Can You Tell If Your Computer Has A Virus?
Computers sometimes do some crazy stuff that makes alarm bells ring and force us to dive for cover. This craziness can lead to repetitive scanning and forcing everyone to speak to their browsing habits. The good thing is that viruses or other nefarious bugs do not always cause all these crazy occurrences. Sometimes your computer is just overburdened and in desperate need of a reboot.
With that said, here are some promising signs of a malware attack:
1. Error Messages that are Weird
Do messages make no sense and pop-up from nowhere? Do they have poor grammar, misspellings, or look like gibberish? Do they reference a program you do not even have? Pay attention to the anti-virus warnings as well. Check that the alarm is from YOUR anti-virus and looks like it usually does. If there is a message that pops up, and you question whether it is right or not, do not click it! Do not even select options to clear or close out the pop-up. Close your browser or shut the computer down instead. Then turn on and run a full scan.
2. Your Anti-virus/Malware Protection is Suddenly Deactivated
The best way to bypass the guard is to send them on a coffee break! Some viruses are programmed to deactivate your security first. This deactivation leaves it open to infection. If you reboot your computer and the protections are not activated, then more than likely, you are under attack. If you attempt to start the anti-virus manually and it does not, or it deactivates again on its own, then you know for sure.
3. Receiving Social Media Messages You Did Not Send?
Are you receiving replies to messages you never sent? Someone may have hacked your login details, or friends tricked into coughing up their personal information, even money. If this starts happening, change your password immediately directly through the website, not emails or links on other messages. You should advise your friends to do the same.
4. Web Browser Acts Up
Have you noticed a change to your homepage? Is it using a different search engine, or maybe opening unwanted websites? If it seems like your browser has gone rogue, then it is most definitely a virus. Usually, it intends to steal your personal information and financial details. It would help if you stopped all online activities, including email until you conduct a scan, and it comes away clear, and everything is back working as it should.
5. Performance is Sluggish
If booting up your computer takes forever, the speed has dropped, or even the mouse's movement has become a chore, it is a sign that something is wrong. However, it may not necessarily be a virus. Just run an anti-virus scan, and if it resolves, then you should be fine. If you run the scan and the mouse still acts up, your computer most likely needs a quick repair or tune-up.
6. Computer Activity Seems Constant
If you are not using the computer and the hard drive is working hard, with fans swirling, network lights flashing like a disco club, it is likely something or someone is using your computer. Malware and virus attacks will utilize your computer's resources. Often, they use them more than you do! Please make sure you are aware of your computer's regular activity so that you can tell when it is not normal.
Conclusion
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