Here at Creative Network Solutions, we are Preston’s leading IT support and network services experts. From secure remote access services to business VoIP, we are the team you can count on. And this is our guide to everything you should know about identifying malware infections.
What are the most common signs that your computer is infected with malware?
If your company or personal computer has become infected with malware, it is essential that this is resolved before the problem gets worse, your details and information are stolen, or the malware spreads and infects the larger network of devices. But how can you identify malware on your computer? And what are the most common signs of a malware infection? Well, there are several including:
- The computer slows down- when you’re in the middle of working there is nothing more annoying than having to wait for a slow computer. As a result, this is often the first of the warnings sign to be identified. When a computer is infected with malware, the operating system speed is often reduced as the malware carries out activities in the background, while you are trying to use the computer.
- The computer keeps crashing- unexplained system crashing is also a significant issue and if this continues to occur it could be the result of a malware infection. A full computer crash can come as a freeze or a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), the latter occurs on Windows systems after encountering a fatal error.
- There is an unexplained loss of disk space- if your free disk space has suddenly dropped, this can be a sign that there is a bloated malware squatter, hiding in your hard drive. This is waiting to take action, or is perhaps already taking action unobserved by your anti-virus protection.
- The browser settings change- if after loading your computer you find that the browser settings have inexplicably changed, or that new plugins or browser extensions have been installed, it is highly likely that you have malware. While there are a number of different types of malware that can cause such an issue, it is highly probable that you have encountered malicious advertising or popups, and the software has been downloaded from there.
- The anti-virus stops working- if your antivirus software suddenly switches off, and you can no longer switch it back on, its highly likely that malware has been installed on your computer or device. The malware is programmed to switch off antivirus protection so that it can continue to infect your network or be spread from your device, without detection.
- There is a loss of access to files- this is the single most obvious sign that your computer has malware, as in this instance, you will be sent a clear message by the cyber criminals. If you lose access to your device, or to your files, it is highly likely that you have ransomware on your computer, and that the criminals will return your data for a cost.
For more information or advice about your network security, systems, or multi-platform malware, why not get in touch with the experts today, here at Creative Network Solutions.