Common Warning Signs of Malware Infection

Malware can manifest in many ways, but here are the most common symptoms that suggest your computer may be infected:

How to Check for Malware

If you've noticed any of the warning signs above, here are some steps you can take to confirm whether your computer is infected:

Check Task Manager or Activity Monitor

Examine the processes running on your system to identify any suspicious activity:

For Windows:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the "Processes" tab.
3. Look for unfamiliar processes using high percentages of CPU, memory, disk, or network resources.
4. Right-click on suspicious processes and select "Search online" to learn more about them.

For Mac:

1. Press Command+Space to open Spotlight, then type "Activity Monitor" and press Enter.
2. Review processes, especially focusing on CPU and Network tabs.
3. Look for unusual processes consuming significant resources.

Check Your Installed Programs

Review recently installed applications to identify potentially unwanted programs:

For Windows:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
2. Sort by "Installed On" date to see recent additions.
3. Look for programs you don't recognise or don't remember installing.
4. Be particularly suspicious of programs with generic names, misspellings, or poor descriptions.

For Mac:

1. Go to Finder > Applications.
2. Sort by "Date Added" to see recent installations.
3. Check for unfamiliar applications.

Check Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can be a common source of malware:

For Chrome:

1. Type "chrome://extensions/" in the address bar.
2. Review all installed extensions and remove any you don't recognise or no longer use.

For Firefox:

1. Click the menu button and select "Add-ons and Themes".
2. Review the Extensions tab and remove suspicious items.

For Safari:

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Uncheck or uninstall any extensions you don't recognise.

For Edge:

1. Click the three dots menu > Extensions.
2. Review and remove any suspicious extensions.

Run a Virus Scan

Use your installed security software to run a full system scan:

1. Open your antivirus or security software.
2. Select the option for a full or complete scan rather than a quick scan.
3. Allow the scan to complete, which may take several hours.
4. Review any detected threats and follow the recommended actions.

Initial Steps to Address Malware

If you've confirmed or strongly suspect a malware infection, here are some immediate steps you can take:

1. Disconnect from the Network

To prevent the malware from spreading or communicating with external servers:

• Disconnect your computer from Wi-Fi by turning off your wireless adapter or enabling Airplane Mode.
• Unplug any Ethernet cables connecting your computer to your router.
• If possible, disconnect external drives that might be infected.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts your computer with minimal drivers and services, which can prevent malware from loading:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now."
4. After the restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. After the next restart, press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.

For Mac:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

3. Remove Suspicious Programs

While in Safe Mode, uninstall any programs you've identified as suspicious:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).
2. Select each suspicious program and click "Uninstall" or move it to the Trash.
3. Follow any uninstallation prompts that appear.

4. Run an In-Depth Scan

Use your antivirus software to run a full system scan while in Safe Mode:

1. Open your antivirus program.
2. Select the most thorough scan option available (often called "Full Scan" or "Deep Scan").
3. Follow any prompts to clean or quarantine detected threats.

Prevent Future Infections

Once you've addressed the immediate threat, take these steps to protect yourself from future infections:

Keep Software Updated

• Ensure your operating system has automatic updates enabled.
• Keep all applications, especially browsers, PDF readers, and office software, up to date.
• Consider removing software you no longer use, as outdated programs can be security risks.

Strengthen Your Security Software

• Verify that your antivirus software is up to date and real-time protection is enabled.
• Consider using additional security tools like a dedicated anti-malware scanner.
• Enable your firewall to control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Practice Safe Browsing

• Be cautious about clicking links in emails, especially if they're unexpected or from unknown senders.
• Verify the source before downloading files or programs.
• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
• Consider a password manager to help maintain separate secure passwords.
• Be wary of browser pop-ups, especially those claiming your computer is infected or offering free prizes.

Regular Backups

• Implement a regular backup routine for your important files.
• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored off-site or in the cloud.
• Test your backups periodically to ensure they can be restored if needed.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many malware infections can be addressed with the steps above, certain situations call for professional assistance:

• Your computer is infected with ransomware that has encrypted your files.
• You've followed all the steps above but symptoms persist.
• Your security software repeatedly detects the same threats after removal.
• You have reason to believe your financial or personal information has been compromised.
• You're not comfortable performing the necessary steps yourself.
• You need to recover data that may have been compromised or encrypted.