Top Signs Your PC Is Infected and Ways to Protect Yourself

Malware infections can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue for any computer user. Malware, short for malicious software, can include viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more. Detecting a malware infection early can save you from significant damage and data loss. Here are the top five signs that your PC might be infected with malware:

Top 5 Signs Your PC Is Infected

1. Slow Performance

One of the most common signs of a malware infection is a noticeable decrease in your computer’s performance. If your PC suddenly becomes slow, takes longer to boot, or experiences frequent freezes, it could be due to malware consuming system resources.

2. Frequent Crashes and Error Messages

Malware can cause your computer to crash frequently or display unusual error messages. If you encounter the blue screen of death (BSOD) more often than usual or see strange pop-up messages, it might be a sign of a malware infection.

3. Unwanted Pop-ups and Ads

An increase in pop-up ads and unwanted advertisements on your computer may indicate adware or malware, even when you’re not online. This issue was significant about a decade ago.

4. Unusual Network Activity

If you notice high network usage or unusual data transfers, it might be due to malware. Many types of malware communicate with remote servers to send stolen data or receive instructions, leading to abnormal network activity. Windows Task Manager offers a basic overview of network traffic. Wireshark is a great network analyzer.

5. New or Unknown Programs

Finding new or unknown programs installed on your computer without your consent is a strong indicator of a malware infection. These programs may have been installed by the malware itself and can further compromise your system’s security.

Ways to Protect Yourself

1. Use Reliable Antivirus Software

Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Regular scans can help detect and remove malware before it causes significant damage. I use Malwarebytes, they over free and paid subscriptions.

2. Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated

Ensure that your operating system and all installed software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

3. Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Downloads

Avoid opening email attachments from unknown sources and be cautious when downloading files from the internet. Malware is often distributed through email attachments and malicious downloads.

4. Enable Firewall Protection

Activate the firewall on your computer to help block unauthorized access and protect against network-based attacks.

5. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Regularly back up your important data and keep it separate from your PC. This allows you to restore your system without losing valuable information if a malware infection occurs.