PC security

If you suspect that your PC is infected with malware, it is crucial to act immediately to prevent potential damage and the loss of sensitive data. In this article, we provide you with essential information and practical solutions to help you protect your PC and effectively combat infections.

Common signs of malware activity on your system include:

1. Sudden pop-ups and ads in your browser
   If you notice an unusual number of pop-ups and advertisements while browsing, your PC may be infected. These pop-ups can redirect you to malicious websites or contain harmful code.
2. Slow performance and frequent crashes
   Malware often causes your PC to slow down or crash frequently by consuming system resources, corrupting files, launching unwanted processes, accessing the internet, or even mining cryptocurrency for attackers.
3. Unexplained internet data usage
   If your internet data is being used up faster than expected or your connection is unusually slow, your PC or a program may be transferring data in the background without your knowledge.
4. Unwanted search engines
   Malware frequently installs unauthorized search engines to redirect you to fraudulent websites, collect personal data, display unwanted ads, or perform other malicious actions.

If you suspect that your computer is infected, you should take the following steps:

1. Disconnect your PC from the internet

The first step is to immediately disconnect your PC from the internet. There is a risk that your device is being remotely controlled, monitored, or used to spread spam. Advanced malware can download additional threats from the internet and even infect other computers on your network. To prevent this, switch off all other PCs or disconnect them from the router if you need temporary internet access for your suspected device.

2. Check your antivirus software

Next, verify your installed antivirus program. If you receive a warning message, pay close attention to its appearance. A suddenly different-looking warning from an unknown antivirus tool is a clear sign of infection. Be cautious of fake antivirus alerts that attempt to undermine your trust in your current security software and prompt you to purchase a new program. Do not click on suspicious links, as they may lead to fraudulent websites. Save any open files, shut down your PC, and restart it in “Safe Mode without networking”. Uninstall any suspicious software. If this does not resolve the issue, restore your system to a previous state.

Tip: Use our partner network to find an expert IT partner in your area who can assist you with these steps.

3. Stop all potentially harmful processes with “AwayVir”

If your oldest system restore point does not go back far enough, you may benefit from using the AwayVir program. Install AwayVir in Safe Mode or run the portable version from a USB stick.

AwayVir deactivates all processes that are not part of the operating system, effectively returning your system to a state similar to a fresh installation. This makes it highly likely that all malicious processes will be stopped. Afterwards, your antivirus software can remove any inactive remnants and further clean your system.

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to have a program like AwayVir installed on your computer in advance. This ensures you do not need to download and install it when malware is already active, as internet access may no longer be possible at that point.

Look it up further: PC security

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