Not every slow or odd-behaving computer is infected, but some symptoms are worth taking seriously. Knowing the real warning signs, and the safe steps to take, helps you act early before a small problem becomes a costly one. Here is what to look for.
The warning signs worth noticing
- Sudden slowdown: a machine that became sluggish overnight, not gradually over years
- Pop-ups and adverts: especially ones that appear when no browser is open
- Your browser changed on its own: a new home page, unfamiliar search engine, or strange toolbars
- Programmes you did not install: unfamiliar apps appearing in your list
- Files locked or renamed: a serious sign that could indicate ransomware
- The fan running constantly: something using your machine hard in the background
- Friends getting odd messages from you: a sign an account may be compromised
- Security software disabled: malware often tries to switch off your antivirus
One of these alone is not always cause for alarm. A sudden slowdown can have other causes, which we cover in why laptops slow down. But several together point to infection.
What to do straight away
1. Disconnect from the internet
If you suspect an active infection, especially anything locking files, disconnect from Wi-Fi or pull the network cable. This limits the damage and stops data being sent out or more malware coming in.
2. Do not log into sensitive accounts
Avoid banking or important accounts on a machine you think is infected. If you have already done so recently, change those passwords from a different, trusted device.
3. Back up your important files
If you can, copy your essential documents and photos to an external drive. Be aware that you do not want to copy the infection across, so this is best done carefully, and ideally with guidance.
4. Run a full scan
Use a reputable, up-to-date security tool to run a full scan, not a quick one. Windows Security built into Windows is a reasonable starting point.
What not to do
- Do not pay a ransom if files are locked. Payment rarely guarantees recovery and marks you as a target.
- Do not click the "your PC is infected, call this number" pop-ups. These are scams designed to get remote access to your machine.
- Do not install three different antivirus programmes at once. They conflict and can make things worse.
- Do not ignore it and hope it clears. Malware does not fix itself.
Staying protected going forward
- Keep Windows and your software updated
- Use one trusted security programme, kept current
- Be wary of email attachments and links you did not expect
- Keep regular backups, so ransomware loses its power over you
- Avoid pirated software, a very common source of infections
When to bring it in
If a scan does not clear it, files are locked, or you are simply not sure, get it checked. Some infections embed deeply and need proper removal to be sure they are gone. We can clean the machine, recover what we safely can, and set you up with sensible protection. See our computer repairs for what virus removal involves.
We have helped South Coast customers recover from infections since 2010, and we will give you a straight assessment of what is going on. Call 039 314 4359, or book a repair and we will take a careful look.
