Easiest Way To Identify Malware and How to Get Rid of It

Just because you've got malware protection installed doesn't mean you can ignore these warning signs. Software isn't perfect, and sometimes a brand-new zero-day malware attack can slip past your security, at least until the purveyors of your protection push out an update.

1. Your System Tools Are Disabled

A smart user, suspecting the presence of malware, might launch Task Manager to investigate, or check settings using Registry Editor. If you suddenly find that trying to use these or other system tools triggers a message saying your Administrator has disabled them, it may well be an attempt at self-defense by malware on your system.

2. An Unknown App Sends Unnecessary Warnings

Creating and distributing fake antivirus programs (also called scareware) is a lucrative business. The perpetrators use drive-by downloads or other sneaky techniques to get the fake antivirus onto your system, then display alarming warnings about made-up security threats. Scanning for malware with the fake AV is free and super-fast since it's not actually doing anything. But if you naively ask the fake AV to fix the problems it found, you’ll find it demands cash on the barrelhead first.

3.Popup Ads Pop Up Everywhere

While not as common as they used to be, adware programs bombard their victims with advertisements. Sometimes they're ads for legitimate products, netting an affiliate fee for the adware perpetrator any time someone clicks on the ad. Other times they contain links to malicious websites that will attempt to drop more malware on your PC.

4. Your Browser Keeps Getting Redirected

Not every site redirect is malicious, but if you find that trying to reach DuckDuckGo or Google takes you to an unfamiliar search site, you've got a problem. Sometimes the redirection is less noticeable. For example, a banking Trojan might divert your browser to a fraudulent site that looks just like your bank's real site. In that case your only clue is the unfamiliar URL in the Address bar. Redirection attacks often rely on browser extensions, so if you suspect a problem, dig into your browser settings and disable or delete any extensions that you didn't install deliberately. While you’re there, disable any extensions that you don’t use on a regular basis.

5. Everything Seems Perfectly Normal

That's right. Some types of malware do their best to hide all activity, leaving no visible traces. Even when you don't notice anything unusual, it's possible that a bot on your system may be quietly awaiting instruction from its command and control system, perhaps to participate in a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack. A Remote Access Trojan (or some other form of spyware) may be harvesting your personal information, keeping quiet so you don’t notice.

If you think that malware has taken up residence in your PC, install a powerful antivirus application or security suite immediately. Already got one? Then apparently the malware got past its protection—it happens. Manually run an update to make sure your antivirus has the latest malware definitions and then run a full scan.

If you have an unwanted app your antivirus software can't get rid of you can scan your PC again with a software such as Malwarebytes. Do whatever it takes to get the malicious program out of your system.Make sure that you've installed a good antivirus.

For another layer of protection, install a virtual private network, or VPN. By running your internet connections through an encrypted channel, the VPN protects your data even when it's in transit.

Also Read: 7 Ways To Protect Your Computer From Viruses  How To Protect Your Computer Network From Hackers Too 10 Computer Problems And There Solutions