What should I do if my computer is infected with malware?
Discovering that your computer is infected with malware can be alarming, but taking prompt and appropriate actions can mitigate the damage. Here are the steps you should follow if you suspect your computer is infected with malware:
1. Disconnect from the Internet
- Purpose: Disconnecting from the internet prevents the malware from communicating with its server, spreading to other devices, and potentially stealing more data.
- How: Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable immediately.
2. Enter Safe Mode
- Purpose: Safe Mode allows you to run your computer with only the essential programs and services, which can prevent the malware from running.
- How:
- Windows: Restart your computer and press
F8 (or Shift + F8) before Windows starts. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Mac: Restart your Mac and hold the
Shift key until the Apple logo appears. Release the key when the login window appears.
3. Run a Malware Scan
- Purpose: A full system scan can identify and remove malware from your computer.
- How:
- Use reputable antivirus software to perform a full system scan. If you don't have antivirus software, you can use free tools like Malwarebytes, Avast, or Windows Defender.
- Ensure the antivirus definitions are up-to-date to detect the latest threats.
4. Remove Detected Malware
- Purpose: Remove any threats detected during the scan to clean your system.
- How:
- Follow the antivirus software instructions to quarantine or delete the infected files.
- Restart your computer after the malware removal process to ensure that all changes take effect.
5. Change Your Passwords
- Purpose: Malware may have captured your login credentials, so it's essential to change your passwords to secure your accounts.
- How:
- Use a different device (that you know is clean) to change your passwords for all important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
6. Update Your Software
- Purpose: Keeping your operating system and software updated ensures that you have the latest security patches, reducing the risk of future infections.
- How:
- Enable automatic updates for your operating system and applications.
- Regularly check for updates and install them promptly.
7. Backup Your Data
- Purpose: Regular backups ensure that you can recover your data if your computer is compromised again in the future.
- How:
- Use an external hard drive or a secure cloud storage service to back up your important files.
- Ensure that your backups are not connected to your computer when not in use to prevent them from being infected by malware.
8. Restore Your System (if necessary)
- Purpose: If the malware infection is severe and cannot be removed, restoring your system to a previous state can help.
- How:
- Use the built-in system restore feature to revert your system to a point before the infection occurred.
- Windows: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection > System Restore. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point.
- Mac: Use Time Machine to restore your system to a previous backup.
9. Monitor Your System
- Purpose: Keep an eye on your system for any unusual behavior to ensure that the malware has been completely removed.
- How:
- Regularly scan your system with antivirus software.
- Pay attention to system performance, unusual pop-ups, and unexpected changes.
10. Educate Yourself and Others
- Purpose: Prevent future infections by learning about safe computing practices and educating those around you.
- How:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
- Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.
If your computer is infected with malware, taking immediate action to disconnect from the internet, run a malware scan, remove detected threats, and change your passwords can help mitigate the damage. Updating your software, backing up your data, and restoring your system if necessary are also crucial steps. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect your computer from future infections.