Malware, short for "malicious software", are programs that have the ability to infect a computer to the point of having access to the user's personal data, programs and operating system on the network to which the device is connected and compromise them normal operation. There are several signs that may indicate the presence of malware inside a computer. However, there is a series of simple steps that are useful to accurately detect any malware present in the system and remove it. This article shows you how to detect malware that has infected your computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Detect Malware Based on Current Computer Status
Step 1. Check if the operating system is up to date
Upgrading this component of a computer can be a tedious task. However, updates to a computer's operating system contain fundamental changes to preserve the security of the computer and the data it contains. If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, make sure your operating system is up to date.
- You can update Windows by going to the "Update & Security" section of the Windows "Settings" menu.
- To update the Mac operating system, click on the item System Preferences from the "Apple" menu, then click on the icon Software update. To update older versions of the Mac operating system, you need to use the "App Store" application.
Step 2. Check for numerous pop-up windows while browsing the web
If your computer is infected with malware, one of the symptoms could be the automatic opening of a large number of pop-up windows containing advertisements. In this case, absolutely do not download any program advertised within this type of window or advertisement, even if it is a software or an antivirus program. Download the software you want to install on your computer only from safe and trustworthy websites.
Step 3. Look for new items and icons within the toolbars
If you've noticed new toolbars, new internet browser extensions, or new program icons that you don't remember installing, your computer may be infected with malware.
Step 4. Note if during normal web browsing you are automatically redirected to unsolicited pages
If your browser home page has changed without your direct intervention, or if you are redirected to pages or websites that you did not request, it is likely that your computer is infected with malware.
Step 5. Check if your computer's performance has decreased from normal
Most malware consists of processes that run in the background and use a large amount of system hardware resources. If you have noticed a slowdown in the normal functioning of your computer, even when specific programs are not running, it means that your system may be infected with malware.
Step 6. Check if the antivirus program and the system firewall have been disabled
Some malware has the ability to temporarily disable your computer's antivirus software and firewall without your consent. Check if your computer's antivirus and firewall are active and working normally.
Step 7. Notice if your computer crashes regularly and frequently
Some malware is capable of corrupting or deleting specific operating system files that are critical to the proper functioning of your computer. If your operating system or some applications frequently crash, slow down, or fail unexpectedly, your computer is likely to be infected with malware.
Step 8. Check that the computer hardware components are responding correctly to commands
In some cases, malware can prevent the use of devices such as a mouse, printer and keyboard and disable some specific features. If you are no longer able to use the normal functionality of your computer, it means that it may have been infected with malware.
Step 9. Make a note of any error messages that do not normally appear
In some cases, malware can corrupt the operating system and cause strange or unusual error messages to appear when you try to access certain programs. The frequent appearance of this type of errors could indicate the presence of a malware inside the computer.
Step 10. Check if your email or social network accounts have been hacked
If there are messages in your mailbox that you have not created yourself or in your social network profiles there are posts or comments that you have not created yourself, it means that your computer may have been infected. from a malware.
Method 2 of 2: Detect Malware Using Third Party Software
Step 1. Do not type passwords or enter personal data on the computer
There are many malware that can detect text you enter into your computer using the keyboard. If you suspect your system is infected with malware, stop using your computer to log into your bank account or shop online, and don't enter passwords or sensitive personal data using your keyboard.
Step 2. Start Windows in "Safe Mode"
Follow these instructions to start Windows 8 and Windows 10 in Safe Mode:
- Click on the Windows "Start" button located in the lower left corner of the desktop;
- Click on the "Stop" icon;
- Press and hold the button Shift as you click on the option Reboot the system;
- Click on the option Troubleshooting;
- Click on the icon Advanced options;
- Click on the button Restart;
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Press the button
Step 4. when the Windows advanced boot menu appears.
Step 3. Click on the Windows "Start" button
and type in the keywords disk cleanup.
By default, the "Start" button is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. The Windows "Start" menu will appear on the screen. Type in the keywords "Disk Cleanup" to make the "Disk Cleanup" app icon appear in the Windows "Start" menu.
Step 4. Click the Disk Cleanup icon
The application of the same name will be launched.
If you are asked to select the hard drive to scan, choose the one on which the Windows installation is located. It is usually marked with the drive letter "C:"
Step 5. Click the check button
located next to the items "Temporary Internet Files" and "Temporary Files".
Both are listed in the "Files to delete" section of the "Disk Cleanup" app window.
Step 6. Click the System File Cleanup button
It is located in the lower left part of the program window. Temporary files stored on your computer will be deleted.
Again, you may need to select the hard drive to scan. Start with the one where your Windows installation is present (the "C:" drive), then repeat this step for any other additional disks
Step 7. Click the Ok button
When your computer has finished deleting temporary internet files, click the button OK to close the "Disk Cleanup" window.
Step 8. Visit the website of a third party software that can detect and eliminate malware
This type of program will perform a full scan of your entire computer for any malware that it will subsequently remove. In this case, malware that managed to evade the antivirus program currently installed on the computer will also be deleted.
- Corporate cybersecurity experts recommend downloading programs such as Malwarebytes, BitDefender Free Edition, SuperAntiSpyware, and Avast
- You can use Microsoft's program called "Malicious Software Removal Tool". In this case, go to the "Start" menu and type in the keywords "Windows security", then click on the "Windows Security" app icon that will appear in the list of results. Make sure Scan for Malware is selected, then click the button Fast analysis.
Step 9. Download the malware detection program of your choice
Click on the download button on the program website to download it to your computer. Click on the executable file in your computer's "Download" folder to install the program. In most cases, you will need to follow the instructions given by the installation wizard to complete the software installation.
If you cannot access the internet directly from the infected computer, download the installation file to a USB stick and transfer it to the machine to be scanned
Step 10. Launch the antimalware application
After downloading and installing the program, start it from the Windows "Start" menu.
Step 11. Update the program's virus and malware definitions
Before you can scan your entire system, select the software update option so that it can download the latest version of the definitions of all known threats.
Step 12. Select the option for quick computer scan
In most cases, this will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The complete scan of the entire computer may take several hours, but it will give you the guarantee of a complete and thorough job.
Step 13. Remove the malware from your computer as directed by the program
If the software detects any malware, a pop-up window or screen should appear listing all threats detected along with options for their elimination.
If no malware is found, try running a full system scan instead of just the quick one. In this case, it may take more than an hour for the analysis to complete
Step 14. Restart your computer
After deleting all the malware found, restart your computer in normal mode.
Step 15. Check that the antivirus program is up and running
Make sure you always have a reputable antivirus program installed on your computer and that it is fully functional. Regularly scan your entire computer with anti-virus and anti-malware software.
