Some malware may not seem serious, but it can lead to big problems. Viruses can be installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent, and can insert new, malicious code that can monitor and manipulate your online activity.
How a computer gets a virusĪ computer virus infiltrates a computer and its programs similar to the way the flu infects your body’s immune system and multiplies. Have you ever received an odd email from a friend that made you suspect someone hacked into their email account? If your email’s outbox contains messages you didn’t send, your social media accounts have posts you didn’t make, or you can’t log into your email or social media accounts, your computer has likely been compromised.ĭoes your computer randomly crash on you? Does your screen freeze and become the infamous ‘blue screen of death’? This could be a sign that your device has been infected with a virus. If unknown programs load when you turn on your computer or another connected device, turn it off. Adding icons and toolbars that you didn’t set up is just the tip of the iceberg. Unknown programs starting on your computerĬomputer viruses can create widespread problems. Viruses can implement changes to your homepage and create error messages, browser errors, and shortcut files. Is your homepage randomly switching to another website? Are you unable to reset it? If so, you likely have a virus. If you’re unable to gain access to settings and files on your own computer - or you can’t log on or off - malware has likely taken over. Malicious pop-ups and spam may also secretly install spyware that could hijack your browser or steal your passwords and other personal information without your knowledge. Pop-ups might prompt you to visit other websites to download antivirus or other software programs, which instead may install malware. Endless pop-ups and spamįrequent and odd pop-up windows are red flags. Slow-down of your computer’s performanceĪre your files and apps taking a long time to load? Is your computer taking a longer time to start and runs slowly once it does? If so, it’s possible a virus is infiltrating your operating system. Here’s how to help know if your computer has a virus. However, virus warning signs tend to be similar across the board. There can be thousands of new viruses and malware attacks each year, and they can affect devices and operating systems in many different ways.
We’re sharing those and other signs, plus steps you can take to get rid of the virus.Ĭomputer viruses are about as diverse as computer users.
If your computer is acting strangely, you may be wondering, “Do I have a virus?” There are several telltale signs your device may have a virus, including slow performance and certain types of pop-ups.
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