Telltale Signs Your Computer has Malware

With cybercriminals exposing 15.3 million confidential records in 2019 alone, there seems to be no stopping them. Hacking was the most commonly used method of breaching data, with tactics including phishing, ransomware, and malware.

Such incidents indicate a rising trend in identity theft in the United States, with 2,142 related complaints originating from Kansas in 2018.

To help prevent your business from falling victim to cybercrime, become more aware of the signs of malware. Below, we’ll look into the red flags that point to an infected computer, then discuss how to save your information.

Slow, low-quality performance

A striking sign of a malware-infected computer is a significant reduction in speed. This includes the slowdown of operating systems, programs, and internet bandwidth. If you’ve got adequate RAM and your hard drive is in tip-top shape with ample room,, then it’s likely you’ve got malware impeding the internal processes of your machine.

Malware also tends to clutter up your hard drive with suspicious files and programs. Always do a regular check of folders and applications and eliminate any unknown entities to free up space and remove potential viruses.

Additionally, a virus that multiplies on your computer will consume an inordinate amount of resources and will drain your battery quickly. Take note of an unusually short battery life and assess your currently installed apps and programs for suspicious activities.

Erratic programs

Malware and other viruses will typically have a noticeable display of unwanted activity. This includes random pop-up windows, the unprompted loading of unknown programs, and odd audio noises. Such disturbances can range from the harmlessly annoying (such as pop-up advertisements claiming you’ve “won” money or a free product) to those with more malicious intent, such as programs that bar access to files and documents and demand that you pay a ransom to regain access.

Some sneakily display threatening pop-up warnings of malware infections, scaring you into downloading a fake antivirus program and paying a fee to have the problem “fixed.”

Connections to suspicious websites

Pay attention to your current antivirus software. If it starts alerting you of applications attempting to access a certain (often unknown) website, you may have a malware infection on your hands.

In a similar vein, unwanted browser redirects can be another symptom. While not all site redirects are malicious, those that take you to unfamiliar sites should raise a red flag. Not all are noticeable, though. Banking Trojan viruses, for example, may redirect you to a fraudulent site that’s an exact duplicate of your bank’s actual website.

When this happens, take note of the URL — if it looks unfamiliar, it’s likely fake.

Unfamiliar activity from your email or social media accounts

Some malware programs propagate by sending out spam messages through somebody's email or social media accounts. These messages often contain a suspicious link that, when clicked, will infect the receiver’s computer with the same malware. The receiver’s machine will then send out the same spam messages, thereby perpetuating the cycle anew.

Listen to friends or colleagues who point out strange activity on your social media profiles or who bring odd emails (sent by you) to your attention. It can also help to perform regular checks of your online message archives, assessing your sent items, and checking if there’s anything that seems unfamiliar.

How to deal with computer malware

To prevent computer malware, ensure you’ve got trusted, quality anti-malware software installed. Perform system scans at regular intervals to maintain a clean, problem-free system. It also helps to educate yourself on the dangers of cybercrime and common tactics, such as avoiding links in suspicious emails (or social media posts) and steering clear of dubious websites and online “services.”

Investing in a reputable VPN service or applying encryption tactics can also keep your personal information safe from prying hands.

If you suspect a malware infection, run a full scan with your anti-malware software, ensuring it’s up to date with the latest safeguards and security processes. If malware is found, follow the on-screen instructions to remove the virus and restart your computer.

For extra measure, reset passwords on all your accounts, providing each with its own unique code (a password manager can help you keep track of multiple passwords). Install a pop-up blocker on your browser and do a clean-up of your extensions, keeping them exclusive to legitimate, well-trusted sites.

Businesses needn’t deal with security issues alone; our experts at Summit Advisors can provide you with the right assessments, monitoring, and protection required to keep your data safe. Protect yourself from both common and rising threats, and enquire with us today.