We live in a world that is connected by interconnected networks. There is hardly a day that one can pass without the usage of data. Computers have become an inevitable part of every business due to the advent of software in every industry. Name any field, the presence of computers is omnipresent. The dangers which are posed by the world wide web also increases on a day to day basis.
The earlier known phrases were an only virus, trojan, etc., But as the size, topology, and number of networks grew, there has been a steady increase in the threats posed by the usage of the network as well.
Before getting to know whether the computer is infected by malware or not, it is pertinent to understand the meaning of malware and the dangers it poses. While there is software that is designed to make man’s operation easier, there is other software that is designed to disrupt the software and other web applications by anti-software packages. Malware is specially designed software to disrupt the working of the system. There is many anti-virus software available in the market. It comes with an expiry date as well. If you want your computer to function properly without any disruption, then a good quality anti-virus package is a must.
Signs to know if your computer has faced a malware attack
If you encounter some of the following activities in your system, then there are high chances that the system has been attacked by malware.
- Slow operation of the computer
If it takes more than a minute to even open a local application, then it is one of the signs that indicate that the computer is facing malfunction. But there can also be other reasons too. If the RAM capacity is too low or if the storage capacity has exceeded its maximum limit, then it can lead to slow operation as well. Even if the computer takes more time than usual to get booted, then it also might be a case of malware attack.
- Appearance of random ads
If you spot the appearance of random ads as a pop up when you are browsing the internet, never click on it. These are otherwise known as spyware designed to collect user information from the systems. This information collected can be user password, ID and other personal information. This is mostly done to track down the activity of the user.
- Freezing of computer screen
If the computer screen appears blue and it flashes the message that the computer has faced an unexpected shutdown, then there are high chances of a malware attack. If you are watching a video on YouTube and it stops all of a sudden, then are high chances of infection by malware.
A malware first disrupts the hardware of the computer. The hardware and the software connectivity when disrupted will lead to sudden crashes like the one mentioned above.
- Low memory space message pop up
If you are constantly receiving message pop-ups that say that there is less storage space available, then the disk space must be checked once. Even after clearance of the disk space, if the system keeps showing messages like this, then there are high chances of a malware attack. The hard disk or the storage capacity can be increased in a system.
- Sudden traffic of the network
When you open your computer and then you find that there is a file being downloaded all of a sudden and there are some of the other downloading of files without any action, then there are high chances that the malware is downloading some random applications from suspicious pages that would disrupt the working of a system.
- Change in homepage
When you spot a change in the homepage or the first screen of the browsing application, then it is a sign of malware attack. The malware attacks can take screenshots of the user browsing activity and create spams.
- Unusual activity
If you notice some unusual activity in your PC (See these warning signs) like the computer shutting down all of a sudden, the screen of the computer changing rapidly, the computer screen shows up searches you have never made, there is some new application installed in the computer without the knowledge of the user, then these are signs that the system has been affected by some malware.
- Product is a disabled message
If you are not able to use some products on the computer because of the message that keeps coming up that product is disabled, then it is a case of malware attack. There also might be cases where the product license has expired. Before concluding, make some basic checks.
- Random messages or status updates on social media
If your friends complain that they are receiving some random messages on social media from your handle without your knowledge, then it is a sign that the malware has attacked your social media account that has not been logged off on your computer. There are also cases where one’s status has been updated in social media accounts. The best way to prevent this is by not liking or sharing content from suspicious sites. And to keep the social media accounts logged off all the time.
- Unable to access Control Panel
The Control Panel is the mother of all the operations that are carried out in a system. If the main center of operations is targeted and all the operations are disrupted, then the malware can be easily installed and functioned. This is a severe sign that the computer has been attacked.
All these malware attacks are carried out by some hackers or even organizations against their rival organizations. These attacks are even carried out to target a single individual to spoof their identity online. If one faces any suspicious activity on their system, then they should never hesitate to learn about steps to avoid malicious software. There are also ways by which 0ne can register a complaint on the main site of the operating system currently being used by the user. The ethical hackers find out the loopholes via which the hackers try to infiltrate malware.
