Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, but it is also vulnerable to virus and malware infections. Virus and malware are malicious programs that can harm your computer, data, privacy, or security. They can enter your system through various sources, such as email attachments, downloads, websites, or removable devices. Slow performance, increased pop-ups, changed browser settings, missing files, High CPU usage are some of the common Virus Malware Infected warnings. In this article, we will show you how to recognize the warning signs of virus and malware infections, and how to protect your Windows system from them.
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Warning Signs of virus and malware infections
If your system is infected with virus or malware, You may experience performance issues like system slowdowns or crashes, unusual network activity, excessive pop-ups, altered browser settings and more. Here are some common warning signs that indicate that your Windows PC may be infected by virus or malware.
- Slow performance: Your computer becomes slower than usual, takes longer to boot up or shut down, or freezes or crashes frequently.
- Pop-up ads: You see unwanted pop-up ads on your screen, even when you are not browsing the internet, or you are redirected to unfamiliar or malicious websites.
- Unusual messages: You receive fake alerts or warnings that claim that your computer is infected or that you need to pay for a service or a product.
- Changed settings: Your homepage, search engine, browser settings, or desktop background are changed without your permission, or you cannot change them back.
- Missing files: Your files are deleted, encrypted, corrupted, or renamed, or you cannot access them.
- Unknown programs: You notice new programs or icons on your computer that you did not install, or you cannot uninstall them.
- High network activity: Your internet connection is slower than usual, or you see a lot of network activity on your task manager, even when you are not using the internet.
If you notice any of these warning signs on your Windows system, you should take immediate action to scan and clean your computer.
How to protect computer from Viruses and malware
The best way to protect your Windows system from virus and malware infections is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some best practices that you can follow to protect your Windows computer from virus and malware infection.
Install and update antivirus software
Antivirus software is a program that scans your computer for known viruses and other malicious programs and removes them if detected. You should install reputable antivirus software from a trusted source, such as Norton, McAfee, Avast, and Bitdefender, etc. You should also keep your antivirus software updated with the latest virus definitions and security patches.
- Choose a reputable antivirus solution, such as Windows Security (built into Windows 10 and Windows 11) or third-party options like Norton, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky.
- Install antivirus solutions with features such as real-time protection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.
- Ensure it offers regular updates to its virus definition database, ensuring it stays abreast of the latest threats.
- Additionally, consider a security suite that includes features like firewall protection and anti-phishing capabilities for a more comprehensive defense.
Enable Firewall Protection
A firewall protects your Windows system from network-based threats and blocks unauthorized or harmful network traffic from entering or leaving your computer. A firewall can help prevent viruses and malware from accessing your computer through the internet or a local network. You should enable the firewall protection on your Windows computer, and configure it according to your needs.
- You can enable firewall protection by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
- Select Public network, In the Microsoft Defender Firewall section, select the toggle to turn it on.
- Activate the built-in Windows Firewall or consider using a third-party firewall solution.
- Configure firewall settings to monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic, and create specific rules for applications to enhance security.
- Ensure that the firewall is turned on for both private and public networks.
Keep Your System Updated
You should keep your Windows system and software updated to the latest versions. Updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities or bugs that could be exploited by viruses and malware. In addition to the operating system, ensure installed software and applications are updated with the latest version.
These updates address vulnerabilities in the operating system, making it less susceptible to malware.
To update Windows OS:
Press the Windows key + S, type Windows update, and select the first result. Hit check for updates, if new updates are available allow them to download and install.
Most software, including browsers, Adobe Reader, and Java, has built-in update options. Or you can download the latest version by going to the respective programs or websites.
Utilize built-in update mechanisms or consider using third-party software updates to ensure that every program, from web browsers to productivity tools, is running the latest, most secure version.
Exercise Safe Browsing Habits
One of the most common ways that viruses and malware spread is through phishing emails, which are messages that pretend to be from legitimate sources, but contain malicious links or attachments. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, delete the email or report it as spam.
A web browser is a program that allows you to access the internet and view web pages. You should use a secure web browser that has built-in features to protect you from malicious websites, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.
- You should also be careful when browsing the web, and avoid visiting untrusted or unfamiliar websites.
- Install browser extensions that enhance security, such as ad-blockers and script blockers.
- Always verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information, and be cautious of shortened URLs.
- Consider using a secure, privacy-focused browser for an added layer of protection.
Enable User Account Control (UAC)
UAC is a feature that prompts you for permission or an administrator password before making changes that affect your system or installing software. UAC can help prevent viruses and malware from making unauthorized changes to your computer or installing malicious programs. You should enable UAC on your Windows computer, and adjust the settings to suit your preferences. You can enable UAC by going to Control Panel > ASystem and Security. Under Security and Maintenance, select Change User Account Control settings.
- Enable UAC add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized modifications.
Use a Standard User Account
A standard user account is a type of account that has limited privileges and cannot make changes that affect the system or other users. A standard user account can help reduce the risk of viruses and malware infecting your computer or spreading to other devices on the network. You should use a standard user account for your daily activities, and Reserve administrative privileges for specific activities that require elevated permissions, such as software installations or system modifications.
You can create a standard user account by going to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
- Create a standard user account for everyday use to minimize the potential impact of malware.
- For administrative tasks, switch to the administrator account when necessary, entering the password when prompted.
Implement Network Security
Strengthen your home network’s security by configuring a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi. Enable WPA3 encryption to protect your wireless communication. Consider using a VPN, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, to encrypt your internet traffic and shield your data from potential eavesdroppers.
- Change the default username and password for router access,
- Enable WPA3 encryption for Wi-Fi security, and configure a strong, unique Wi-Fi password.
- Consider using a reputable VPN for added security, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Backup your data regularly
Even if you follow the above steps, there is still a chance that your computer may get infected by a virus or malware that can damage or encrypt your data. To avoid losing your important files, you should backup your data regularly to an external hard drive or a cloud service.
Backup is a process of copying your data to another location, such as an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a flash drive. Backup can help you recover your data in case of a virus or malware infection that damages or deletes your files.
- Regularly back up your important files, documents, and system images.
- Set up a backup plan using built-in tools like File History or third-party backup solutions
- Test the restoration process periodically to guarantee the backups’ effectiveness.
In summary:
If you think that a virus or malware has taken up residence on your PC,
- Install a powerful antivirus utility or security suite immediately.
- Make sure your antivirus is fully up to date, and run a full scan.
- Also, make sure your Windows is updated and don’t install cracked/patched software applications.
- Always avoid visiting redirected/ popup websites and use a VPN
Also read
- How to Fix Your Computer Is Low On Memory Warning In Windows 10
- How To Remove Shortcut Virus Without Formatting or Any Data Loss
- Antivirus vs VPN, Do You Really Need Both of these protection services?
- Best ways to protect your Windows Computer from hackers and malware
- 10 Tips to Free Up RAM on Your Windows 10 Computer (Updated)