If your computer is behaving strangely — popups appearing, running slow for no reason, programs opening on their own — you might have a virus or malware infection. Here's how to tell and what to do.
Unexpected popups and ads appearing even when you're not browsing, or your browser redirecting to websites you didn't visit.
Dramatic slowdown that came on suddenly — malware running in the background consumes CPU and memory.
Programs crashing or behaving oddly — files disappearing, settings changing on their own, new toolbars or programs you didn't install.
Your antivirus has been disabled — some malware specifically targets and disables security software.
Unusual network activity — your internet seems slow, or your modem/router lights are flashing heavily when you're not doing anything online.
Ransom messages — if you see a message demanding payment to unlock your files, you've been hit by ransomware. Do NOT pay. Disconnect and call us immediately.
Step 1: Disconnect from the network. Turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any Ethernet cable. This stops the infection from spreading to other devices and prevents data from being sent to attackers.
Step 2: Don't panic. Most infections are recoverable. Don't start deleting files randomly or reinstalling Windows — you could make things worse or lose data unnecessarily.
Step 3: Run a scan if your antivirus is still working. Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11) can catch many threats. Run a full scan, not a quick scan.
Step 4: Call us if the scan finds something you're not sure about, if your antivirus won't run, or if the symptoms continue after a scan. Professional removal tools and techniques go deeper than consumer antivirus.
Keep your operating system and software updated. Don't click links in suspicious emails. Be cautious with email attachments. Use a reputable antivirus and keep it updated. Consider a DNS-level filter for extra protection. And most importantly — have a backup strategy so that even in the worst case, your data is safe.