How to check if your computer has been infected with malware

Computers with internet access have a considerable risk of becoming infected with various threats, whether through downloads, accessing websites or clicking on random advertisements. However, it is not very difficult to check if your PC has been infected with malware.

Below, check out some tips that explain how to identify if your computer is infected with malware. Suggestions range from an in-depth analysis by an antivirus to the identification of abnormalities in the system.

See what the antivirus says

This is, without a doubt, the simplest step to check if your PC has been affected by some type of malware: running a scan. An antivirus can not only prevent you from downloading or accessing an infected file, it can help find and eliminate malware.

To do this, open your antivirus and look for the scan option. But, instead of opting for the quick scan, select the longer security scan as it will analyze your system more efficiently. Make sure to close any programs or tabs before launching this analysis and do not touch your PC until the scan is complete.

Depending on your type of antivirus and the type of malware, it is possible that the security software will find the threat and eliminate it.

Pay attention to pop-up notifications

Pop-ups are small notification windows and they should not appear out of nowhere, especially if your browser is closed. However, computers that have been exposed to some types of viruses may suffer from this: each notification usually advertises strange links and services, inviting you to click on each one.

Furthermore, notifications appear one after the other, stacking on your screen quickly. If this occurs on your PC, it is very likely that it is infected with malware.

Check for strange apps

Some malware intends to install specific applications on your computer to steal sensitive data, control your PC remotely and access your webcam. So be careful.

In the start menu list, check if there are any strange apps that you don't remember installing and are sure you've never used. To confirm whether it is a legitimate app, it is worth searching its name on Google. Also, check whether your webcam is turning on or blinking on its own without you activating it.

Read more:

Analyze unusual behaviors

Some viruses have very annoying behavior: they prevent you from deleting a file or preventing you from accessing it. To check, access the file explorer and check if you can open the media and access the file properties.

If the files don't open, try deleting them, closing the library and reopening it again: if the previously deleted file is back in the library and still won't open, there's a good chance your PC has a virus.

Check for configuration changes

If your PC configuration has changed significantly without you changing it, this is already suspicious. It could be that icons have gone out of order, files have changed names, items have been deleted, the computer's language has changed, etc.

It is also not normal for the browser to force you to access a specific website. For example: you open your browser and try to access a social network, but it updates and takes you to another internet address.

In any case, if your computer has been affected by malware, the best thing you can do after the antivirus scan is to format the machine.