Does your computer have slow performance?

Have you checked Viruses on your computer?

560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day.

There are now more than 1 billion malware programs out there.

 Every minute, four companies fall victim to ransomware attacks.

In the first half of 2022, there were around 236.1 million ransomware attacks globally

In 2020, there were over 4.3 billion malware attacks detected globally, and 5.4 billion malware attacks took place in 2021

China, The United States, and India were the top three countries where malware attacks originated.  

Trojans account for 58% of all computer malware

What is Malware

Software that is intended to harm or exploit a computer system is known as malware, short for malicious software. Malware comes in various forms, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and adware, each of which has a unique attack strategy.

The virus, a software that replicates by joining itself to other files and spreading to other computers, is one of the most prevalent types of malware. Infected files on removable media can be physically exchanged, downloaded, or even sent via email attachments.

Worms and viruses share the ability to proliferate, however, worms do not require additional files to be attached in order to do so. They can instead spread via network connections or instant messaging apps.

Trojans are a type of malware that impersonates trustworthy software. They are named after the Trojan Horse from Greek mythology. They can grant hackers access to a victim’s computer and are frequently disseminated via downloads or email attachments. 

A form of virus known as ransomware encrypts a victim’s files and renders them unavailable unless the attacker is paid a ransom. High-profile attacks using this kind of malware have become more frequent in recent years, severely disrupting both organizations and individuals. 

Adware is a category of viruses that causes unwanted adverts to appear on the computer of a victim. Although it is less dangerous than certain other kinds of malware, it can nevertheless be a hassle and occasionally encourage the installation of other kinds of malware.

Keep your computer and antivirus software updated, use caution when downloading files or opening email attachments, and avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources if you want to protect yourself against infection. Regularly backing up your key files can also help you avoid losing them if your system is infected.

Do you have Malware?

There are several indicators that a computer may be virus-infected, including:

Slow performance: If your computer is running slower than usual, it may be a sign that it has been infected with a virus.

Pop-up ads: If you are seeing pop-up ads or unwanted windows appearing on your screen, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Unusual error messages: If you’re experiencing error messages that you don’t typically get, a virus may have infected your computer.

Unusual activity in Task Manager: If you see a process or application running on your computer that you don’t recognize, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Unusual network activity: If you see network activity that you don’t recognize, such as outgoing connections to unfamiliar IP addresses, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus

Changes to your homepage or search engine: If your homepage or search engine has been changed without your knowledge, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Unfamiliar programs or toolbars: If you find programs or toolbars on your computer that you don’t remember installing, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Disabling of security software:Disabling of security software may be a symptom that your computer has been infected with a virus if your antivirus or other protection software has been turned off without your knowledge.

Redirection to unwanted websites: If your browser is redirecting you to unwanted websites, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

File changes or deletion: If you notice files on your computer have been changed or deleted without your knowledge, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Unusual background noise: Some malware can use your microphone and speakers to record audio or make phone calls, if you hear unusual background noise, it may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Flashing camera light: Some malware can use your camera. Usually if a camera led diode is on it means some programs currently use your camera. 

Battery Drain: Some malware can run the background process that can cause the battery to drain quickly.

It’s important to note that some of these signs can be caused by other problems besides a virus infection, so it’s always a good idea to run a scan with anti-virus software to be sure.

How to remove malware?

There are several steps you can take to remove malware from your computer:

Disconnect your PC from the network: disconnecting the Internet (Quarantine the system) will keep your system from transmitting any of your information back to the malware server or infecting other devices.

Boot into Safe Mode: Booting your computer into Safe Mode can help prevent malware from running, making it easier to remove.

Use a malware removal tool: There are specialized tools available that can help remove specific types of malware.

Manually remove malware: If the above steps do not work, you may need to manually remove malware by deleting infected files and registry keys.

Check and uninstall malicious applications on your system.

Locate and delete the infected file. Don’t forget about suspicious hidden files and delete temporary files. If you are not sure when you have been infected, remove also System Restore Points. Reset your browser settings and delete all browser data.

Restart the computer normally and run a malware scanner: Use a reputable antivirus program with the latest updates to rescan your computer.

Keep your system and/or software’s updated: Malware often exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s important to keep your operating system and other software up to date.

Back up your data and establish a restore point on the system.

Educate systems users

You can take the following actions to safeguard your network from malware: 

1. Install and maintain antivirus software: Antivirus software can help to protect your network by detecting and removing malware before it can cause any harm. Make sure to keep the software up to date with the latest virus definitions.

2. Install firewalls. Firewalls can be set up to block specific sorts of traffic, such as known malware, and can aid in preventing unauthorized access to your network.

3. Be cautious when opening emails and visiting websites. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links in emails that come from unfamiliar sources, and be skeptical of communications that appear off.

4. When installing software, exercise caution. Be cautious to read and comprehend the rights you are allowing before installing any new programs, and only download software from reliable sources.

5. Use strong passwords: You may assist prevent unauthorized access by ensuring that each account on your network has a robust and individual password.

6. Update your operating system and software: Close security holes that malware could exploit by installing updates and patches for your operating system and other software.

7. User education can help to lower the chance of malware gaining access to your network by instructing users on cybersecurity best practices such as not opening email attachments from unknown senders.

8. Implement network segmentation: If malware does manage to infiltrate your network, breaking the network into smaller sections can help to stop it from spreading further.

9. Use a secure web gateway: By preventing access to known harmful websites and filtering out unwanted traffic, a secure web gateway can assist in securing your network.

10. Put a pop-up blocker to use. Using a pop-up blocker can help lower the chance of unintentionally downloading malware because pop-up advertising frequently contains malware.

11. Enable two-factor authentication: By forcing users to enter a second form of identification in addition to their password, such as a code texted to their phone, two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of protection.

By implementing these measures and regularly reviewing and updating your network security, you can help to protect your network against threats.

 Anti-malware software comes in a wide variety, and which Anti-malware is ideal for you depending on your individual requirements and tastes.

When choosing anti-malware programs, some things to take into consideration:

1. Efficacy: Does the software have a good track record of detecting and removing malware?

2. Compatibility: Is the software compatible with your operating system and other programs?

3. Performance: Does the software have a minimal impact on system performance?

4. Features: What features does the software offer, such as real-time protection, scheduled scans, and the ability to scan specific files or folders?

5. User interface: Is the software easy to use and navigate?

6. Price: Is the software within your budget?
7. Support: In case something goes wrong, is an anti-malware supplier able to provide fast and reliable support service to you.

It’s a good idea to read reviews and do some research to find the best program for your needs. 

In summary, malware is a serious threat to the security of your computer and can cause significant damage. By taking precautions and being aware of the risks, you can help protect yourself and your system from this harmful software.