modern iterations don’t have to be executable files. Even tiny notepad or WordPad files can wreak havoc on modern PCs.
In many cases, malware infections can go unnoticed and never cause harm. But, it’s better to be safe than sorry and remove any malware you might find.
Malware Removal
The best form of malware removal is actually prevention. The next best thing is to use computer repair software that can detect, quarantine, and completely remove an infection. Of course, first, you have to determine whether or not you have a malware infection with the following signs.
Subtle Signs of Malware
A lot of malware nowadays aims to track and collect data. So, it can easily go unnoticed. There are other types, like ransomware and executables that run in the background, that can cause some serious damage. Here are three common signs of malware that you should watch out for.
Inconsistent Crashes
While it’s understandable for a few specific programs to crash every once in a while, there’s one sign that you should watch out for. If you notice that multiple applications crash at seemingly random times throughout the day, you might have a malware infection on your hands.
Browser Homepage Change
Malware developers have to get more and more creative as security systems restrict their ability to hack into PCs. One common workaround involves using your browser as a channel to gain access to your computer. If you notice that your homepage changes on its own, it’s time to consider a malware removal application.
No Access to Control Panel
Another workaround for modern malware involves restricting access to the control panel. It’s where you can view and modify most system settings. If you can’t access the control panel, you probably have a malware infection.
Dealing with a Malware Infection
As mentioned previously, the first step to removing any computer virus is detecting the signs that it’s present. Slower performance is the most obvious tell, so you have to keep an eye out for other less obvious examples. Subtle signs of malware include random crashes, browser changes, and restricted access to certain parts of your computer. The sooner you notice these examples, the more likely you’ll find a successful solution.
Hopefully, this article provided you with some great information to help you keep an eye out for malware infections. If it did, consider taking a look at some of the other posts on the site.
