How Can I know If my Computer Has A Virus?

Hackers use computer viruses to infect your computer and take control. Ever clicked on something you probably shouldn’t have? Or is your computer not acting right? It’s easy to ignore the signs until it’s too late. 

But fear not! Recognising the early warnings of a computer virus can save you heaps of trouble. From slowdowns to strange pop-ups, let’s break down the tell-tale signs that your computer might be infected.

Sluggish Computer Performance

Notice your computer moving at a glacial pace? A virus could be gobbling up your system’s resources. This slows down your start-up and can affect every app on your machine. It’s like a traffic jam on your computer’s highway, and nothing moves.

Annoying Pop-ups and Ads

If you start seeing pop-ups and unexpected ads, especially when you’re not browsing the internet, it’s a classic sign of a virus. These pop-ups can be annoying and often appear out of nowhere, offering fake updates or tempting you to click on offers that seem too good to be true. They might even warn you of a nonexistent virus to trick you into downloading malware. 

Always be cautious with what you click on. Running a virus scan to clean up your computer and block these intrusive ads is essential if these pop-ups become frequent. Avoid interacting with these messages, which can lead to more severe infections or data breaches.

Frequent Crashes and Odd Messages

• Unexpected Shutdowns: If your computer suddenly shuts down or restarts without warning, it’s a red flag. This can happen when a virus interferes with your system’s operations. It’s like the virus pulls the plug, causing your computer to stop unexpectedly. 
• Bizarre Error Messages: Are you seeing weird messages that don’t make sense? Viruses can create fake alerts that scare you into downloading more malware or revealing errors due to corrupted files. These messages often look out of place and need to be clarified. 
• Programs Closing Unexpectedly: A virus might be to blame when programs crash out of the blue, especially if it happens often. This occurs when malicious software disrupts the normal functioning of your applications, forcing them to close without any input from you.
  

Recognising these signs can help you take quick action to secure your computer. Running a full antivirus scan can confirm if a virus causes these issues and help you eliminate the threat.

Unusual Hard Drive Activity

Excessive, challenging drive activity is a red flag, especially when not using your computer. If you hear your hard drive working overtime, a virus may move or encrypt data for malicious purposes.

Disabled Antivirus Software

A virus can often try to defend itself by turning off your antivirus software. If you notice your antivirus is switched off or isn’t updating, it’s a strong indicator that something fishy is going on.

Strange Messages Sent From Your Account

• Unexpected Emails or Messages: Take it seriously if your friends tell you they’ve received odd emails or messages you didn’t send. A virus might be using your account to spread itself to others. 
• Links You Didn’t Share: Be wary if links are being shared from your account that you need to recognise. These could lead to malicious websites designed to infect others or steal information. 
• Messages Asking for Money or Personal Info: If messages are going out from your account asking for money or personal details, it’s a sure sign something’s wrong. Viruses can send these types of messages to trick your contacts.
  

When you notice these unusual activities, change your passwords immediately and run an antivirus scan. It’s crucial to stop the virus before it does more damage or spreads further.

Random Program Activity

Programs starting independently or software that installs itself without your permission are major security concerns. This unexpected activity can indicate malicious software executing commands behind your back.

Changes to Your Homepage

If you open your web browser and find that your usual homepage has changed to something else without your permission, it’s a vital sign of a virus. This unexpected change is often done by malware that wants to control where you go online. The new homepage might direct you to malicious websites or trick you into downloading more harmful software. 

If you can’t change it back to your preferred homepage, it’s crucial to take action. Run a full virus scan and consider resetting your browser settings. Protecting your computer from these unwanted changes is critical to keeping your online activity safe and secure.

Bottom Line

Recognising these signs early can prevent more damage to your computer and personal data. Always ensure your antivirus software is active and up to date. Regular scans and maintaining good digital hygiene can go a long way in protecting your device. Consult a professional to secure your system if you’re ever in doubt. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is your first defence against cyber threats!