How to Detect a Malware Invasion on Your Computer

Malicious programs or malware is a term that surely all PC, laptop, smartphone, and even console owners are aware of. It’s an abomination that once infiltrates your system, can be very annoying to get rid of. However, getting rid of malware, adware and even spyware programs isn’t rocket science anymore. All it takes is a premium anti-virus program or your operating system’s in-built security suite and all your problems are solved in a jiffy.

But know that prevention is better than cure and it’s never fine to let a malware pass freely into your system. Make sure you have these security measures installed and running beforehand. Despite you having a full-fledged active security suite, the chances of a malware invasion still exist. An anti-virus program doesn’t make it 100% secure as there are still obscure parts that can be left open for easy infiltration. What do you do when that’s the case? When does your anti-virus fail to detect anything malicious? Do you reinstall your operating system again? Do you wipe out all your applications only to lose important data? No, you don’t do that.

What you can do is look for all the indications that let you detect a malware invasion. You take it to step by step. You first detect the malware, then you streamline the removal process and decide whether extreme measures are needed or not. Keep reading to find all the ways you can detect malware on your system and how it can help you with removal.

Random pop-up messages

This is common for websites that showcase pirated content. It’s common for most of us to look for free software programs yet getting a free alternative to, for example, an Adobe application isn’t that easy. Malicious websites use that same search intent and veil them under virus-ridden pop-ups. If you ever see a random pop-up saying that you have to download ABC software, don’t be so quick in putting all your trust in it only to end up downloading spyware to your system. Pop-ups like these are also induced by false anti-virus software. The pop-up will display a message saying your system is unsecure or potentially infected. It will also recommend you to click on a ‘Download’ button to install the anti-virus program. Don’t fall for it as the pop-up itself is the malware program.

Slow operating system performance

A computer worm or Trojan typically starts hogging up space and resources in your system. In turn, what happens is that your system dwindles in performance as the disk space being consumed is more than required. System performance and speed slow down and ultimately, you cannot even perform the most basic of tasks. Another reason that’s not malware-related is that multiple applications could be working in the background. Make sure you disable all the applications that consume resources upon system reboot. That way it will be easier to identify whether it’s the malware’s doing or it’s the resources used by system applications.

Counterfeit or disabled anti-virus program

The Windows Defender on your PC cannot be disabled easily but it’s not invincible either. Another common trait of a malware infiltration is that it takes administrator roles over your system. It randomly allocates files in your hardware and even downloads shady applications. Now that the malware has full control over your system, it can be easy for it to disable any anti-virus program or firewall installed on your system. Make sure you timely check your anti-virus, keep it updated and if you find it disabled, run a quick check with a malware detection software.

Your system keeps crashing

As we mentioned that malware consumes important resources on your system, we would like to add another essential key point. When you see your disk space is consumed to a good 100%, be ready to face abrupt system crashes. Your system will stay unstable until all the malicious programs are removed. The more you leave it untouched, the more files and applications will begin to crash. Ultimately, your system will be stuck while booting and an operating system refresh is what you would need to do.

All in all

As frustrating as it can get, detecting and removing malware isn’t a hassling endeavor anymore. There are countless authentic, some paid some free, anti-virus programs that can easily keep your system in-check at all times. In case, a malicious program is found, the detection tool doesn’t waste time in removing it. The best part about Window's very own security suite, Defender, is that it isolates any malicious findings, notifies you, and lets you remove it for good.

So are you at peace knowing that the next time you see a malware invasion occur you will know exactly what to do? Of course, you will be! Now just sit back, relax and enjoy the shows you have been looking forward to binge-watch on wow channel lineup. After all, it’s great to put yourself in for a small treat after spending so much time on removing a stubborn virus!